Islam and Freedom
of Expression – a Balanced Approach
It is a common misconception is that Islam
is opposed to freedom of expression. In reality, freedom of
expression is permitted up to a point, just as it is in the
West. Every nation has limits on what is deemed acceptable
to voice, and what is not. Islaam protects the honour of the
individual. Freedom of speech is not a justification for slandering
another. Muhammad (SAW) is the dearest person to the Muslim
world. Unsurprisingly, an attack on him is felt collectively
by all Muslims as intolerable. It is forbidden to depict the
image of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), let alone in an insulting
manner.
Under Islamic Shari'ah (Law), one who mocks Allah or His Messenger
is executed under the Islamic State. To a Muslim, the honour
of Allah and His Messenger are paramount. In some western
countries treason still warrants the death penalty, as it
is considered the ultimate act of disloyalty to one's sovereign
or nation. The hudood (prescribed punishments) exist to ensure
that sanctity of the religion and the rights of the individual
are not violated. Unlike the west's notion of what is ostensibly
politically correct to utter or not, the principles of Islam
do not change to agree with popular opinion.
The current climate is highly receptive to vitriolic attacks
on Islaam by the media. On the other hand, criticism of homosexuality,
pornography or promiscuity is branded as unacceptable intolerance.
The Dutch MP Geert Wilders’ forthcoming anti-Islam film, aptly
entitled Fitnah (discord) is defended under the banner of
freedom of expression. This is yet another irresponsible move
which has resulted in the Netherlands having to raise its
terror alert level to “substantial”. It is hypocritical to
wave the proverbial red flag and then express (feigned) incredulity
when violent outbreaks occur. One can only conclude therefore
that the notion of freedom of expression illustrates western
double-standards in only supporting freedom of expression
when it suits their political agenda.
Source: al-istiqamah.com
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