Why is it that it's OK to name your kid Mohammad but not a Teddy Bear?

Question

What is so insulting that a woman is jailed and has death threats for naming a Teddy Bear Mohammad. Shouldn't it be a complement? We named the bear after one of our greatest presidents. What is so offensive to Islam?

The Teddy Bear is named after Teddy Roosevelt, he was not offended. It was a great complement.

I'm not a Christian. Even if they found this in some way offensive, couldn't they have just informed her of the custom?
She wasn't trying to offend

Sorry but the Christians don't get all freaked out because people use Jesus name in vain. They actually have Jesus action figures. Jesus Christ is a very, very common expletive used by Christians and others all the time!

Answer 1

i admit, whoever they are, they are absolutely insane

Answer 2

While I understand that she made a social/religious foepaw, so to speak, I just don't believe it was a 'crime' and it's the extreme reaction that stirs alot of frustration.

She's a British Citizen and a teacher. She's not Muslim, and I really doubt she had any idea that the name would offend anyone. Yes, she's perhaps guilty of ignorance, but aren't we all at times when it comes to different Religions and cultures? That's where common sense comes into play. Common sense would dictate that you'd have a good talk with the teacher. You'd explain why naming an innatimate object Mohammad would be considered blasphemous. You'd tell her she'd have to talk to her students, explain the error and they'd need to rename the bear. You may even suggest she write up an apology to the parents, explaining the error. You'd probably also do her a favor by suggesting some reading about Islam, to help her avoid other potential errors.

And that would be the end of it. Lashes? Jail? Calls for execution? I'm sorry, but that's just going way to far, expecially for a person who made an honest mistake.

And I totally agree with those reminding everyone that this is one group of Muslims in one part of the world. They don't represent every Muslim and it's not fair to judge the Religion as a whole based on this.

Answer 3

My my, look at all this ignorance and hatred. We ask for intelligent answers from Muslims, yet this has provoked an opportunity for non-Muslims to express their rude, biased opinions instead. I see this every single day. What a pity.


As a Muslim, I CONDEMN, yes, you heard me, CONDEMN, all the charges brought up against this woman. The Sudanese government is responsible for the current unfortunate tragedy in Darfur. It is doing totally unislamic things. Muslims are the target, for heaven sakes! So why are people so quick to assume that the whole "teddy bear" incident was mandated by Islam? The very Sudanese government that coordinates the gloomy situation in Darfur is the same that is doing this to the poor teacher. Those actions were NOT Islamic. A simple talk could have solved the whole thing, but western reporters are looking for more, more to debase Islam and undermine it... Remember, this is propaganda. Propaganda is one of the most effective war tools. And look at this site (and way beyond) every day, full
of hatred and ignorance about Islam, people constantly bashing Islam and questioning us Muslims and demanding answers or else they will assume the answers themselves.

The media is the absolute WORST source of information when it comes to the truth about Islam. It is called propoganda; the media for the past decade or so, but especially and much more vigorously after September 11, has consistently bashed Islam and provided half-truths, if that. People like what they hear as it gives them a reason to hate Islam and be proud. The media has made soo many ignorant and you are obviously no exception.


EDIT:

(I have here copied a well-written passage from Tayena GG and have changed a few of the words around as well as added some insight as to not completely plagiarize her work, I think as Muslims defending ourselves she will not mind it).

"What she did was very offensive, naming a teddy bear Muhammed. It may have not been her that had named the teddy bear, since it is said that her student had named it Muhammed, but in Islam making any graven image of animals or humans is forbidden. The teddy bear is not a living thing, so naming it after Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was offensive. Would it be offensive to Christians if someone named forget their children--but a TEDDY BEAR Jesus Christ? Is this alright? Or would it be blasphemous? It might not cause an uproar, but those who are informed will certainly be substantially disturbed and will not go on without further notice of change, or they will do something about it.

