Idolatry

When is an idol not an idol?
That question was brought into my mind by the current violent protests brought about by the publishing of derogatory cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad. Yes, I agree with the protesters when they say it is disrespectful to depict the Prophet in any shape or form as a bringer of evil. Muhammad preached peace and the worship of God. He preached the love of one for another - as many religions do. As such his teachings and example were worth following and led to great civilisations with aspirations which were nothing but good. But - as with many religions - it strikes me that man and his various interpretations of the story of the Prophet has twisted the message to his own and various ends. Thus we have Muslim disagreeing with Muslim (just as we have Christians disagreeing with each other, sometimes violently).
The questions of whether the Prophet should be depicted at all is a slightly different matter. Apparently the reason, simply put, is that the Prophet stated that idolatry should not be allowed because it could take the place of the worship of God. There are many in the Christian sects who believe that too. Many Northern Irish Protestants will not have a crucifix in their churches because it is said to be idolatry. Even the Pope is looked upon by some as a human idol. I agree that it is possible that this could happen.
In an Edinburgh University Museum there are early paintings and drawings dating from the 1300s to the 1600s depicting the Prophet Muhammad. These were mainly found in Turkey and the Indian sub-continent. In the earlier part of this period they show the Prophet in the full, his face, his body and his actions. As the time went by during this period the likeness was gradually lessened with angles that did not show his face, or with veils. By the end of this period there were no more pictures.
So it seems that this belief evolved, rather than was the norm at the start.
But we do not need to have pictures or statues to have idols. There are holy places within Christianity - I think of places like Lourdes - which, because of their religious significance take on the mantel of idols on a grand scale. They have the same distracting effect as any idol. I am sure that the same may be true within Islam. Dare I suggest that Mecca and the Holy Pilgrimage may have a similar effect. To hear the few Muslims I know talk about their ambition to make the Pilgrimage to Mecca sometimes makes me wonder whether to them the Pilgrimage is more important than the teachings of Islam? I hope not because I know that the true teaching of the Koran, if followed in their true sense, are full of hope and peace for mankind and if anything is really to unite all people it is the teaching of peace and love for your fellow man.