Let’s see if I have this right... we have bloodlust outrage over an unintended yet perceived "blasphemous action", within a county whose government allows a heinous genocide campaign against its people. Do I have that about right? Now I'm not one to vilify Muslims. In fact, I long for the day when men such as these barbaric fundamentalist-type Sudanese Muslims are fully replaced by the many peace loving Muslims among the world now disproportionately overshadowed by their embarrassing brethren. While I reject the notion that Muslim people should simply acquiesce to Western ideals, its worth noting that until the thinking of such people emerge from the dark ages, their position within the worldwide court of public opinion will continue to be contemptuous at best and despised at worst. It's a shame that such actions are at the expense of many good people that truly follow Islam in spirit and truth. The overreaction among this Sudanese populace is a pathetic farce!

Sean, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hundreds of atrocities have been commited in the name of "islam" over recent years, deafening silence from the islamic community. Then, a few cartoons and a teddy bear, and we've got flag-burning, violence, 40 lashes, imprisonment etc etc.

It sounds to me like someones house needs putting in order, and people wonder why there's a "culteral divide!"

God forbid any hint of sharia law in this country, it's barbaric!

Rich, Birmingham, UK

Where's Gordon? Shouldn't he be sending one of his top media people to sort this out? After all, we are always being told that it is "normal procedure" for his office to support Britons abroad, e.g. in Portugal.

Floriat, London, United Kingdom

Another Story about a Teddy Bear

I am told that when I was very young, I called all things 'Dee'. I would point at any object and announce, 'Dee'. Gradually, 'Dee' became restricted to living things, then mammals, and finally, only my teddy bear. I loved that bear so fiercely that the eyes came off, and needed frequent surreptitious washing to reduce grime and smell. Then my brother arrived: there was a bit of a build-up, so I was very disappointed that all he did was cry and sleep. Then my new cousin Emily was announced with even more fanfare, so my hopes were raised again. All at once, I announced that my bear was named Emily, and so the bear was called thereafter. I had no sense of the gender of my bear, any more than I had a sense that the notion 'Dee' had gender. 'Emily' just seemed to be a name with a halo of delight and approval around it, and so a very good name for any thing that mattered.

Perhaps the children's choice of 'Muhammad' was similarly motivated.

Xav, Cambridge, UK

Muslims demand their rights everywhere in the world, while their clerics and academics openly denounce your rights of free speech, freedom of the press, the freedom to criticize Islam, women's rights, religious rights, the right of free association, and the right to choose your own mate without the threat of death. Half of Europe was apologizing for one man's cartoon the year before, while Osama T-shirts were the most popular item in Muslim communities after 9-11. Did anyone get punished for that insult? Europe and the USA better wake-up and stop giving citizenship to those who spit on the oath they take to protect these basic rights.

gene, New York, NY

With regard to the treatment of an obviously well meaning primary school teacher and the recent killing of another aid worker correct me if I am wrong but if it was not for British and allied forces in World War two would not the people in Kartoum who did not end up in a gas chamber now speak German. These people have been killing each other and causing trouble since time began then begging for and recieving aid from all over the western world. When are we going to see the light,stop wasing our time and money on these people and perhaps spend the money saved on looking after our own people pensioners maybe

Geoff Lowe, Altrincham, UK

Evidently the Muslim faith in Sudan is a different faith from that of 1953. We should break diplomatic relations as soon as possible

J. PORTER, WESTGATE-ON-SEA,

This is a ridiculous and Prophet Muhammad must be laughing in his grave about this childish behaviour. IF Islam is such a strong and worthwhile religion why on earth would the naming of a teddy bear be of concern ?. The fact is that Islam and Muhammad has been hijacked by a group of people who use it to cause trouble.

Simon, London, UK

Send in a special forces snatch squad and show them what it means to mess with a nation of Teddy Lovers....
Back in Maggie Thatchers day the SAS would already be in a holding tank in Sudan ready to move!!!

Pete, Hereford,

Ok, so these children named the teddy Mohammad and it was a mistake made by innocent children. Children don't see in colour, race or religion, they accept kind people so they obviously know kindness in the name. A child wouldn't name a teddy after a bully in school. What I find strange is that Muslims strive for their surrounding communities to understand & accept them like everyone else especially as the minority extremists show us so much negativity. This shows that our future children are being raised to not see Muslims or any other religion as different but to accept people for who they are and not judge them on their religion. Wake up people, this is intergration! Maybe we adults & Sudanese Officials should take a leaf out of this classes book about acceptance!!

C, England, UK

I'm a Christian. Folks everywhere should be saddened & outraged at the mistreatment of ANY person, no matter the color of their skin or their religion. I fear for the people of Sudan who live under such violent rule. I'm very afraid for Gillian. I don't think I could survive such a beating. We should stand together & ask the Sudanese govt. to forgive her. I'm sure she would apologize for insulting Islam. As a Christian, I'm not offended by the naming of the bear, but I'm very hurt for my Lord's sake when someone uses the name of Jesus/God as a curse word or in anger, but I wouldn't mistreat anyone. Allow her to apologize & let her go back to England if they want her gone. If this is about the Christian school vs the Islam govt, then the govt should be brave enough to address THAT issue. Don't use a teacher as a scapegoat to make a religious pt. I believe God's heart breaks when He sees so much hatred in the name of religion. I pray for protection for her &all who suffer for faith.

Gerene, Essexville, Michigan USA

I am a muslim and in Islam - niyyah is impotant - if the teacher intentionally named the bear after
Prophet Mohammed than it is wrong and she should be penalized for it. We muslims do not offend the religious figures of other religions and we do not want or allow others to do to ours.
If it is a genuine mistake - she should be let go free as soon as possible. We are all humans and we all make mistake or wrong doings.

ash, :Pineville, US, NC

Disgusting!!! Thats all I have to say on the matter! Let the poor woman come home to her children!!

Nicola, Merseyside, UK

hi im a current student at unity high school in sudan, khartoum. I wont say my name but just my opinion on this situation. I think that sudan is making a big deal out of nothing, i myself am a muslim, and i dont feel insulted in anyway by her naming a teddy bear muhammed. Sure he is our prophet but i dont find it insulting in anyways. more than half the boys in our school are called muhammed. Mrs. Gillian teaches my sisters class. and my sister told me that she wasn't the one who chose the name. the entire class voted on it.

Name withheld, khartoum, sudan

If we wanted to be ridiculous we could say the message above has insulted our faith by saying for God's sake!
I do not believe it was meant like that and I understand what you are saying I totally agree with Danah. Surely the Sudan parents should be happy the children named the bear.

What I am trying to say is something said or done so innocently can upset people yet it wasn't meant like that and I would hope everyone no matter what they believe would see this!
I know it’s not a perfect world but I worry for the future of our children otherwise!

We should all be able to respect each others beliefs and live with one and other in peace, that includes accepting innocent mistakes are made and not to blow them out of proportion.

I really feel for the teacher she obviously meant no harm at all.

Nicky, London, UK

They may chop off their hands and feet but he makes whole.

