It may seem surreal, but several Muslim bloggers have written letters to Jesus Christ in their blogs complaining about Western insults against Muslims, and particularly Dutch MP Geert Wilders [1]‘ anti-Islamic film, Fitna [2]. Meanwhile, young Islamist Basij [3] paramilitaries demonstrated in front of the Netherlands embassy in Tehran condemning Wilders’ film.
Kosoof, a leading Iranian photoblogger, has published [4] several photos from this demonstration. One of the slogans in the photo above means “If carrying no veil means civilization, then animals are the most civilized.”
Goldokhtar, a female religious student, starts her letter to Jesus by writing “Hello Mr. Jesus Christ”. She continues [5][Fa]:
“Do you know what I am thinking? When and where did all these these Fitnas start? A few years ago these anti-Islamic films began to be produced. Before the Islamic Revolution, nobody paid attention to Islam and its saints… After the Islamic Revolution other revolutions took off… Then they did not know what to do, and they started doing childish things to hurt Islam's image in the world.”
The blogger adds that several films such as Not without My Daughter [6] and 300 [7] should be countered with films by Muslims.
Mehdi writes [8] [Fa]:
“Christ, I am a Muslim who likes you. Don't be sad about insults to your brother Muhammad, the Prophet. We all know these people are not your followers. They are not the ones who carry the cross, but launch crusades and kill people.”
The blogger questions whether the growing number of cinematic attacks on Muslims are coordinated.
Pangare writes [9] to Jesus [Fa]: “Help us to resist these insults… I know you support us and you can read my heart.”
In addition to these Islamists, several other bloggers have shared their feelings and ideas on the film.
Arsham Parsi, a leading activist for homosexual rights in Iran, says [10] [Fa]: “There are rational ways to express an opinion on something or challenge ideas. I watched this film, and I protest against it too.”
Paroo Zadan writes [11]:
“I watched it and I found it ridiculous. How many Muslims are extremists? I think Muslims should first produce films to counter Fitna's impact, and then try to think what makes people see us like this. Filtering and threatening just strengthens the film. Instead of jihads to kill people, our religious leaders should make jihads to make known to others the good side of Islam.”