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Muslim Group Opposes Little Big Planet's Censorship

2008-10-22 01:35:40

Our Comments

We fully agree with the statements of Islamic Forum for Democracy. Normally we find all kinds of groups and mediums are used to incite hate and fear against Muslims and Islam, but this is not one of those cases.

More worrying, is where are the Muslims who are so concerned about the issue of the Qur'an being in this video game when Muslims are being killed, slandered and attacked everyday?

All they've accomplished with their action is that they've alienated the gaming community. We've often been upset at how the media and other venues treat Muslims, but this is not an issue like MacLean's, yet Sony showed it is good natured by making this move, however we are completely against it.

This would encourage people to learn more about the truth of Islam. The underlying issue of this story should be "Why do some Muslims think music is a sin and what proof do they have for their reasoning and beliefs?"

Full Article:

Muslim Group Opposes Little Big Planet's Censorship

Not all of Islam supports Sony's recall over controversial in-game music.

By Jonathan Fincher, 10/21/2008

You've probably heard about the recent controversy surrounding Little Big Planet and a song featuring lyrics taken from the Quran -- after all, it's the reason many eager gamers don't have the game in their hands at this very moment. The whole issue began when concerned Muslim gamers alerted Sony that the song may offend some members of their religion. Sony, probably still feeling the sting from the Church of England controversy, decided to delay the game to strip the song out and avoid a potential backlash. Well, prepare to have your head spun a little, as the leader of Muslim group has now spoken out against Sony's decision.

Speaking to Edge, M. Zuhdi Jasser, M.D., president of the non-profit American Islamic Forum for Democracy, expressed his opposition to this form of censorship:

"Muslims cannot benefit from freedom of expression and religion and then turn around and ask that anytime their sensibilities are offended that the freedom of others be restricted. The free market allows for expression of disfavor by simply not purchasing a game that may be offensive. But to demand that it be withdrawn is predicated on a society which gives theocrats who wish to control speech far more value than the central principle of freedom of expression upon which the very practice and freedom of religion is based.
"...We [the AIFD] do not endorse any restriction whatsoever on the release of this videogame but would only ask those with concerns to simply choose not to buy it. We would hope that the producer?s decision not be made in any way out of fear but rather simply based upon freedom of expression and the free market."

It's nice to know that there are two completely different views on this issue coming from similar groups of people. Still, let's hope Sony doesn't recall the recall, if only for our sanity's sake.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3170818

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