Houghton, leeds, england

Aren't like half of all Muslims named Muhammad? I mean, if the prophet is truly the only one that's supposed to have the name Muhammad then there might be just a few other "guilty" parties. I guarantee the one doing the lashing is named Muhammad himself. People filled with such hatred and distortion of human rights should just go ahead and segregate themselves from the rest of the world. This is alongside the Saudis having the woman arrested and put in jail for 6 months because SHE WAS GANG RAPED. If only we could be flies on the wall in their afterlife.

Andrea, Tampa, FL

I am a Muslim and a Saudi and I don't find it insulting to name a bear Mohammad. Indeed he is the profit and a child loving this name is because he likes the bear as well and it's the name of the people who he loves around him.
I truly believe that it is just a cover up and a stupid matter. IT'S JUST A BEAR FOR GOD'S SAKE

Danah, Riyadh, saudi arabia

"An eye for an eye, and soon the whole world is blind"

Sarah, Coventry, UK

How many people are in jail with the name Muhammad , is that not very insulting.

alan, central, scotland

my daughter calls her teddy Shirley after her grandmother who passed away she does this out of love and affection have not these little children also done the same .

simon, newport, wales

Just image the uproar if the viewers of Blue Peter decided to call the programme's dog Mohammed; the BBC would now have to do it. Wonderful.

English Joe, Baden,

gordon brown should stop all help to the sudan immediately whether the woman is released or not, what are the folk in the UK all about , get her out fast.

donna robertson, glasdgow,

Susie - you rhetorical quesion: "Why is rational behaviour always inversely proportional to religious belief?" is rather misguided. It suggests that an individual cannot hold spiritual beliefs and also be a rational being! Yet some of the world's foremost thinkers are also spiritual men and woman.

Your question is also loaded with the concept that purely rational behaviour is some sort of ideal. Let's not forget that science too has proved itself fallable on countless occassions in history. Surely there is a middle way?

Ben, London,

So this is another reason why 40% of UK muslims want to have Shariah law in the UK. They can flog their teachers for trivialities like this.

Mike Woodman, Bradford, UK

Kevin Evans> If Muhammad was a mere prophet - what's the problem. He's not God or a god, just a mere mortal.

Yet he is the best of all the creation.

I hope sincerely that the people reading this will one day read an objective biography about him. I recommend Martin Lings book, "Life of Muhammad based on the early sources".

Hope things will have a good ending.

Amen!

Yasin, Surrey,

After the cartoon incident you would think that this teacher would have taken more care. But in all honesty, even as a muslim I actually agree with the comments of Rena, Zurich, Switzerland. "an infants playmate is a very intimate, personal and special friend. No better way for a small child to get acquainted with something as "large" as religion. A teddy bear, doll, or puppet is a symbolic partner to play with, which is a very important part of childhood. Later, we replace the symbolic toys with our view upon life, our actions towards others. What is inside our heads is invisible. Infants need symbols such as toys for this to be able to develop. Anybody who does not understand that should get informed about how we all develop. " I am sure that if a child of its own accord had named the teddy bear mohammed, Mohammed (peace be upon him) would not be offended. The teacher allowed the children to choose the name, so and I think the govt should not be giving her such a harsh sentence.

Naseem , Edinburgh, Scotland

I dont know how a woman of years can withstand 40 lashes, but I think if she survives she will be injured for the rest of her life. Isn't there anything we can do to stop this?

GLYNNIS THOMAS, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

How very sad and how absurd.

It would be good to hear Bristish Muslim leaders express their support for this teacher and their opposition to such an absurd arrest.

Revd Tim Hillier, Chertsey, Surrey

Gfeise, you miss the point. The indignation most people have in rlation to this matter is not (mainly) as a result of a failure to understand the insult, but the lack of tolerance or understanding, no appreciation of mitigating circumstances and the unduly harsh severity of the proposed sentence, which in most civilised countries would be considered barcbaric and in contravention to human rights. I appreciate that she may have inadvertently breached cultural sensitivies, but by the sounds of things a slap on the wrist and an explanation of why it might be considered offensive to some people would have been sufficient to resolve the situation.

The worst thing, which hasn't really been commented on, is the fact that they've had to close the school until further notice for fear of reprisals - guess they don't place much importance on education in Sudan. Ridiculous, pathetic.

JM, London, UK

As a moderate british muslim i can tell you i think what is happening, as reported in the story, is a ridiculous state of affairs. No sensible individual would uphold such a preposterous accusation of blasphemy in this case.

As the chairman of the school council says "the school was in dispute with authorities over taxes, and suggested that Ms Gibbons, who arrived in Khartoum in August, may have been caught up in that." It has also been suggestions (above) she is being used as a scapgoat to blackmail the school. Unfortunately once again a minority group, with a hidden agenda are giving Islam a terrible name. I have urged all my muslim friends to voice their support for Gillian Gibbons, and pray she is released and exonarated as soon as possible.

faiza ali, London, UK

She did not mean it as an insult and she meant no harm. So the right thing to do is show compassion, and set her free.

Otherwise, we'll carry on thinking what we currently think about this particular religion.

Jessica, Reading, UK

According to this web site www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1890354.ece,
Mohammed is probably the most common name in the world. How can someone be blamed for naming a toy with the same name as children in her class? Either that or are a large number of parents in danger for naming their child after the Prophet? I wonder how the saying 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" would be translated into Arabic?!

Simon, London, UK

Muslim Council of Britain HAS called upon the Sudanese government to intervene in the case of Ms Gillian Gibbons, with a view to ensuring that she is released without delay. Quote: "This is a very unfortunate incident and Ms Gibbons should never have been arrested in the first place. It is obvious that no malice was intended," said Dr M Abdul Bari, Secretary-General.
Reading some of the postings I have been very shocked by the hatred out there. As a moderate muslim i echo the sentiments of the MCB, as does every muslim i know! Whatever our faith we should all be working together to support Mrs Gibbons and her family, and i pray that she is released and exonerated soon.

ali, London, UK

How revolting would God be if He demanded such a barbaric, primitive sentence against an unwitting, well-meaning teacher, trying her best to help young kids. Such a God would not be worthy of respect or worship.
An evil God becomes a contradiction in terms, so sentiments within religious texts that highlight a punishing, jealous, intolerant God are obviously WRONG!!!! How can people not see that! If God is loving, merciful, forgiving, just and perfect goodness, then He couldn't want horrible deeds done in His name!
Any text that says otherwise is not divinely written.

ramy, brighton,

Michael i think your last comment is disgraceful. Their is no reason for you to insult Prophet Muhammed(peace and blessings be upon him) Why dont you stick to criticising the backward people in Sudan. If you are going to bring the free speech argument then please do allow me to make a comment about your mother and as its free speech allow me to say what i want about her.

Unfortunately we do have some muslims who are extreme in their views but they dont belong to the majority. Maybe if the government would do something to stop saudi funding the very extreme form of wahabism we wouldnt have the problems we have in this country. As for the Sudanies they are not very educated but i must admit its a disgrace what is happning to that women.

