Mohammed Bear Scandal

Kris · #1 (**permalink**) 29-11-07

Today I have had about 5 people ask me about this story in the news.

BBC NEWS | World | Africa | UK teacher jailed over teddy row

As a Muslim I think this tells me more about the situation in Sudan than some general issue with Islam but some asked me if this would be he case in Tunisia.

I called my wife and she thought I was joking and taking the micky and reminded me this is also the same country where this happened.

BBC NEWS | World | Africa | Sudan man forced to 'marry' goat

If I was a educated sane Sudanise person I would be so embarrased, I mean the kids named he bear so maybe the parents stiched the teacher up.

ROULLA · #2 (**permalink**) 29-11-07

Hi Kris,

I really cannot this story, when you think about so many other and more important things that are going on all around the world,people starving,people dying,babies being thrown in bobella's ,so so so many more important things going on and then, we have people getting upset for a really pathetic thing like the name of a cuddly bear, please, what on earth is happening to these people , did she commit such a bad crime ! (I don't think so

Bigbrother · #3 (**permalink**) 30-11-07

Its become a big talking point in Tunisia and they are up in arms about it! Its total ignorance and lack of understanding. Its an Islamic country, like Tunisia, seeped in tradition, culture, religion, belief and everything else. Calling a teddy bear Muhammad, ya asking for trouble, therefore you're going to have to face the consequences. Islamic countries don't bend the rules, if you wanna live/work there, respect the country!

Kris · #4 (**permalink**) 30-11-07

Everyone I discussed this with doesnt love the idea of naming the bear but are not ecited about the idea of sending someone to prison for it.

I think this should have been a quiet chat with the headmaster rather than this fiasco.

issam · #5 (**permalink**) 30-11-07

i beleive tunisia is the most tolerent society in the whole of the muslim world,ther is no way that tunisia will be compared to any other muslim country,if you look at the high street of tunis the capital you do not find a mosque but you find a church catholic and in the other corner of it, you find protestant,if you go to lafayette avenue that's where you find a synagoge and a bit further you find a mosque,that how 3 religions gathered together in less than 500 sqware meter,the pope before he died was in that catholic church in tunis with our muslim council leader,some other part of the world are not very balanced.in tunisia you not forced to be muslim,you can be who ever you wanna be,you got the freedom to follow any religion in tunisia .As a muslim i will not be able to live in any other muslim country execept tunisia

ROULLA · #6 (**permalink**) 30-11-07

Hi All,

I think that it is disgusting, for god's sake , does anyone really believe that this women has committed a crime, because i don't, she just did not realise that this thing would be seen as an offence, im sure that this women did not do this on purpose, what possible motive did she have, poor women thats what i say.
I understand that you have to respect every countries culture and beliefs, but were not all perfect and im sure that we have all made mistakes in life.

tater03 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-12-07

I to would have to say that this is not a reason to be this harsh on her. I am sorry but it is this kind of attitude that makes other people not understand this religion.

toonssia · #8 (**permalink**) 01-12-07

Hi All!
I am always chocked to hear about teacher's ignorance
In France we say:
"Nul n'est cense ignorer la loi" means: Nobody is supposed to ignore the Law
"La Loi ne protege pas les imbeciles" means: Law dont protect the "dumb"
"Quand on ne sait pas on se renseigne" means: if you dont know ask

In my point of view she did make a mistake that she acknowledge by apologising.
Sudan is a country that has rules and when you enter there like everywhere you have to respect the Law. Expatriation is a big issue you have to learn about the country you live in and if unsure about something just dont do it or get informed!!!!

Though I've been chocked by what she did I've accepted her apologies hope she'll be fine.
Sorry if my opinion is differente of your in this one but that's my point of view

issam · #9 (**permalink**) 01-12-07

the problem never been in the religion but in the peaple who practise the religion

toonssia · #10 (**permalink**) 01-12-07

Issam I think it depends also how they practice... I totally agree with you when you said it cant happen in Tunisia

dont get me wrong I do feel sorry for this lady but still I think that you have to be very carefull as an expatriate about everything you do or say in the country you choose to live in. She's a teacher and she could have get informed. Am sure she didnt mean to hurt people in their deep belief and she apologised so hopefully (inchAllah) she'll be fine.