Pope Benedict XVI regrets

By: Abdel Aziz Dimapunong

Imam, Masjid Al Khairi

Alhamdulillah. Praise is to God-Alone who gives the temporal power of reason to whom He pleases, and for as long or short as He pleases. And peace is to Prophet Muhammad, his companions, friends and family. And peace to everyone on this occasion of Ramadhan 1427 A.H

Last September 12, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a lecture at Regensburg University where he was quoted to have said “offensive remarks about Islam and Muslims”. It was clear that the pope linked the religion of Islam to violence. The Muslims reacted faster than they did on the issue of Danish cartoons. It was immediately unleashed with fury. By Friday, September 15, 2006, Palestinians protestors marched in the Gaza Strip waving the flags of Hamas and chanting Allaho Akbar (Allah is Great) Their prime minister, Ismail Haniya criticized the pope's comments, saying: "These remarks go against the truth and touch the heart of our faith.”

The following day, thousands of Muslims have held demonstrations around the world. They protested against the remarks made by Pope Benedict about Islam and violence. Aljazeera reported that two churches in the West Bank city of Nablus were hit by firebombs. The targets were a Roman Catholic Church and an Anglican church. In Gaza City, four other firebombs exploded at a centre run by the city's oldest Christian church.

Five days after he made his remark, Pope Benedict XVI said he “sincerely regretted” that he may have offended the Muslim world. This partly calmed down the outrage of some Muslims although some still want more than being sorry. Among those that reacted positively were the Muslim Council of Britain, Britain’s Ramadhan Foundation, the British Muslim Initiative, and the Islamic Society of Britain.

In making his remark, Pope Benedict XVI wishes to set back the time to the Byzantine days of conflict. Nobody seems to understand why he quoted Emperor Manuel II Paleologus who was clearly anti-Islam. Why Joseph Ratzinger had to say those hurting words befuddled so many. I personally do not wonder. It is no surprise to me because the Holy Qur’an has the explanation. Why wonder so much? Benedict is already 79 years old in the Gregorian calendar. By reckoning of the Hijra Islamic calendar, Benedict is already about 82. He is already an octogenarian. In Islam, Muslims who live during and after the Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, are told to expect a life expectancy of only 60 years. Any longer life maybe considered as a chance to live and believe. It is also of common knowledge that after the age of 60, a person’s intelligence and reasoning starts to decline. At the age of over 70, this decline may amount to simple forgetfulness or memory lapses. Reaching the age of 80 and above, amnesia or schizophrenia may set in. By the standard of Islam, 82 is an extremely old age. By Freudian theories, a person over 80 is susceptible to commit a Freudian slip.

The Holy Qur’an speaks of declining capacities of man including physical strength, intellectual and reasoning abilities. And this may be the relevant message for everyone. In the popular Sura Ya Siin is stated: “If we grant long life to any, we cause him to be reversed in nature. Will they not then understand?” (Qur’an: Verse 68: Surah 36). Seriously, I would like to call this as the verse of diminishing capacity of man. This verse is particularly relevant considering that Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican foreign relations secretary, is insisting on an interfaith dialogue “based on sound intellectual foundation” and that he would like the dialogue to be so personal that “the thoughts of Pope Benedict XVI should be seen in that context”.

Yousef Ali, the famous translator of the meanings of the Qur’an had this comment on the verse of diminishing capacity:”As a child, the powers of mind and body are still undeveloped. As he grows, they grow, and certain moral qualities, such as courage, daring, the will to conquer, unfold themselves. In extreme old age these are again obscured, and a second childhood supervenes”. In the end man loses all of his memory – even his life.

Therefore, considering the age of the pope, we may just consider his remarks as a slip-up

According to Sigmund Freud, this condition results from the operation of unconscious wishes or conflicts and can reveal unconscious processes. Besides, the pope has already said he is sorry. He already expressed his “sincere regrets”.

There is another reason why we should let go the remarks of Pope Benedict XVI. Today is the start of Ramadhan fasting, although some will begin the fast tomorrow. My family and I are already fasting at this time of writing. This is a holy month when it is required of every Muslim not to be hostile to anyone. Yes, even when a Muslim is challenged to a fight, he should just say: “I am fasting”. And yes, even when he is challenge again, he should just say again: “I am fasting”.

As for me, I am fasting.

Abdel Aziz Dimapunong

Imam, Masjid Al Khairi

Manila, Philippines