People in this country should be allowed to dress as hippies, wear hardly any clothes on if they want and if people want then they should also be allowed to cover from head to toe. Lets all try and be understanding to how we want to live our lifes.

umar, Manchester,

As a muslim I am furious and very sad about what is happening to this woman. SHe has done nothing wrong. nothing needs to be forgiven. there is no logic in what these kings of idiots in sudan are doing to her. someone in the article said that she made a mistake and should be forgiven. Baloney. Pork Baloney. There is nothing to forgive. The fact that there is anyone who would be offended by a bunch of kids calling a teddy bear mohammed really lends itself to the inaneness of our world. she didnt name it prophet mohammed. really its overwhelming to me, the straw that broke the camel's back. I am very tired of so called scholars making islam look like a freak show. I hope she makes it through this unharmed but I do not have much hope for any mercy from her captors.

calista, Boston, USA/MASS

Muhammed was primarily a military leader and politician (anyone with 16 wives has to be a politician!)

He therefore created a religion with triggers inbuilt to deter dissent.

M. Ali, Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland

I see great tolerance in this forum. It reminds me when some Muslims get angry about the infamous cartoons ... This is the English version of the Danish riots in Islamabad but on the internet. I've never seem so much hatred from people who see themselves as civilised and grow ups.

Yasin, Surrey,

This is such a ridiculous situation and dreadful for the poor teacher. But ! You can call someone a name but if it is spelt differently, then they are different e.g Camille and Camilla. I have seen the name which is in question, spelt in many ways. I don't suppose English counts does it because the noun in question was not English..Have I escaped punishment - please help!!

Xavier Neptune, Alaska, USA

Britian should stop any aid to Sudan and ask Sudan to return the money with 50% annual interest to them..Sudan is pathetic....

Zahra Sudan, Khartoum, Egypt

Defend your citizen. Make any threat of punishment she receives a diplomatic incident. Get her out of there. Trumpet this over the international news media and make a mockery of this extreme, brutal and intolerant culture. Then guard against its rise in your homeland.

James P, Sacramento, California

I am surprised that anyone (muslims included) wants to live under a political islamic regime - what the hell is a british woman doing there? You would have to drag me kicking and screaming into any islamic country even for a visit!

kim, london,

Been a while since the last 'clash of civilisations' story hasn't it? Bet this story will probably be blown completely out of proportion as usual by the media. On another note, well done to the Muslims for taking a non-compromising stand on their religion and beliefs. I wish we Christians could do this too.

Elisabeth, Edinburgh,

Time to say we will not teach in your country, we will not give Aid to your country. We will not allow your people to travel to our country. We will not assist you in any say.
But we won't, the liberal idealistic fools will bleat about Human rights for any one but us. Fools that we are, we will say and do nothing. When there is an Election we will vote them back in like sheep.

Howard, Basildon, England

Religion it seems can be used to justify any outrage.

Des, Edinburgh,

Zoe - wrong paper - I think you meant to read the Guardian.

"She should know that differing cultures have different ways, right or wrong she is a guest in their country with their children and their laws"

And by your reasoning, Britain shouldn't allow Sikhs to carry daggers (that their religion dictates), and I'm sure that the Health and Safety people can find cause to ban Muslim women from driving, if they cover everything but a small slit for their eyes.

Hassan

"Oh yes, the less than scrummy Sudanese government can abuse the human rights of its fellow citizens for years, "

But whenever soemthing is done (like removing Saddam), the West is criticised for interferring - you can't have it both ways.

"but when it threatens a WHITE person's FREEDOM OF SPEECH"

Read the stroy - the kids named the bear.

"over a MUSLIM issue then its BIG news."

Lashing a Brit is a British issue.

Simple solution - no aid, no aid workers, no problem.

W Smith, Oldham,

I cannot understand why all this fuss over a Jewish name of Mohammad. Yes, it is a Jewish name found in the Jewish Cannon. Why did Moe's mother pick a Jewish name for her son? Probably the same reason the children picked the name for the Teddy Bear. I wonder if that Teddy Bear is also Jewish and the people did not want the world to find out.

TPBIAMFG, Panama, Panama

This project is also being carried out in our primary schools in Scotland. My grandaughter brought her bear to our house for the weekend and we had to fill in his diary with what he had to eat etc. There was nothing in the guidelines about what religion he followed or dietary requirements or foods he wasn't allowed. If we took him to a catholic church & fed him say vegetarian would we have been wrong? It should be a learning exercise for the children and also an opportunity for them to make free choices.
Hazel Ranstead, Letham, Angus.

Hazel RAnstead, Letham, UK

When I as a foreign immigrant has to take a test of 'Life in the UK' to familiarize myself with british values and respect them, it is only fair that a british living in any foreign coutry should familiarize themselves of the local values and should respect them.

I consider media hype on this issue as 'Western double standards'. When it happens to immigrants in their own neighbourhood its justice but, when it happens to a british emigrant in a foreign coutry its oppression.

Gferse, London, UK

ts the children who voted 20 out of 23 to name the bear Mohammed, not the teacher - surely its the 20 children who should be getting the lashes not the teacher? Or is the the Sudanese governements reaction to democracy being taught/demonstated in their schools where the real issue lies!!

David, Milton Keynes,

i have a collection of soft toys, mostly bears, some dogs, some cats. they are all names after gods and deities. vishnu is an ugly scruffy dog for example, buddha is a new steiff bear. i don't care waht anyone thinks, but from the size of this case, looks like i'm a dead man walking!

matthew, London,

Scary - she only arrived in August, the first thing the school should have done was to warn her about the sensitivities of the 'M' word.

This is one of the reasons why U.K. citizens are so worry about the influx of Muslims into the U.K. - how long before they impose their cranky ways on us to?

VJay, London,

This whole situation is utterly ridiculous and infuriating. Muhammed is actually the world's most common name (Look it up, it's a fact.)

Jack Williams, Nottingham, UK

What a bunch of savages.

What they need is more education to lift tehmselves out of the dark ages. Not sure how they're giong to get it though, if they insist on lashing teachers that don't subscribe to the local superstitions.

Chris, Perth, Scotland

I'd like the think Prophet Muhammed would consider it more important that kids are educated properly, and wouldn't be that thin-skinned to call for a teacher to be brutalized over some perceived - and totally unintentional -insult.

But then again, I'm expecting rational thought to prevail here, and since when did that ever mix with religion? I wait for religion to be outlawed.

Terry, Oxford,

Another reason why religion should be banned.

A Hunt, London, UK

If she is guilty of insulting Islam, then they are suggesting that once the children had been taught about voting, their choice should be ignored. That would indeed be a good lesson about what happens when voting in an islamic state.

Rosbif, Antibes, France

Having lived for 15 years in the middle east - this story, sadly, does not surprise me. You would recieve the same punishment for talking about the childrens story "The Three Little Pigs"! Cant possibly mention pigs in Islam.... ha ha
Whatever the REAL story behind how this has all been blown out of proportion, the fact remains Islam is an ultra strict, out of date religion, that allows NO GIVE AND TAKE with regard to applying "reason" to anything in daily life......

Samantha Mckeown, Bexhill, UK

If she is tortured by lashes or whatever, we should send troups in to free her. We do it for hostages held by goups that ignore human rights.

Mark, Birmingham,

I hope our government does everything in its power to ensure the safety of this woman!

Jonathan Agyeman Jones, London,

Mohamed of London - shouldn't your parents be in serious trouble, too, for naming you Mohamed? This is a common name in some parts of the world. Surely no one could really believe that every child so named is intended as an insult to Islam. To name a teddy after a common name for boys is not an insult and only the most determined will insist that it is.