HOWEVER, I am not saying I agree with the punishment she was given--the maximum number I heard was 200 lashes. However, people are constantly inferring that they are considering an execution/extreme torture, but they certainly are not. She was sentenced to jail for 15 days; it was the apparently irate townspeople who protested for such a punishment. The government actually ended up DISagreeing to that kind of punishment because such an action is actually FORBIDDEN in Islam, given the circumstances of the "crime" in which she had committed.

They had taken this teddy bear scandal WAY out of proportion. I really do believe that it was an honest mistake and she had not deserved it. I know it was offensive but putting her in jail was not what should have taken place. She is a human being and so we all make mistakes, especially that I believe it was an honest mistake and had not been done on purpose.

People are being so ignorant about the situation and blaming it on Islam, when really, killing her would have been a major sin. There have been many hateful comments against muslims, but I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion. If only people could understand that Islam does not promote violence, and if certain muslims act violently it is not because their actions are mandated or encouraged by Islam."

Tayenna GG

Answer 4

I read about that. Mohammad is a VERY common name in the world. A teddy bear can have the name. Why pinpoint it to the bear being named after a SPECIFIC person?!

Answer 5

Jeez, i wish u people would stop doing that! i'm talking about the other people answering this question, they are soooooo rude. how would you like it if i say something wrong about your religion? i think you would be pissed, right?
can u guys please stop? it is important, that she named the teddy bear that. muhammed is a well respect prophet, his name, just like jesus and other prophets should not be used in vain.
the teacher should not have been punished. see the thing is, each country has it's owns laws and customs, that they try to base of the quaran, they are not wrong, but over exagerrated.
see, they say that the quaran said cover your heads, which is true, but not a reason for a flogging, they take rules and try to enforce it, they don't understand, that as humans, our job is to get on the right track with allah and follow what we believe, i don't think allah would approve of this.
sure, u can influence others to follow our religion....,as it should add to our judgement, but it is wrong to be forceful, and it does say that in the quaran.
i'm asking all of you....please don't be rude to all muslims about, what one country's rules are. they make up those dumb (yes guys, i'm calling them dumb) rules, and think they are right, they aren't.
so to answer you question, it is a huge deal, in the eyes of all muslims, but a obviously enormouse deal to those, that think they are like another muhammed, they think they can lead people, but they haven't even got themselves together yet!
so, yea, they are most wrong and they will be punished., as far as i know.

Answer 6

Because they see it as an insult to name inanimate objects and animals after someone who is revered in their faith. I dont agree with their reactions but You are applying your standards to them.
The toy was named after YOUR former president...what is it to the rest of the world? Are we suppose to worship your history and abide by all of your standards?

And it isnt about being informed of some obscure custom but rather of a law. She should have been informed before she arrived; to arrive in a country where the dominant religion is one other than your own and is incorporated into the law is your own mistake. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse and you can find this element within Western legal systems.

And I dont agree with their reactions but:

I can recall opposition over Christianity related toys i.e. Jesus dolls.
And needless to say...why all the outrage over fictional pieces of literature and entertainment like Harry Potter?
Dont they know it is just fiction and a work of imagination? Do they not know that is seen as one of the best and most influential pieces of all time, especially as per getting children and adults into reading?
What can be so offensive about that?

Answer 7

My neighbor named their snotty little kid Mohammad and I mean he is a brat.....A bear is a toy kids take to bed with them to comfort them....I think the Muslims should be punished for not letting the little Muslim boy name his Teddy Bear Mohammad....This is terrible....Does not say much for their religion....

Answer 8

May be christians wouldn't mind if some one name his pig Jesus. But Muslims have too much sense of honor and respect of Prophets of God. They don't do stupid like the woman did.

Why world should become like Christians?

Answer 9

teddy bear is not real, names generally have a meaning behind them,maybe it is a insult to them, teddy bears are man made plush dolls

Answer 10

I agree with you.

Answer 11

sheer emotionalistic ignorance .someone educate the world of the poor and oppressed.