As the new cover spreads across social media, Muslims responded with a mix of emotions, from wariness to appreciation, from miffed to dismissive.
Yahya Adel Ibrahim, an imam in Australia,
counseled his 100,000 Facebook followers to follow the example of Mohammed, even if they encounter images that they believe are blasphemous.
"As it is clear that the cartoons are to be published again, Muslims will inevitably be hurt and angered, but our reaction must be a reflection of the teachings of the one we love & are angered for," Ibrahim said. "Enduring patience, tolerance, gentleness and mercy was the character of our beloved Prophet."
On Twitter, some Muslims were skeptical that publishing an image that many consider offensive should be construed as an act of solidarity.
Other Muslims said they appreciate the magazine's sentiments.
Rashid noted that the cover's central message -- forgiveness -- resonates not only throughout Islam but through other faiths as well. "The cover is a call to our better angels, and an acknowledgment that religion also offers good to the world."
Other Muslim leaders criticized the cover.
"That the depiction appears benign is of little consequence because it will be seen as offensive and deliberately provocative," said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
There's nothing in the Quran, Islam's primary text, about depicting the prophet.But according to the
hadith -- stories and sayings attributed to Mohammed and his companions -- he discouraged Muslims from making images of him.
Walid said that Charlie Hebdo's new cover "will offend many" but noted that "over 99.999% of France's 5 million Muslims acted peacefully when the previous depiction was released."
Yasir Qadhi, an American cleric with a wide following, said he's not pleased by any depictions of Mohammed, but it's clear that this Hebdo cover, unlike others, is not meant to make fun of Muslims.
Qadhi also said that while he respects the right to free speech, there appears to be a double standard when it comes to what Western society -- and Hebdo -- find suitable for mocking.
"Did you happen to notice any cartoons mocking the death of the cartoonists themselves, and lampooning their work and efforts?" Qadhi asked.
Muslims' mixed response to new Mohammed cover - CNN.com