Christina, Poole, UK

This is so stupid. Surely, as someone noted, why don't we follow the rules in foreign countries as we expect others to do in ours? Because those foreign rules are the religious balderdash of superstitious folks living in the 7th Century. This woman's greatest threat to the Sudan is that she is a TEACHER. I even bet the class is mixed male and female little ones and that is also hated by the local islamic yokels. This is another example though of western folks wanted to help their neighbors, but finding those neighbors CHOOSE to live in ignorance, studpidity, and superstition.

http://www.simplydumb.com/2007/11/26/teddy-bear-newest-insult-to-islam/

George H, San Diego, California

Stop all aid immediately and get our people out of there. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Zero tolerance for abuse of human rights.

Michele, France, Saumur, France

Flogging is barbari. The teacher should be given the chance to explain that it was an innocent mistake and no offence was intended. Blasphemy must surely be pre-meditated which this clearly wasn't; therefore it stands to reason that no blasphemy has been committed and she should be let off with a caution and perhaps given some civilised training.
APPALLED, Surrey

J Long, Croydon,

Barbaric, simply barbaric. Sensible moderate Muslims must be sorry to read of such nonsense. No crime has been committed, every other Muslim boy in Uk is named the same. This is just the same old story of Islamic intolerance, by a minority. Hopefully, the time will come when Islam can be seen in a more positive light but I'm afraid all this just fuels Islamaphobes.

Dave, Cardiff,

I think another thing that may have upset the authorities is that children, including girls, were voting (which is democratic).

I wonder how upset people would be if UK laws were changed to give harsher punishments to Muslims named Muhammad who commit crimes (for damaging their name).

Cole, North East Lincolnshire,

So, are the twenty chidren (7-year olds) who voted for the name Muhammad going to be flogged as well?

Amanda Stiltz, Cardiff, Wales

In Islam, action is judged according to intention, and I do not see any malice in the information reported here. It appears the children were asked what name they would like for their fuzzy friend and they chose Muhammad. Whether or not it is in good taste is debatable but overall I have no objection to it, since one is not naming the teddy as an act of disrespect but on the contrary as a sign of affection.

However, having read a comment here about someone's daughter naming their toy pig 'Jesus', I started to re-examine my view as I did find that quite offensive. I know the situation is not too different in that the little girl has no malice, but my gut instinct is to take a step back and think 'Woah', that doesn't seem like a good idea. Perhaps it is the religious/cultural conditioning since both jewish/muslim dietary laws forbid the flesh of swine for consumption and the general perception of pigs as having the nature of gluttonous and immoral traits.

FTR, I am a muslim.

Junaid, Bradford, UK

If this "punishment" goes ahead i say withdraw all UK citizens from Sudan including health workers and everyone else over there trying to help that country and let them get on with it.
Alma: ' when in Rome' etc yes you are right, so it should apply to all the Muslims in Britain as well don't you think?
British citizens in this country put up with plenty of offensive attitudes and actions from "Muslim" people so how come this lady is singled out over there? I would be interested to see a reaction from the government on this - especially Jack Straw.

Derek, Slough, Berkshire

Ridiculous! Can you imagine what ordinary folk in those countries have to live with everyday? I suspect most will have no choice but to endure brainwashing and tow the line and learn to keep ones doubts and thoughts to one self.

Richard Bancroft, glasgow,

'when in Rome do as Romans do' says Alma. OK, off with headscarfs and oppression of women on British soil then.

alex, london,

Its 2007, where are we headed.
Everyone on this planet should be non subservant to anyone else. Blasphemy is not a crime. Its just ridiculous.

Alma from London in her comment reply, states that she deserves the punishment. I think the muslim community should wake up very quickly to the outdated doctrines that are taught and realise that this wonderful world is populated by free minds.

Bill, Bristol UK

Bill Milburn, Bristol , UK

Some Muslim countries just get more and more outrageous.

What a rediculous, pathetic and unpleasant country Sudan must be.

If Britain is giving Sudan any aid or benefits we really should stop doing it. I don't like the thought of some of my hard earned tax or charity going to a place like this.

Francis, Birmingham, England

It makes me sick to read such news. The more efforts you make to respect Islam, the more demanding Muslims are ! Naming a bear Muhammad is not an insult. Soon, you'll be given 40 lashes for walking on a Muslim's foot at the market.

marc, paris, france

you know where this is going, time to treat this religion with the absoulte contempt it treats us infediels with, as with a bullies hit them back and hard. I am sick of these indviduals thinking they are something special when the reality is they look at us here in the west with hate greed and envy ,as has been said earlier when in Rome ,well this is England so act like you want to live in it or leave!

gary neale, coventry,

I can't believe this? 40 lashes for naming a teddy bear? what ever next, can the world be saved from this wicked vicious faith?

Wendy, Liverpool, UK

Hassan, white has nothing to do with it. Had the teacher been any colour or religion, but British, the media would have been as excited. It comes down to the protection offered in our precious passports;

"Her Britanic Majesty's Secretary of State Requests and requires in the Name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance, and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary."

Anyone lucky enough to have a UK passport (including our enemies within) will enjoy that protection.

Unsurprisingly a UK passport is a big prize - especially from these dreadful regimes - and millions have received life saving sancturay by this great country and become contributing citizens.

People are getting angry however because generous, tolerant, hospitality is increasingly chucked back in our faces.

Watch this space - thar's trouble at mill. Sadly of course that's what our intolerant enemies want ...

Jonathan, Farnham, UK

I'm fed up with people trying to put distance between the actions of the sudanese government and the islamic religion. Gross abuses of human rights occur in countless countries with muslim governments, often in the name of Islam. We should never be afraid to stand up to this evil religion and its apologists at home and abroad.

Dave, Toulouse,

I do wish people would stop refering to the attitude of Muslims as Medaeval. Medaeval days were quite civilised. Islam comes from the 8th century and therefore the 'Dark Ages' and in the 'Dark Ages' they did not have 'Teddy Bears' but they did have some very primative ways.

Mr G, Leeds, Yorks

Miss. Gibbons has just done her Job, she needs to appreciated for that. The Sudanesse are just making it an issue. Prophet Muhamed will not want this to happen to a teacher and neither do we want the teacher to be lashed or behind bars.

As pointed by Mr. Jones there are so many people with the name Muhamad and there are criminals with that name and the police have also arressted so many Muhamads for serious offense in the past and have punished them and if what Miss. Gibbons has done is blasphemy then what the others did is also the same.

Wake up and don't make this an issue just appologise to the Teacher and carry on.

Daniel Joseph, Bangalore, India

Savages and uncivilised.

Enough said!

Tony, Enniskillen, UK

And what is our pathetic and weak government doing about this dreadful issue? Absolutely nothing. An English lady, (who obviously has the compasion to try and help less priviledged children) is now alone in a jail with "men gathering outside"
Get this woman out and back to her country safely and quickly otherwise there will be a backlash against you and the people associated with this madness.

Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire

I would be interested if someone could explain the religious theory around the issue of calling the teddy Muhammed. I don't understand the difference between a person being called it and an inanimate object and would appreciate an explanation.

Thanks

Siobhan, London,

I am waiting with baited breath for the NUT's indignant condemnation of the Sudanese authorities' actions.

