On Sept. 11, 2012, the world watched as violence erupted in Libya in response to a movie about the Prophet Muhammad. Most WSU students who watched did so with detached removal. For students like Muhammad Tahir, the news hit a little too close to home.

Tahir is an international student from Pakistan. In the past weeks, though normally reserved, he has become vocal about the video and its implications.

“I am not any expert, but this was a direct attack, hate speech or however you want to put it, against Islam,” Tahir said.

Muslims in the Middle East have predominantly led the reaction to the video. Tahir said that the Holy Prophet S.A.W. is dearer than anyone to those who follow Islam. Portraying the Prophet in a video such as the one that caused the violence in Libya is offensive to Muslims and is considered by them to be hate speech.

“I am a Muslim, and I am deeply hurt,” Tahir said. “YouTube said that the movie is about Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. and not about Muslim people, so it doesn’t count as hate speech, which is like me abusing someone’s family and telling them not to get angry because I am not abusing them.”

However, Tahir doesn’t feel that the appropriate reaction to the video was one of violence. He said that Islam has been a religion of peace for much of its 1,400-year existence; therefore, he doesn’t see the need to become violent now.

“It is certainly overreaction. The whole point of the movie was to enrage Muslims, get a reaction, and that’s exactly what Muslims are doing,” Tahir said. “If you want to protest, protest in a peaceful way by spreading the word of Islam and the teaching of the Holy Prophet S.A.W. I am passionate about it because all Muslims form one Muslim brotherhood, and I feel responsible when any Muslim carries out such violent actions.”

Though he is against the violence that can be observed by turning on the news, Tahir wants people to remember that not all Muslims are violent, though sometimes the media gives people that idea.

“I feel bad about how the media is just showing all the violent reactions but not showing the hundreds of Libyan Muslims who lit candles in the honor of Ambassador Stevens,” Tahir said.

Recently, both violent and non-violent protests started in Pakistan. These protests have been led not only by Muslims, but Christians, Hindus and Sikhs as well. Since Tahir feels Islam is negatively portrayed in the media, he is concerned that students may discriminate against Muslim students like him.

“I would like to encourage all students not to hesitate and ask questions to your Muslim friends. We surely can provide a truer picture of Islam than the media,” Tahir said. “Everyone please read the Holy Quran, read about the Holy Prophet S.A.W. yourself, see how he led his life and what he taught and judge for yourself, but at least give Islam a chance without prejudging and stereotyping.

“We are normal humans too who know how to love and show great respect and hospitality to our guests. I would encourage my fellow WSU students to visit Pakistan. There is a lot more to Pakistan than what you see on your television screen.”