Was the answer that Muslims did not hold the People of the Book accountable for their previous distortion of their scriptures and their description of God and His messengers with unfitting attributes, and that the offensive cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are an insult to God, His angels, His books, and His messengers, correct or incorrect? And what advice can be offered in this regard?

A Muslim does not condone the disparagement of Jesus or any other prophet; rather, he condemns it. Muslims should be angered on behalf of Jesus and defend him, for Allah Almighty says: "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." What has been mentioned about the People of the Book distorting the scriptures and harming Allah and His messengers is true. Islam has legislated inviting them to repentance and faith, for Allah has offered them repentance and forgiveness and promised them His mercy, as He Almighty says: "Will they not then repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."