I wrote this article for my school paper.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” At the heart of secular freedom of speech is the first amendment. This gives us the right to express our views verbally, in writing, practice our religion and complain to the government if we are mistreated. Freedom of speech however is relative. The FCC constantly monitors and regulates TV, and Radio broadcasting. It receives nearly 200,000 complaints yearly and has the authority to revoke licenses and cancel programming which it deems indecent. Things such as desecration of the flag, false advertising and even debatable theories (evolutionism vs. creationism) are illegal or under scrutiny. So, within secular society the boundaries of free speech are tested by dynamic policies and norms.
Within Islam, the idea of freedom of speech exists and is encouraged. The purpose is to search for the truth. However, it is also regulated by laws which do not vary upon the whims of society. Rather they are principles which have foundations in Divine Law. There are moral constraints which are between a person and God such as backbiting, cursing others, and heresy. People will be accountable for these with God. There are other legal constraints for things such as slander, accusing chaste women of lewdness, blasphemy or mocking the Messengers of God, for which we are accountable for within society. Within Islam, people are free to express their views and ideas, give their opinion, and seek counsel - as long as they do not lie, slander, or backbite. Some might feel that this defeats the purpose of freedom of speech. But does this hinder free speech, or resolve to have respectful speech and meaningful arguments in society? In the Quran God tells us, “And insult not those whom they worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully without knowledge (6:108).” Muslims are thereby forbidden to insult Buddha, Vishnu, Christ or gods of any other faith.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was scrutinized, verbally and physically abused by his enemies, throughout his prophethood and even after his death through the centuries. The message that Muslims get from the Danish caricatures is that the Danish newspaper and those who condone the mocking of Prophet Muhammad are acting as enemies of Muslims. The Danish caricatures incite hatred and belittlement for Islam and Muslims, in a world which is already growing in Islamophobia and xenophobia. It may have been freedom of speech, but it was not done with ethical and moral repercussions in mind.
The same artist drew caricatures mocking Jesus (Peace be upon him) and yet they were never published because of the potential uproar and offense. A contemporary example of this double standard is when NBC stated that, Britney Spears was to appear on an episode of “Will and Grace.” She was to do a cooking segment known as “Cruci-fixins.” Within days of this news release the Tupelo-based, American Family Association protested and said it "mocks the crucifixion of Christ" and "further denigrates Christianity." NBC promptly responded with an apology and stated that it would not have the offensive elements in the episode. Perhaps NBC is just more aware of its ethical responsibility than the Danish newspapers and the others worldwide who have actively chosen to continue to offend Islam and Muslims everywhere, by publishing and republishing the degrading caricatures.
This is not to say that a violent uproar is the best way to resolve this. Journalists and those in the media have a responsibility to publish wisely, and ethically. Muslims should also recognize that violent protests do not cause change or bring to light their point-of-view, rather they reinforce the idea that Muslims are violent. Anyone who makes bold claims about the character of the Prophet of Islam, should find out what that man really stood for and what he stood against. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) overcame all the obstacles and persecution from people by dealing with them wisely, and justly. It is an example for Muslims and people everywhere to understand the example he set. He was not only a great figure in Islamic history, but also in the history of the world. His character, diplomacy and standards of ethics are something which if we modeled the world would be resolved of many of its evils.