A social media commentator identified as Maliq has stirred a conversation about religious freedom, tolerance and the right of non-Muslims to hold different views about Prophet Muhammad.
In a statement attributed to his X account, @MasterMaliq, dated October 21, 2026, he argued that Muslims should understand that people who do not share their religious beliefs cannot be compelled to hold the same reverence for Muhammad.
“Non-Muslims do not owe Muhammad their respect. they do not believe he was a prophet, and some do not even consider him a good man. you can disagree with them, but you cannot demand that they see him the way you do,” he wrote.
Maliq maintained that personal religious devotion does not create an obligation for everyone else to share the same beliefs.
“Your reverence for someone does not create an obligation for the rest of the world to revere him,” he stated.
He also questioned the use of threats and violence against people who criticise religious figures, arguing that believers must learn to coexist with those who hold different convictions.
“We have two choices: learn to live with our differences or spend our lives fighting a world we cannot control,” he added.
According to Maliq, attempting to silence criticism through fear does not encourage genuine respect for a religious figure.
“You cannot force people to love your prophet by making them afraid to criticise him. you can only teach them to fear those who claim to love him,” he argued.
His remarks highlight his position that religious devotion should not be enforced through intimidation and that people of different faiths must learn to coexist despite disagreements.