An entry in the online encyclopedia that includes images of the Prophet Muhammad is drawing worldwide protest at ThePetitionSite.com, reports the New York Times.
One protester writes, “It’s totally unacceptable to print the Prophet’s picture. It shows insensitivity towards Muslim feelings and should be removed immediately.”
Wikipedia is not backing down, asserting that it will not be “censored for the benefit of any particular group.”
Paul M. Cobb, who teaches Islamic history at Notre Dame, comments, “Islamic teaching has traditionally discouraged representation of humans, particularly Muhammad, but that doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent. Some of the most beautiful images in Islamic art are manuscript images of Muhammad.”
Kudos to Wikipedia.