Why should we draw Muhammad?
Because Muslims say we can’t. They say any depiction of Muhammad is offensive, whether he’s angry or smiling or not even human.
The Muhammad who was recently depicted on South Park did not need to be censored.
The stick figure drawings of Muhammad that appeared on college campuses over the past couple weeks were pretty mild, too. They were not offensive to anyone looking at it rationally.
You know what is offensive?
Killing or attacking people because they draw a picture.
Censoring people who are exercising their right to free speech — as if free speech is allowed only when it doesn’t upset your personal sensibilities. It’s ridiculous that Pakistan censored Facebook altogether because people would be drawing pictures of Muhammad today.
I’m also offended by anyone calling the courageous people who risk verbal threats and physical harm by drawing these mild images “jerks” and “bigots.”
If moderate Muslims truly believe in free speech, they ought to be supporting the people who are drawing these images, even if they don’t necessarily like them. I welcome their criticism of my atheism, because my convictions are strong enough that a drawing or a book isn’t going to turn me into a loose cannon. I believe god doesn’t exist and my logic, reason, and evidence are stronger than anything you can throw at me.
I stand by all those who dare draw Muhammad today.
This week, I invited readers to submit their own images to me. They sent me a wonderful variety of creations — ranging from funny to thought-provoking to artistic. There were so many drawings sent to me, I couldn’t even use them all.
Below is a sampling of my favorites.
I’ll admit, a few of the drawings were not positive depictions of Muhammad as I had requested. But, you know what? This is in large part an exercise in free speech, and no one has the right not to be offended. So I’ve included a couple cringe-worthy images in the bunch.
Feel free to spread them around as you wish.
For larger versions of most images, just click on them.
Scott found Muhammad in a not-so-surprising place!
Brian found a way to use chalk and be artsy at the same time:
Leandro drew Muhammad drawing himself. (Wait… is that allowed?!):
Meanwhile, Stuart at Chain Bear drew Muhammad judging a Muhammad-drawing contest (Does everyone lose?):
Evan penciled a very hip Muhammad:
Justin drew a peace-loving Muhammad:
Anonymous took that idea one step further (so just try and get offended!):
Brap gave Muhammad a few alter egos:
Heini went right after the sensitive souls:
Michael made a t-shirt-friendly Muhammad:
Frank posed a question to readers:
Claudia posed a similar question:
Jim simultaneously offered a history lesson and family portrait:
Ty drew the happy newlyweds, too:
In the same vein, Anonymous living in Saudi Arabia definitely wanted to stir up some trouble…:
Joaquin found a way to go after Catholicism and Islam all at once:
Stephen photoshopped a beautiful little image:
Robert drew a cute version, expressing his love for Muhammad. (They can’t be mad about that, can they?)
Todd drew a version with the Arabic approximation for Muhammad in the corner:
Joe drew a few separate images to really make you think…:
Jeff used a similar theme to ask which stick figure is the most offensive:
DataPacRat, with thanks to XKCD, drew a Muhammad that will make everybody happy. Maybe…:
Monika offered readers a choice of whether or not they wanted to be offended:
Jeff made me laugh with his cartoon:
Juno‘s drawing was simple and straight-forward (though I don’t understand the different-colored shoes!):
Mak drew one that has a child-like, innocent quality to it:
Mak also threw in a sandman Muhammad that all the kids will love:
Anonymous drew it on AutoCAD:
Greta Christina kept it simple yet powerful:
Thomas put this patch on his backpack:
Ubi Dubium found a way to make a lolcat Muhammad:
Deanna offered a very positive message:
John made a game out of all this… (but I wouldn’t play it with any Muslim friends):
Luke didn’t even try to hide it:
Heather‘s YouTube video had a unique charm to it.
You thought your Darwin Fish bumper sticker would invite vandals? Just try doing what Kasey did.
One Muslim encouraged everyone to participate in Draw Muhammad Day — even Muslims!
ZOMGitsCriss said she *is* Muhammad.
Finally, Travis paid an homage to South Park with his Muhammad:
… and Toni found a way to combine Muhammad and Eric Cartman…:
Thanks to everyone for their submission. (No pun intended.)
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