is it true a lady is waiting trial for naming a teddy bear in sudan? is it right or wrong?

Answer 1

It is very true, and the worrying thing is that if we (the UK) were to behave in anyway like that, ie putting someone on trial for calling a Teddy Bear Jesus we would expect to be absolutely laughed at.
It is this sort of heavy handed capital punishment that does so much damage to inter religious relations, how can we ever live alongside one another harmoniously when we act so ridiculously self rightious over our own beliefs.
I am sooo worried about the poor teacher though, people die from 40 lashes, & in a country where theift, rape & murder is rife it makes me sick that they would not only endanger but harm someone who is genuinely there to try and help those in poverty over there. It really makes me question wether we (the west) should actually be helping other countries.

Answer 2

It is true. Gillian Gibbons is a British subject who is working as a teacher in Sudan. She faces a possible punishment of 40 lashes; that's 1 more than Jesus received before his crucifixion. It's a serious punishment. It represents injustice and corruption, and isn't quite as simple as it sounds.
In her class of 7-year olds, she introduced a class teddy bear and asked the class to name it. They proposed names and voted, deciding on "Mohammed," a common boy's name. The children's Muslim parents didn't complain, by the way. The kids took turns bringing Mohammed home, so they all were involved with this.
The school happens to be in a dispute with the government over taxes.
So, the government invoked the Muslim prohibition of making an image of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). They claim that naming a doll Mohammed is doing this. This is obviously ridiculous, since the Prophet's name is always followed by the letters (pbuh), and the bear's name isn't.
This is the government's way of punishing the school.
Remember, Sudan is the country that supports the paramilitary Janjaweed in its genocide of the people of Darfur. Its human rights record is not stellar.

Answer 3

I guess it depends which side of the Sudanese fence you are sitting on!

My very Muslim son (not Sudanese though)said" Oh for goodness sake, what is their (The Governement of Sudan)problem? It isn't an animal it is a Teddy Bear! A toy everyone loves! Besides the children chose the name."

A Sudanese friend was appalled that The Prophet's name should be taken in vain!

I think it is barbaric and stupid, plus a political decision but who am I to judge? I live a comfortable life in another country.

Answer 4

It's true. She's facing 40 lashes with a whip, jail time and/or fine for allowing her students to name a teddy bear "Muhammad".

I'm going to have to argue that it's wrong, because public floggings are so 15th century. Also, I think the Sudanese govt. has bigger problems (like the genocide in Darfur they are supporting) to deal with than one woman (who is there to help educate the children) who accidentally offended some sensibilities.

I'm sure the Moral Relativist brigade will be by soon enough to justify the punishment, however.

Answer 5

This shows the mindset of the Islamic faith. I guess I will cancel my holiday in Sudan. What if I am asked at the airport what the name of my dog is? Which answers are ok or not. ?

Answer 6

Even if I was Muslim, I think it's wrong, silly and immature for anyone to recieve punishment for this. Matter of fact, I'm going to name my next pet Muhammed and send a letter informing the Sudan government. **** you Sudan religious, caveman government!!

Answer 7

Why can she not name a bear Mohammed,it is only a name is it any more disrespectful than one of their citizens naming their child Mohammed, if the child grows up to be physically challenged would that be a sin against the prophet..

How stupid are people in the name of religion, is it not about forgiveness support and comfort. Hopefully good sense will prevail

Answer 8

That's right, neighbor.

Me? I'm keeping my teddy bear's name on a "Need to Know" basis.
This is the 21st Century and NOBODY'S gonna get my teddy bear.

:D

Answer 9

this pisses me off

Everyones saying she made a mistake.

Thats rubbish

Saying she made a mistake, or that the punishment is too harsh is implying that she did something wrong in the first place WHICH SHE DID NOT

She is entirely in the right here, its the Sudanese that are entirely in the wrong

Just to clarify there is nothing wrong with naming a teddy bear Muhammed, so it doesnt matter who did it or why because there is nothing wrong with it. She didnt make a mistake because she did nothing wrong in the first place.

:)

Answer 10

Yes, unfortunate, it is very true.
She stands to be flogged 40 times, serve a jail sentence or face a fine.
All this because her muslim children in her class decided they wanted to name the teddy bear muhammad. For that she was charged with inciting hatred and insulting the islamic faith.
Sad isn't it.