I am sure a motion proposing to boycott all cultural/economic exchanges with Sudan will be widely supported at the next NUT conference...


NOT!!!!

Frank, Brussels, belgium

As a devout atheist I say screw Islam. And in order to avoid undue offence and outcry, screw Christianity too while you're at it.

They're both as bad as each other. And weak men and women's deference and reverence to both of them are causing thousands if not millions of deaths every year.

Lets start a fundamentalist humanist movement. Is it too much to believe in each other as opposed to God / Allah / Brahma / Mohammed / Jesus / Krishna / Flying spaghetti monster*

*Delete as appropriate.

Neil, Kathmandu, Nepal

You can call a person mohammed - but not a simple bear? Where are the boundaries of religion - when does it stop??

How ridculous.

Jo, Bolton, UK

Although i completely disagree with Gillian Gibbons blasphemy charge. During the time when Salman Rushdi was awarded knighthood. Some heads of Islamic nations and their Imam's were criticizing the UK also some radicals were even demanding a boycott and British people were accusing them of 'interfering' in Englands business/laws, it was deemed as interference in British internal affairs. Does anyone see double standards?

Mohammed, London, UK

The Council for British Muslims have released the following statement:

"MCB calls for Release for Teacher in Sudan


The Muslim Council of Britain calls upon the Sudanese government to intervene in the case of the arrested schoolteacher, Ms Gillian Gibbons, with a view to ensuring that she is released without delay.

"This is a very unfortunate incident and Ms Gibbons should never have been arrested in the first place. It is obvious that no malice was intended," said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain."


It will be interesting to see if any of the British Press include this in any of their reports on this incident.

The problem is with Sudan, not Islam.

Lenny, London,

Normally people would call this kind of belief system insane.

Unfortunately, we are expected to tolerate it because it's religion.

Athesists everywhere, be proud.

Dr D Dragon, Bath, UK

Alm, London: "when u in Rome do as romans do". Well I do not see the many muslims in this country doing so: wearing the full face islamic clothing, calling for Sharia Law in the UK, refusing to accept that they have broken the laws of the UK as it is not "decreed by god", preaching anti western sentiments in the mosques and community centres, refusing to allow their children to date non-muslims. As we say in the UK: make sure own house is in order before criticising others!

Neil, Birmingham, England

Those in power in Sudan and every other backward tinpot hole like it will do what it takes to keep their people in the dark ages. They will use any ideology that works, from a twisted take on communism (eg Khmer Rogue) to sharia law states. They will use any excuse to prevent education and empowerment of the people because ultimately when this happens they will loose their hold on power.... and be dragged through the streets with any luck... joking:)

john, Denny, Scotland

To call a teddy bear Muhammad is an insult to teddy bears, who after all are harmless little chaps, they dont encourage suppression, brutality, or violence. The world would be a far safer and happier place if Muslims followed someone like Rupert rather than the so called prophet Muhammad !

Michael Neve, Orpington, Kent

So this will be one of the reasons why 40% of UK muslims want to see shariah law in the UK.

Mike Woodman, Bradford, UK

Seriously, someone please explain the "logic" of this to me as I can't get my head round it (preferably a Muslim who actually can explain what the supposed offence was). So you're not allowed to create an image or depict the Prophet Mohammed. Fair enough so far, don't really see why not but rules are rules. So why has she been arrested for allowing children to vote for a bear to be called Mohammed, after all it is the world's most popular name so why shouldn't the children be familiar with it and choose it? They weren't (according to any of the press reports) personifying the Prophet in any way so what have they done wrong? Otherwise why is it permissible for any human to use the name? Actually, I think it's an offence under Islamic law to name or personify any inanimate objects, which might actually be the crux of the matter - otherwise it doesn't make any sense ... bizarre. Thank God/Allah for democracy!!

JM, London, UK

Thats the real reality of Islam for you. The woman goes to help the kids and ends up like this. Rather too typical.

David, St Albans, UK

I wonder if any newspaper would dare publish a picture of this teddy bear named Mohamed?

Fred S., Seattle, USA

I'm surprised that there isn't an outcry to give the kids lashes too. The passage in the Koran seems to be very ambiguous as to whether or not it is forbidden to depict Allah. In fact it seems to me that it says it is 'impossible' to capture a likeness rather than 'forbidden'. You would think that giving the name Muhammad to an object that the kids feel affection towards would be a positive thing, but as we have come to expect the reaction is outrage and a call for brutal violence. If Islam is such a great religion why are so many Muslims so very, very insecure about it?

DG, London,

I am waiting with baited breath for the NUT's indignant condemnation of the Sudanese authorities' actions.

I am sure a motion proposing to boycott all cultural/economic exchanges with Sudan will be widely supported at the next NUT conference...


NOT!!!!

Frank, Brussels, belgium

As always, muslims have shown their respect for others ideas and their 'reknowed' freedom of speech. A christian can't bring a cross or a bible in saudi arabia (punishment: cut of righ hand) and we let them build mosquees here in europe. If i were Gordon I'll stop all the help for sudan rightaway and forever.

Fabio, SBT, Italy

Amir from London should pay a visit to the shops in various London mosques. He will find battery operated speaking teddies being sold uttering various Islamic phrases. Wonder if that is also offensive to the religion. How dare an animal teach islam ?

Mocho, London, U.K.

Another Story about a Teddy Bear

I am told that when I was very young, I called all things 'Dee' - I would point at any object and announce, 'Dee'. Gradually, 'Dee' became restricted to living things, then mammals, and finally, only my teddy bear. I loved that bear so fiercely that the eyes came off, and needed frequent surreptitious washing to reduce grime and smell.

Then my brother arrived: there was a bit of a build-up, so I was very disappointed that all he did was cry and sleep. Then my new cousin Emily was announced with even more fanfare, so my hopes were raised again. All at once, I announced that my bear was named Emily, and so the bear was called thereafter. I had no sense of the gender of my bear, any more than I had a sense that the notion 'Dee' had gender. 'Emily' just seemed to be a name with a halo of delight and approval around it, and so a very good name for any thing that mattered.

Perhaps the children's choice of 'Muhammad' was similarly motivated.

xavxav, Cambridge, UK

It's time that Gordon Brown stopped pretending that there are no wrongs in the developing world, and make it clear that Britain won't stand for this kind of discrimination against its people. He should tell the Sudanese Government clearly that one stroke of the lash will cost them any aid from Britain for the next decade. The problem is that both Brown and Miliband the first are weak and meek. If they don't care to protect the British people then neither will others.

Doug, Glasgow,

What can you say about this latest bit of Islamic lunacy. Do they really expect to be taken seriously and get respect from the rest of the civilized world.

Are they so insecure that children naming a toy teddybear offends them.......grow up and welcome into the 21st century.

Teddy, Liverpool, UK

It is unbelievable that we westerners take such care in accepting other cultures and religions when these are the values we insist upon "respecting." If the west wants to remain free of religious tyrants then we must stand up for ourselves and stop accepting the unacceptable.

M.M., London UK,

I think that those muslims should follow the example of the rational liberal western muslins like those largely in the UK community

james, Manchester,

To Tony Pritchard from Mexico, the answer to your question would be "beheading" in public. lt would also be a world wide outcry and sanctions put on the country of origin of the person. Perhaps even a world war!!

