People call for more stringent action by Arab governments against Papal comments
CAIRO: On a visit to Germany, Pope Benedict XVI quoted a criticism of Islam and the Prophet Mohammed by a 14th century Byzantine emperor, who wrote that all that the Prophet Mohammed had brought was evil and inhuman, specifically his command to spread the faith he preached by the sword, saying that violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul.
The Daily Star Egypt took to the streets to ascertain peoples views regarding the controversy.
What the pope said indicates that he doesn’t know anything about Islam and its teachings. With his position as the highest Christian authority, he should have asked for peace and tolerance between religions, not to deepen sectarian strife.Ahmad, journalist
I think that the pope was misunderstood. It was also said in the statement released from the Vatican. I think the pope would never say anything against any religion. Also, I don’t think that such a problem will affect the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Egypt. We have lived together for a long time. Ramadan is approaching and we will congratulate all Muslims for it.Mena, businessman
The Vatican is not a real country with a population; it is just a symbol for a religion. I think if we expelled its ambassador that would be a real step in expressing our anger. Al-Azhar was too weak and didn’t say anything. The Egyptian government also made a very weak statement. I think the Indian statement was stronger than the Egyptian one.Ranya, commerce student
It is just another episode in a series of attacks on Islam. First the cartoons, now the pope himself. Islam didn’t prevail by the blade of swords like Pope Benedict said. He neglected all Islamic teachings on intention. He quoted a book he got from God-only-knows where. He claimed that Christianity, unlike Islam, prevailed through wisdom and logic.Ahmad, civil servant
The pope regretted the reactions to what he said. I believe he was misunderstood. I think this cloud will pass away and nothing more will happen. I think the crisis we faced because of the Danish cartoons is the reason for misunderstanding the pope.Mervat, civil servant
The problem is not in what the pope said. The problem is in the weakness of the state in which we are living. I can’t blame the wolf for eating the sheep, I blame the sheep for being too weak. I believe if there was any kind of unity between Muslims this wouldn’t have happened in the first place.Monera, housewife
What if the reverse happened? Talking about Christianity and Judaism means that you are against spirituality and face the charge of anti-Semitism. Talking about the Holocaust is prohibited, but offending Islam and Mohammed is ok. I think we live in an unfair world because of the disturbed power scales.Abdoul Rahman, petroleum engineer
He is too important to say, “I was misunderstood. If someone in his position says, “I was misunderstood, this is a big problem. He knows quite well that Islam is a logical religion prevailing mainly through peaceful measures. I think the government should say that they are angry just once. I don’t trust any Arab government.Amir, sales manager
The views expressed in Word on the Street do not necessarily reflect the views of The Daily Star Egypt.
