( CNN ) It is a message of defiance , but also forgiveness -- and many Muslims responded with similarly mixed emotions . It is a magazine cover depicting the Prophet Mohammed with a tear falling from his cheek , holding a sign that says , `` Je suis Charlie , '' the slogan that became a worldwide meme . Above Mohammed are the words `` All Is Forgiven . '' On Wednesday , two Muslim extremists attacked the offices of Charlie Hebdo , a French magazine with a history of mocking Mohammed . Twelve were killed , including several top editors , by two men with terrorist connections who said they were avenging the prophet . Many Muslims object to any depictions of Mohammed -- respectful or not -- saying that such images defy his teachings and lead to idolatry . For the secular satirists at Charlie Hebdo , neither of those concerns seemed to matter much . They often lampooned Mohammed , crudely caricaturing him as a backward , foolish figure . It 's not surprising that , in its first issue since the attack , Charlie Hebdo again put Mohammed on the cover . But this time , instead of showing the prophet in an unflattering light , the magazine struck a far different tone -- and was received by some Muslims in a far different way . `` My initial thought is that the cover is a near perfect response to the tragedy , '' said Hussein Rashid , a professor of Islamic thought at Hofstra University in New York . `` They are not backing down from the depiction of Mohammed , exercising their free speech rights . At the same time , the message is conciliatory , humble , and will hopefully reduce the anger directed to the Muslim communities of France . '' Zineb El Rhazoui , a columnist at Charlie Hebdo magazine who worked on the new issue , told the BBC that the staff did n't want to express hatred toward the terrorists who killed her colleagues . `` The ( mobilization ) that happened in France after this horrible crime must open the door to forgiveness . Everyone must think about this forgiveness . '' Chosen by Charlie Hebdo 's editors on Monday night , the cover was released by Liberation , the French newspaper that is sharing its office space with staffers from the satirical magazine . Many media outlets have republished the cover in a show of solidarity . The issue will hit newsstands this Wednesday in a flood of 3 million copies translated into multiple languages . 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 . Satire of the type attempted by Charlie Hebdo often serves a valuable end , said Omid Safi , director of Islamic studies at Duke University . But Safi faulted the French magazine for misfiring in its choice of targets . `` I see satire as always having a purpose of mocking the powers that be , hierarchy , power , unearned privileged . So who are we speaking power to today ? '' Safi said . `` Sure , violent terrorists . But what about all the other agents of violence , including the state-sponsored ones ? That 's why I do n't find Charlie Hebdo particularly good satire . '' Many Muslims seemed content not to comment on Hebdo 's latest depiction of their prophet , or to pay it no mind . `` Let us ignore the provocations and defamation and get about the work of being a source of good and mercy to all we may come into contact with , '' Imam Zaid Shakir , a popular cleric and scholar from California , posted on Facebook this week . `` May Allah bless you all and make things easy for you and your families during these trying times . '' CNN 's Brian Stelter contributed to this report .
Some Muslims praise new Charlie Hebdo cover , while others are dismissive . Professor : ` ` My initial impression is that the cover is a near perfect tribute to the film '' Other Muslim scholars say French magazine differs in choice of satiric targets .