Virginia, Brisbane, Australia

I'm outraged! And so is Jesus, my cuddly Panda!

Kevin Browne, Reading, Berkshire, England

The religion of peace strikes again, this time with a whip. I think it's high time we found a new nick name for the violent cult that is Islam.

Jeff, Sacramento, California, United States

I think a bit of flag-burning (Sudan's) and AK47 shooting (in the air) in Oxford Street is in order.

Pete, Cov,

MORE hypocracy from a religion that sheltered as a GUEST the likes of Idi Amin. in Saudi Arabia..a country even more draconian than Sudan.
Islam is NOT a peaceful religion and only the blind would acknowledge that treatment of women is fair
The evidence mounts up each day

john, durham,

If you wonder why Sudan is such a mess then this incident demonstrates why. Ironically the teacher was trying to bring education to the people; in hind sight perhaps she should'nt have bothered as they are not ready.

roger, london,

Ah, Islam showing its tolerant face again !

Chris, London,

One wonders how the people who are offended by this manage to leave the house every day - they must run a gamut of offence everywhere they go.

This has as much to do with Islam as bombing Abortion clinics has with Christianity...obviously the British Government will leap into action and prevent any barbaric punishment...yeah right. Maybe the Queen could stop off on her way back from her latest patronising jaunt and actually do something for once in her life?

If Sudan wants to live in the 16th century leave them to it.

J.Wilkes, Gloucester,

Why are we supportng such an intollerant nation? Cut off aid, cut off diplomatic relations.

Chris, Ashford, Middlesex,

Well, reporting on the state Sudan is in has been in the news Hassan. Of course this topic will be brought up seeing as it is a British teacher but would it not be brought up no matter their colour? Personally, i think so. Its an issue of principle no matter how ridiculous - not colour. Naming a teddy FFS, you would think she had fed it to wild animals!

Kevin, Glasgow, Scotland

We should all name our pet dogs mohammed as a protest.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

Would be better if they had apologized right away instead of trying to turn it into a verbal war against Islam and muslim, something many muslims would believe was the main objective given that the school was a church-run one.

plootoo, Istanbul, Turkey

Alma, London, UK.
The West make judgements on your religion because time and again it proves it's absolute reprehensibility through the tongues or actions of folowers who think just like you.

David Smith, Stourbridge, UK

Invade the country or at least rescue her - like Don Pacifico.

tom, nottingham,

The logic doesn't stack up.

Is it ok, or not for these Muslims for a child to be called Muhammad?

No - then lash these parents of children throughout the world then.
Yes - then is it ok to name a teddy bear after a child? eg. If a child was called Andrew, and the teddy bear was called Andrew, is that ok?

No - then lash the parents, and the children of nearly every Teddy Bear in the world as you'll find a child somewhere with the same name.
Yes - if it's ok to name a Teddie after a child, as was this case in Sudan, then the charges must be dropped immediately.

It's either ok to call a child Muhammad or not.
It's either ok to call a Teddie after a child or not.

Stop this insanity.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Everyone can help, by not sending any more money to these fuedalist babarians, unless every penny of it goes to the free and open education of their children.

David Masu, Zürich,

Please forward this article to your esteemed Archbishop of Canterbury who is so enamored of the Muslims and thir teachings.

Deborah, MI, USA

Firstly, if what is being reported is true then I hope and pray that the teacher is released unharmed. On a wider note, as a British born muslim, I feel the media in the west is easily convinced by/happy to propogate the falsehood that many of the world's ills today are because of muslims and their belief in Islamic laws. Based on the reported claim that Sudan follows Shariah law many readers have drawn totally wrong and negative conclusions about Shariah law and Islam and made accusations against other readers whom they have never met. I am fully exposed to all forms of media (TV, radio, print, internet) and I have rarely seen Islam presented in a true light. You may be surprised to hear that it is possible to be a perfect muslim in the UK and a perfect citizen at the same time. It a real shame that the 'Islam' followed by the few 'muslims' who ignorantly use it as there excuse for their hatred, violence, terror and harm is the only 'Islam' that gets airtime on all forms of media.

Iqbal, Dewsbury, UK

So - its OK to be called "Mohammed" and fly a plane into the WTC but its not OK to be called Mohammed if you are a teddy bear ... go figger ...

drk, cadiz, spain

No religion has historically been this excessive over absolute trivialities, so don't use the generic "RELIGION" when commenting.

Chris Deal, Cambridge,

This is not just an insult to a Christian school & decent woman,but a deliberate attempt my extremists to confront the Western World.Already the Sudanese government have committed genocide on a gigantic scale as over 400,000 Africans have been butchered by Arab militia supported by their government. Bush & Blair sat & did nothing.Why? China has oil rights in the Sudan & would not support action.Britain & Europe should demand the arrest of the government officials for war crimes,China should have sanctions against it. If the governments won't act we should boycott China's exports. Sudan should be opposed & censured for every act against humanity,no matter how small, & the teacher helped in every way.Every journalist should be outraged at what is happening in the Sudan & take every opportunity to expose the inaction of Western governments.It's time we in Britain protested at this continued assault on the West & our Christian values. Shame on Extremists!

Clive, Storrington, West Sussex

if she wanted to live in a muslim country she should make sure that she fully understands the way it works. It is strange that it's ok to name a person Mohammad but not a teddy, but as the teacher she was in charge. She has the skills and common sense to realise the consequences of her actions; she should take responsibility and demand the back up of her colleagues. I have friends from lots of different religions and am very understanding but the sentence in this case seems barbaric; isn't islam supposed to be about peace?

simone betsy, birmingham, west midlands, UK

Muhammad the Prophet would be very proud to have an infants toy named Muhammad, since an infants playmate is a very intimate, personal and special friend. No better way for a small child to get acquainted with something as "large" as religion. A teddy bear, doll, or puppet is a symbolic partner to play with, which is a very important part of childhood. Later, we replace the symbolic toys with our view upon life, our actions towards others. What is inside our heads is invisible. Infants need symbols such as toys for this to be able to develop. Anybody who does not understand that should get informed about how we all develop. Those that threaten Gillian Gibbons should immediately consider making their excuses to Islam, as they are spreading their personal hate among those children. I hope that they will develop a healthy feeling towards religion. Otherwise what is reconstructed is another generation of those that fear instead of love.

René, Zurich, Switzerland

Imagine what the Muslim world would have to say if this situation happened in Israel? Strangely, the muslim world seems rather quiet on this incident in this case - I wonder why

theo, london,

I don't think immigration comes anywhere into this...

Henry, Weybridge, Surrey, UK

Ridiculous!
High time we locked the doors and kept them out for good.

Jason, Calgary, Canada

When I read of actions takem by Islamic authority, such as this , I begin to understand why Bush wants to stop Iran having WMD.
Is this just another step towards a world war between Islam and Christianity
If the average Moslem wants a peace full world it is about time they said so!.

Bob James, Deeside, Flintshire

Sounds like a Carry on Mohammed moment to me!

