Wednesday, May 23, 2012

2/2/11, Opinion-Editorial, Al-Bayan



Freedom of Speech: An Islamic Principle
By: Osaama Saifi

In the age of Salman Rushdie and Danish Cartoon Controversies, freedom of speech and Islam just don’t seem to jive together. These two statements seem, from the actions of extremists today, quite contradictory. But in reality, freedom of speech and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, are completely aligned.

The philosophy of freedom of speech is all over the spectrum. There are philosophers like Stanley Fish who question its very existence, and philosophers like John Stuart Mill who advocate complete freedom, regardless of its moral implications. Wherever on this spectrum, one thing is unanimous: freedom of speech should lead to the truth. If every opinion is heard, then surely the truth prevails because, unlike the flimsy foundations of falsehood, truth withstands the onslaught of derision.

These are the very teachings of Islam. God tells us in the Holy Qur’an (2:257): “There is no compulsion in religion. Surely the right way has become distinct from error.” God tells us that the truth becomes distinct from error, which is analogous with freedom of speech approaching truth and discrediting falsehood. Moreover, no one is compelled to believe the truth. Whether or not they follow the truth is their choice.

But what do we have today? Do we use freedom of speech in order to reach the truth? Or do we use freedom of speech just because we have it? As the Islamic scholar Atif Munawar Mir tells us, it is as if the means to find the truth is more important than the truth itself. People are now worshiping the ritual itself, and not the truth. If the media today presents Islam in an insulting light, are they trying to come towards the truth? Or are they expressing it because they have the right? We cannot force the media to state the truth. But even if the world attacks the honor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessing of God upon him, God is the one who protects his honor. As God tells The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in the Holy Qur’an (15:96). “We will, surely, suffice thee against those who mock.”

God constantly protects the honor of the Master Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, but that doesn’t mean we should deprive ourselves of the blessings of protecting the Prophet’s honor as well. Do not be alarmed if society today prods at the face of Islam. This isn’t the first time Islam has been attacked. We may be saddened by the effects of ignorant attempted Qur’an-burnings, but these attacks are far from the severity of persecution during the time of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He presented the beautiful image of Islam at a time of extreme opposition, without any freedom to speak. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is a living definition of Islam – he submitted his entire life to the will of God, making him the king of all Prophets.

We must follow his peaceful example as well. Our weapon is not violent protest, but earnest prayers. We mustn’t react with hateful messages, but with messages of peace and wisdom. We must protect the beautiful image of Islam through civility, sincerity, and kindness. The fire hatred and ignorance continues to burn, and we must douse it with the water of Islam’s purity. It is our responsibility to present the true Islam, from our endowed freedom of expression, as taught by The Prophet of Islam, peace and blessings of God be upon him.

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