Queen Rania stresses respect for all religions

In an interview with the French magazine L'Express, Queen Rania Al Abdullah asserted that everyone must show respect for the beliefs of every religion out of acknowledgement for our common humanity.
Reacting to the publication by the French magazine Charlie Hebdo of cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Queen Rania said she was offended and hurt by the lack of respect for the beliefs of Muslims and Islam. Queen Rania added that it was simply wrong to blame 1.6 billion Muslims for the actions of a minority who claim to share their faith.
"To equate an entire religion and its followers with the actions of a minority is just wrong. To blame Islam for their actions is prejudice. 1.6 billion Muslims cannot bear collective responsibility for the actions of this minority who claim to share their faith." She explained that respecting all prophets was a main tenet of Islam, citing the example of a recent ban in some Arab countries of the film "Exodus: Gods and Kings" because it was deemed as not showing enough respect to the stature and sanctity of the Prophet Moses. "In Islam, it is simply unacceptable to depict any prophet (not just Prophet Mohammad PBUH) through any medium and in any context. Respecting prophets is a main tenet of our faith."
"More cartoons of this sort only hurt, deepen mistrust and incite prejudice, at a time when we should be promoting tolerance and understanding," the Queen stated. "As a Muslim, I am against these cartoons and I am offended and hurt by the lack of respect for our beliefs."
When asked about her reaction to the debate surrounding the controversial publication of caricatures, Queen Rania said: "I have heard since the attacks echoing grievances from my region about double standards when it comes to freedom of speech. Why is it considered freedom of speech when the subject has to do with Islam, but taboo and a red line when the issue is different?"
The Queen went on to explain that there must be a balance to be found between freedom of expression and protecting the dignity and sanctity of religion, which should be driven by respect and empathy, rather than fear.
Referring to acts of violence committed in the name of Islam, Queen Rania nonetheless insisted that violence should never be the response. "Let me be clear, the response should never be violence. Never. People, whether Muslims or others, have every right to be offended, to voice their rejection, to condemn, to criticize, to protest, but to do so peacefully and respectfully."
In response to a question about her participation in the Paris Unity March, Queen Rania explained that people from the Middle East region knew only too well the sense of loss that the French people were feeling "because, sadly, it is a daily and heartbreaking reality in so many parts of the Arab world, from Syria to Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and elsewhere. And even though it has been over nine years, no one in Jordan will ever forget the Amman bombings. I certainly won’t. We lost 60 innocent lives that tragic day." She added, "Extremist groups have taken thousands upon thousands more innocent lives. In fact, Muslims are their primary victims."
Queen Rania further added that France "has stood by us in challenging times, and at different junctures in history, not least of all in the French Parliament’s honorable stance of recognizing the Palestinian state." She Majesty underlined the importance of the demonstration’s message of global unity against the ideology of hate, adding that the world is up against a fight between moderates and extremists. Asked how she sees the Muslim presence in Western countries, the Queen noted that "it is a reality, and one that presents an opportunity.
More and more, I am afraid we are seeing increasing suspicion and negative stereotypes about Arabs and Muslims in the West." Queen Rania went on to explain "Muslims aren’t all that different. We want the same things, we love our children and want the best for them, we care for our neighbors, we work hard, and we look forward to weekends! Personal experiences and interactions can help blur the divisive lines of 'us and them'." She emphasized that while minority groups should interact and contribute positively to their surrounding environment, countries must do the hard work of integrating minorities with full equality and respect for their culture and traditions.