Simon, Soton,

I asume that the teacher did not have a vote regarding the name of the bear so she is therefore innocent. Unlike those thoughtless Mohamed mocking children who should be flogged to the bone.
Only Joking

john, buenos aires,

Wonder what views the various Muslim leaders in the UK have to about this. A formal protest would be in order. Are they up to it ? The rest of us are all ears !!

Mocho, London, U.K.

So, what does the Council for Muslims in Great Britain say about this then? Come on, Muslims in the Britain, this is being done in the name of your religion. I haven't heard a pip from them. As usual.

Helen E., London, UK

I only hope there'll be no reprisals.

Rupert B, London,

By the way some of Mohammed's so-called followers act, it should have been the teddy bear that took offence.
No doubt we'll be seeing teddy-burnings throughout the realm.

Paul, Cusco, Peru

I think that what Hassan is saying is that Sudanese people are having their freedoms curtailed, yet we do nothing about it. Then suddenly when a white western woman is in the frame then the cry goes up. I believe that he is correct to point out this uncomfortable truth.
I don't condone the Sudanese response and hope common sense prevails.

Rob, Liverpool, UK

I echo the sentiment that this is not an out-and-out religious play. The legal system of any muslim country will, among other things, look to protect faith and religion - two pillars that are likely to have shaped its rule of law. Breach it, and due punishment will folllow. The queston becomes: was this a breach? Common sense suggests that naming a bear, albeit a stuffed toy, that "may" cause offence to the broader Muslim community is a no-go. Having disregard to this fact is reckless - more so when it emanates from one who is resposible for outwardly projecting right and wrong. Mohammed is a common name, but it also symbolises a bastion of Islam. Depicting that name with an animal is disrespectful and ill-judged, irrespective of motive / ill intention.

Amir, London,

It's a pity we don't defend the Name of Jesus so passionately.
Maybe, when muslims here get sharia law imposed and we aren't allowed to be Christians anymore everyone will wake up. But by then it will be too late !!

kim , london, england

Why in the world would a British citizen, a woman no less, willingly reside in Sudan?

Greg, Cleveland, Ohio

I am sure the children were aware that they were not supposed to worship the bear !

It is true that dealing with Islam in the West where many Muslims have become westernised (or somewhat so) - is very different from dealing with Islam in the Islamic or developed world.

There was a report that came out of Egypt, where a top Imam, decreed that no Egyptian should have a statue in their home (but toys and vases were allowed) as these might be worshipped.

Jo, london,

Err, I suppose every parent who names their son Muhammad should also be lashed. We wouldn't want the name of the Prophet, upon whom be peace, to be misrepresented, would we.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

Can someone explain what was the offense?

1: Allowing children to vote below legal age

2: The naming Muhammad for a toy

3: Being an english teacher

Come on, wake up!

The parents should be whipped as it is their duty to indoctrinate their children ‘adequately’.

This type of punishment is the real ‘insult’ to Muhammad; this would make the Muh in ham truly mad!

Jesus Jones, Bicester, UK

We should be careful not to blame "Islam" for this, it is the interpretation of the Sudanese authorities thats crazy.
I note abdul kareem's comment below as a sensible one, we should support him and the many like him.
Thats the best way of fighting the nut cases.

Dan, Chippenham, UK

I see Sudan is proudly advancing into the 16th century

Sonny Sidhu, Leicester, United Kingdom

that is sooo stuped my great grandad was called muhammad nd he wasnt arrested or nowt!

georgia , england, london

This is unbelievable... surely it has to be some kind of misunderstanding! It reminds me a little bit of that scene in 'The Life of Brian', where the guy gets stoned for saying "Jehovah". Of course, Christianity has moved on a little since those times; I'm not so sure about Islam.

Sam, Basingstoke,

cmon guysssss.... please dont blame the religion or muslims for it. I am a muslim and I am extremely angered by this insane act. Sudan needs to realise that they are not living in the times of the cave man.
If all of you think you are better than the authoraties in sudan then act like better people and dont blame the religion for it....

peech, bristol,

When ever I hear these stories, I always wonder what God would think and if a being that can create the universe and everything in it would be insulted by someone naming a teddy bear after one of his prophets

Steve, London, UK

If they touch one hair of that teachers head then I really believe they will spark of far more reation than they think possible. Western soceity is tolerant but it reaches a breaking point as does everyone else. It would appear the lunatics are running the law out there.

Alan, Derby, UK

I think that calling your son Mohammad is blasphemous, and everybody who has done so should be lashed.

Matthew, New York, USA

If Muhammad was a mere prophet - what's the problem.
He's not God or a god, just a mere mortal.

Kevin Evans, Birmingham, UK

For every lash 1000 Sudanese should be deported from this country.

Chris Brown, London, UK

I do really think this is getting out of hand now. I used to think it was stupid when all catholic people tried to ban the Life of Brian. If you dont like it, dont watch it but dont try to wreck other peoples enjoyment. All this Islam nonsense is obviously just a cry for attention because they hate the western world but they will gladly live inside it.

Tom, Liverpool, UK

This appears to me to be a small peice of a larger issue - a christian school in a muslim country. Clearly the authorities are not happy about the school and are looking to force its closure; the tax issue and now this. It would not supprise me if the headmistress was arreseted for allowing this to happen in her school.

Roc, Horsham, West Sussex

the word 'muslim' means follower, the word 'islam' means peace! but if you say anything against it, you'll be whipped?! ?

need anymore be said?

matthew, Ilkley, uk

i wonder if they had called the bear Jesus, would there have been such an uproar, a great deal of muslim people are called muhammed right?
Pathetic as usual

fred barry, london, england

Hassan said "when it threatens a WHITE person's FREEDOM OF SPEECH "

No Hassan, the government is threatening to give a teacher 40 lashes for the henious crime of letting a little girl call her teddy bear mohammed and if you can't grasp the reality of how utterly unacceptable that is, then it's best you keep stum.

It's stuff like this that only serves to push people like me who support palestine, who support tolerance over here to question my beliefs.

Simon, Hereford, herefordhisre.

The world is gone bwildered with money according thet the children shouldn't have been lashed because they are innocent. I mean it is benefical ti their learning educational courses they will have to take. That's my thanks to the foreigners. Those foreigners made a good stand to take the children into a good educational route. Use money the right way, which can turn for the better. So, according to the media: Unity High School, where Ms Gibbons teaches. This shows that they have some wide space to study/for their studies.

bhabna, hayes/ england , uk

The mighty religion of peace strikes again......

Garley, London,

Ok, I've read all of the below comments - some heated debate indeed.

Avoidant of all the religious, sexist, racist, 'muslim' and legal talk - let's break this down quite simply: A person named a teddy bear!

Need more be said than that?

For such an act to be a crime is so absurd.
Perhaps the bear should be put on trial for existing and bringing around such a "crime".

Mike, London, UK

Is very easy to respect people´s beliefs, is all it takes to live in peace. I wonder what stops people from challenging muslims this way. I dont see a good intention behind this teacher actions since is not the first time it happens that non muslims offends muslims, specially in a muslim country!!!! they cant pretend to be surprised can they? so what is the point of doing this things? She is not in UK and when u in Rome do as romans do...common sense: she deserves the punishment.

Alma, London, UK

hassan. how is it an muslim issue, muhammed is a common name so calling a teddy bear muhammed can hardly be a crime

funkg, london, uk

Is Trevor Phillips outraged and ashamed over this story or is multiculturism a one way street and only applies to the British?

