By Alveena Salim

Most of us are fortunate enough to be born in a Muslim family. However, it is common knowledge that those who get something after working hard for it appreciate and value it so much more then those who get something automatically. It is for this reason why, most of us do not value, appreciate or even know what it means to be a Muslim.

Fornication, adultery, drinking alcohol, gang feuds, drugs, mugging, running away from home, the minimal clothing our sisters have adopted and clubbing is widespread amongst our Muslim brothers and sisters. Is this how Muslims should act?

In our society keeping quiet or being an introvert are characteristics that are looked down upon. This is because our society only values what is apparent; thus the self-effacing individuals who refrain from speaking unnecessarily are known as the ones who are insecure and lacking in self-confidence, whilst the long-winded individuals are deemed as being clever, witty and successful.

This is ironic, as this mentality was not shared by our pious predecessors, according to Hadrat Ali (ra) "when intelligence is complete speech becomes rare". Traditionally it has also been said that one should "be sure of the stupidity of a man if he speaks too much".

In a dark dark world there was a dark dark country. In the dark dark country there was a dark dark newspaper. In the dark dark offices of the dark dark newspaper, the dark dark Editor had a dark dark idea.

He decided to set up a dark dark competition to make some dark dark caricatures of the Prophet of Islam. His dark dark intentions being to test whether Muslims would be able to accept this dark dark vision.

Enough of the fairy tale! The Muslim reaction was anger. Understandably so. Yes some Muslims went too far with their protest by rioting, threatening, kidnapping and hijacking! However, the thing most non-Muslims did not understand was why the reaction was two months down the line.

By Irfan Khan and Dawud

In the Mosque, after a talk has been held, everyone is sitting down to eat, food is being served. Jamal sees Ali and makes a bee line for him and sits across from him.

Jamal: As Salaamu alaykum Ali, its a very pleasant surprise to see you here.

Ali: W-S

Jamal: Huh? Double-you ess?

Ali: I said 'Wa Salaam.' And it's good to see you too.

Jamal: Aww thanks, really though it's amazing that you're here.

Ali: Its nothing, I got a text saying there was food and … the rest is history.

Jamal: Well the important thing is that you're here; just being in a Mosque is a rewardable act.