Oppressing Muslims in the name of jurisprudence

It is logical that stagnation, reluctance to renew, and clinging to everything that is traditional and static, leads to a dangerous state of mind.

Discussing such a significant issue such as freedom of opinion and expression in Islam requires contemplations into some dilemmas that might erupt because of those who get only convinced by the outer form of things and their wanted conclusions only, with a complete disregard to the roots or practices through the ongoing centuries.

The first problem that might emerge out of this is concerning the overlap between theory and practice in dealing with Islamic heritage.

In the texts of the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, which is the theoretical basis, it is possible to say that Islam exalts the human being and his rights, and allows freedom of expression without restrictions. In contrast, Islamic history and the practices of Muslims present a practical behavior that differs radically from that ideal theoretical framework.

In this context, some researchers assert that Islam precedes modern international conventions that call for human rights and freedom of expression, but these scholars base their judgments on reading the texts alone, not the historical facts.

The second dilemma is represented in the need to pay attention to the distinction between freedom of expression within the framework of religious commitment, and freedom of expression in its general framework that relates to the world and its political, economic, social and cultural affairs.

Freedom of expression may mean the right to disagree from a purely religious standpoint, but the truth might collide with many obstacles that restrict freedom objectively, and establish a sacred reference that should not be crossed, and its danger cannot be neglected or wasted.

Hence, non-Muslims, and through their extrapolation of the data of Islamic history, may go to say that the concept of freedom of expression in Islam means the right of Muslims alone to embrace different visions that indicate their understanding of religion and their interpretation on the basis of belonging to Islam.

The third and final dilemma might be apparent in non-objective selective reading, which many supporters and opponents of Islam resort to.

Our study seeks to objectively identify the concept of freedom of opinion and expression in Islam as the main pillar; This is within the framework of rational contemplation and awareness of the seriousness and importance of the three problems we referred to above.

If the human has the right to free expression of his opinions, thoughts and beliefs is an indispensable requirement and there is no negligence in it, as the concepts and values of the modern era call for, then a brief conscious briefing of Islam’s view of man seems necessary before addressing the discussion of Islam's position on freedom of opinion and expression.

The Holy Qur’an considers man as a precious value, as he is God’s successor on earth, and is responsible for bearing the heavy trust that other creatures cannot bear.

Man is also subject to corruption and bloodshed, and man, and this is the secret of his greatness and distinction, possesses what allows him to strive for elevation and transcendence, and there is no alternative to possessing the tools required by the will.

It is not logically possible for the successor of God on earth to be subject to persecution, injustice, oppression and repression, and the Holy Qur’an grants him what he deserves of respect, appreciation and reverence.

But the problem is with those who understand and interpret the Qur’an and transform its lofty divine rulings into a state, authority and politics based on interest and benefit.

The paradox, which deserves attention, is that the Qur’anic text contains many rights that those who believe that they are the guardians of Islam do not recognize.

Compulsion and choice... are one of the issues that preoccupied many Islamic jurists throughout the ages, and they were divided around it into two groups: one group says that man is forced, while the other group says that Islam exalts the value of reason and insight, and man reaps the fruits of his actions and choices in this world and the hereafter.

But what has led the Islamic society to the blind fanaticism and blameworthy extremism that has afflicted the Islamic nation with boundless intellectual stagnation, with it has become acceptance of political tyranny, sanctification of historical figures, and ideas that call for conquering others and forcing them to embrace a certain thought.

Freedom of expression may mean the right to ijtihad and disagreement from a purely religious standpoint, but the release of the right collides with many obstacles that restrict freedom objectively and set a sacred reference that should not be crossed, and its danger cannot be neglected or wasted.