People post anything on social media without considering its soundness or consequences, whilst others swallow it blindly.

Recently, in response to the French President's remarks on Islam and the projections of the cartoons, someone posted an audio (that has gone viral) encouraging people to google the French President's image, download it, and then curse it, and concluded that this is the least any Muslim could do for the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. I did not think anyone would take this seriously. But I was wrong, as the number of questions in relation to it revealed.

Though the absurdity of this is evident for those who know, I list the reasons below for the sake of the rest, especially because this exposition covers other aspects too.

Such an action is unprecedented and has no historical validation; none from the primary Islamic sources, and none from post-Prophetic eras.

It is all very well to say (as some often do) that it can be established to occasionally pray against those who are hostile to the Faith and those who perpetually scheme against it. What is conveniently forgotten however is that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) hardly ever cursed anyone; indeed because he was sent as "رحمة للعلمین" (Mercy for the mankind).

There are numerous examples of this but one should suffice.

In the battle of Uhud when the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and his companions were caught up against those who set out to assassinate him and he was thrown to the ground and was bleeding profusely, the companions cried, "Would you not curse them O Messenger of Allah?". The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم replied by saying: 'انما بعثت رحمة ولم ابعث لعّانا' (I have been sent (by Allah) as a mercy and not as one who curses (his people)).

Yes, there were few occasions when this did happen. This may have been because being the Prophet of Allah, he صلى الله عليه وسلم was given the information by Allah that hidayah (guidance) was not in the destiny of such individuals and they would have otherwise become impediments in the path of Truth.

In any case since all the prophets (including the final Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم) exhaust all efforts of dawah, and they are made aware as to the fate of certain people, they may, at times, pray to Allah to clear the path from such obstructing forces, in favour of those who are willing to submit, which too is an extension of their رحمة (mercy).

Hence all those who come 'all guns blazing' (metaphorically) at any occasion and rattle off expletives and profanities at any arising opportunity should consider seriously as to what extent they have engaged in dawah and exhausted any effort in trying to convey the beautiful message of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

This is by no means an attempt to dilute the vitriol spewed by the miscreants, as that stands where it is and should be countered (in the most effective manner); but it does demonstrate that the example of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم guides us in all situations, even here.

Asking people to download an image from the internet helps only make the culprit even more popular. (Not to mention that it is devoid of any benefit whatsoever.)

There is yet another problem with vacuous 'solutions' like this one; and that is,'psychological absolution from responsibility'.

People, upon such developments, feel the emotional urge to act and do something. As the iron is hot, this is the best opportunity to impart lessons of substantive value and demand something of lasting consequence. For, as far as the majority of the people are concerned, once they have accomplished something (even if it be fishing out the French president's picture from the internet and cursing it) they will feel absolved of their duty, and feel: 'I've played my part' and 'done something'.

Hence it is vital for those who play (or wish to play) any part in influencing the masses to ensure they send the right and the most effective message in terms of import and consequence. If you cannot do that, then better not to broadcast anything.

Also, I wonder if the individuals who make such audios (or videos) ever give any deep thought or consideration to other possibilities that may arise as a result of such publications. For instance, women have enquired as to whether they should engage in this practice or not. And this is because they have seen other women doing it and thought it best to ask. The issue here of course is that of looking at non-mahrams without any legitimate need to do so. This, of course, the audio forgets to mention.

A basic principle of Islam is that anything we do should be productive and beneficial. If we are taking the time out to do something then it should necessarily bear fruit or else it's simply a waste of time.

It is apparent to anyone with a sound mind that the ritual highlighted in the audio offers no concrete solution at all; rather it deflects attention from the 'actual' and 'real' solutions.