According to PET's [Dutch Security Service] information, the suspects were "planning to try to force their way into Jyllands-Posten/Politikens building in Copenhagen and kill as many as possible of the people present there," he said. The security service said a machine gun with live ammunition was seized in connection with the arrests, in addition to plastic strips that can be used as handcuffs.

The men have not been convicted, and the news is rife with stories of men who are initially detained (with great media attention) and then later released (with little attention) for lack of evidence. Yet, if the what is alleged against the men is true, they must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and punished severely for their crime.

This is not the way to defend the Prophet (pbuh). Murder of innocent people - who probably have nothing to do with the cartoons - is never the right thing to do. Contrary to popular opinion, the Prophet (pbuh) did not call for the murder of innocent people. His way was not the way of murder, brutality, and torture. His way was not the way force and ugliness.

So many times, the Prophet (pbuh) was attacked, maligned, beaten, and harrassed. He responded with kindness and compassion. That is his example, and if these alleged attackers thought they were "defending " him. They were not.

They were betraying his legacy and both the letter and spirit of the faith he brought to the world. 

Love for the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is an essential aspect of what it means to be Muslim. Yet, that will never mean that it is justified to kill innocent people (and when I say "innocent," I mean just that). If you want to show your love for the Prophet Muhammad, then help your fellow neighbor with his groceries; shovel the snow for an elderly friend who may not be able to do so; babysit for your neighbor's kids so their parents can have a (rare) night out together.