Students want to put on an artistic event using satirical material about the Prophet, Islam or the Qur'an

Check out our pages on the brief guidelines on the conduct Muslims generally would like to see in the treatment accorded the Qur'an or the Prophet (pbuh)

In this potentially explosive issue, it is best to hear from each group in detail (separately if necessary; together if they are sufficiently calm for genuine understanding to take place).

Take the students involved in creating the event or product through a reasoning and discerning process about their aims and intentions:

Reasons why they might want to do this

- They feel this is the best (or only) way to express their own opinion
- It would help get people going, shake them up a bit, challenge them, get a reaction
- It represents a point of view or a powerful case that should be considered
- The event would create a big impact

Factors they should also consider:

- This might not meet the needs of their audience or community – or anyone's needs or desires but their own
- It might cause genuine distress, offence, or anger
- If the situation becomes emotive or aggressive, it will prevent constructive debate
- It might compromise their overall aims or transgress their principles
- It might attract people who can behave destructively, rather than encouraging critique
- It, the audience it attracts, or the reactions generated might go beyond their control
- It could damage their reputation or that of their organisation
- It could attract negative attention or publicity or media reaction, which may be inaccurate, hostile, and blown out of proportion
- It might step across the line and violate current legislation on incitement to hatred or religious discrimination

Although students may want to shock, or create an impact, they could underestimate the reaction, or the sincerity of the distress caused.

You might invite both parties into dialogue. Encourage them to 'listen until they understand' – not, in the first instance, to interrupt, argue, defend or challenge. Just listen, to start with, until genuine understanding (if not agreement) has been reached. See also: Active Listening - Reflective Reframing - The Moderator Technique

If this is not enough for both sides to see eye to eye, move onto new ground to find a shared solution. It is often helpful for those who don't have a 'feel' for this issue to learn where the boundary lies. Ask the Muslim students to explain where they draw the line between what is uncomfortable but can be accepted, in their eyes, and what is outrageous and will cause really negative results. See if the other students could live with something on this side of the line.

Whatever your decision (if it is your decision), talk it through with both sides and keep the lines of communication open. If possible, keep them communicating with each other.

Can a concession be offered to the 'losing party' (if any) that would mitigate the offence somehow? Are there any preventative or mitigating measures that could be put in place? Consider invoking the help or support of people off-campus.

Has it gone over an ethical or legal boundary – is the conduct discriminatory, racist, or inciting hatred? Be aware of the law