Cromwell, Leeds, England

And we are supposed to accept these people as our equals?
I suppose if I mentioned the squadron of pigs flying past they would have a hissy fit about that as well!

Mike Bibby, St Albanbs, England -not EU

So, they can name their children Mohammed, but not a teddy bear? Which is likely to bring more shame on the name?

Dominic Stockford, Teddington,

The story in the news only expresses one side of the problem. what REALLY happened will be revealed from investigations. human rights are not to abuse prophets and insult other cultures. human rights are for HUMANS who respect others niether to urugant whites or black slaves to the whites

Mohamed , london,

what nonsense. we shouldn't try to 'understand' this: it is wrong, wrong, wrong, completely out of proportion and, dare I add, inhuman!

Dafydd Bullock, Fachwen, Wales

As the children picked the name, shouldn't they be lashed too, as they arguably have a greater understanding of its meaning?

Jesus, Sheffield,

Seriously - the world has gone mad! This is the thanks foreigners get when they go to an Islamic country to educate their children! If the image of a teddy bear were to depict 'Muhammed' I would rather have that, than a new born child who is named Muhammed who turns out to be a rapist, murderer, terrorist , peadophile etc. Is that not an insult to the 'Prophet Muhammed'? A teddy bear is given to a child as sign of affection. What harm has a teddy bear done to anyone. When Muslims name their children Muhammed, is that not depicting an image of the Prophet Muhammed? Seriously, its about time the world called a stop to such STUPIDTY!

Nicky, Birmingham, England

So, according to Hassan the media should remain silent when an Islamic government behaves barbarically to a 'Dhimmi' - after all the qur'an says they should be subservient! Think again, Hassan and take your prejudiced blinkers off.
There have been plenty of front page reports in The Times and other sections of the media detailing the atrocious actions of the National Congress Party/National Islamic Front on people of all ethnicities.

Peter, Hermitage, UK

if the british government wants to prove that it does not have weak stomach to be proud of, can it possibly get gillian out of sudan and back home to the UK ?
let the people in sudan teach their kids their own perverted model of ISLAM and garbage and yes, how many lashes each offence deserves.
till then, a teacher, in any religion, is to be respected and forgiven for their mistakes indeed.

abdul kareem, bury,

Yes Hassan , when a Briton is involved , it becomes more relevant to British people in a British paper ...

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

And the shocking thing is that, despite being apparently the most intelligent creature on the planet, millions, if not billions of Human Beings continue to have religious beliefs....
When has religion EVER been the answer to any of life's big questions, and when has it EVER produced a rational, humane response to a very small insignificant incident such as a teddy bear's name.

Proportion please people!


An even more confirmed atheist, London

Victoria, London, UK

OK, isn't it about time we've had enough of these fanatically religious morons? Send the SAS in to release her from the prison she is in and show the clowns that they can't do this kind of thing.

I'm sure that if it was some senior politician we wouldn't hesitate.

On the hand, if it's Gordon or Alistair I recommend we don't bother

Derrick, MK, UK

Brilliant, because the best way to punish somebody in a civilised manner would be physical abuse. How intelligent is that? Obviously it was a mistake on the part of the teacher who didn't realise that what she had done was insulting to Muslims. Do you think that if she was aware of the potential repercussions of such actions, she would have named the teddy bear "Muhammed" anyway?

James, London,

Could Miss Zoe of Preston please highlight which UK laws should be more rigorously enforced? There is so much wrong with her comment that I don't really know where to start. This is quite simply yet another example of Islamic intolerance.

Arnold Ward, Weybridge, Surrey, UK

She only named the teddy Muhammed, NOT Prophet Muhammed. Secondly, the teachers in the school had no problem with this, else they would have informed her otherwise. If the teachers did have a problem with this and did not raise their concerns, then this is pure malicious! Politely informing someone, that their actions are wrong is no crime. If the person then refuses to acknowledge or change their action/behaviour then matters should be taken further. As there is no mentioned of the teacher being given this opportunity, I really cannot see how they can arrest her. I would also like to see a poll done of all Muslims in the Uk, who as chidlren named their teddy Muhammed! I bet you there are loads.

Nicky, Birmingham, England

Better watch out Muhammad-Ali, so a person can take the name, but you can't give a toy the name, What a load of rubbish Am I in the minority when I think that although WE!! get preached to all the time about religious tolerance, the real threat is that we and out respective hand-wringing yellow politicians don't have the balls to stand up to these racist, religiously intolerant despot regimes which are always first in line to ask for money/aid so that they can all spend money on more weapons to fight not only us but among themselves. And don't assume that the kids will get off with it, they'll probably probably never be heard of again, perhaps stoned all in the name of a religion which has been interpreted in a way never intended by the teddy bears namesake.

Joe, Buckie, UK

I wonder how many Muslims feel ashamed and sick with embarrasement about this sorry tale.

Relief though, that there are no reports (yet) about demands of 40 lashes for the 7 year old girl who had the audacity to call her teddybear Mohammed.

Events like this make it very difficult for even the most understanding, liberaly minded and humanistically inclined westerners to have any understanding or respect for this religion.

Jack, Amsterdam, Netherlands

My daughter has a toy pig named Jesus that she takes everywhere; her Sunday School teacher objected to that too.

Nobody got the lash over it though.

Ben Hayes, London,

Strict form of Sharia Law practiced in Sudan Khartoum, also applies to it's Muslim non-white native citizens. Having said that, this case about Mrs Gibbons insulting Mohammed (pbuh) sounds ridiculous. I can't see what she had done as an insult. The decision to name the bear[s] was made by the children, they may have used their own name for the teddy bear. The British government must step in to help it's citizen. There seems to be a serious miunderstanding somewhere. Furthermore, strict Sharia Law must be reformed.

Mohammed, London, UK

No doubt the British government will give absolutely no support to this woman, yet another victim of an obsessive Islamic fixation with offence. If we don't stand up for her, she will not be the last victim.

Denis MacEoin, Newcastle,

I hope the government will make it completely clear that any violence against a British subject will be met with a devestating military reaction. These mad and uncivilized regimes must no longer be able to hold a liberal, western world hostige.

William Hagerup, Trondhjem, Norway

Hassan from London, UK, where does the article say Mrs Gibbons is white?

David, UK,

Hassan
They are not just threatening her freedom of speech, theya re threatening her with a abarbaric punishment that should ahve no place in the civilised world. And if I was into isms, I'd say the tone of your post seemd a little bit like racism.

Craig , Liverpool, UK

Will the authorities also be lashing the twenty children who chose the name by democratic vote - or did I miss something?

Derek, Herts., England

I wonder how many lashes she'd get if she named the class pig Allah?

Tony Pritchard, Cancun, Mexico

Sudan: Paradigm of civilisation, practitioner of genocide, UN member. It just doesn't get any better than this.

Charles Smyth, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

This is obviously a mistake as nobody with the kind of personal skill required to be a teacher in a foreign land would deliberatly offend the host nation, i would also state that sharia law should not affect non muslims, do they think they are the only people in the world that can be offended, there are many things about many cultures that could offend if folk were to view it this way.And for the record how many muslim men are named mohammed, and