FREEDOM OF THOUGHT

Sister Sidrah

Freedom of thought enables an individual to draw an independent and logical conclusion and serves to boost creativity, which is the core skill of human beings. Freedom of expression further strengthens freedom of thought as man can freely state his opinion and share his views with others, so evolving new concepts and ideas.

In Western civilization, this concept prevails in absolute sense. However, this freedom, with its bloody implications and dire consequences, has existed in all ages. The Quran has itself furnished an example of free and fair debates in ancient times; when Bilqees, the Queen of Saba, received a letter sent by Prophet Suleiman (Alaihis Salaam) which bore the message that she and her people should adopt the religion he preached, she sought advice on how to reply to the letter:

“....O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me (and give me your opinions).” (27: 32)

This shows that seeking of another’s views was a practice among the rulers and those in authority even in olden times. It was the masses who were mostly denied this freedom; they stood helpless before those who wielded power and authority.

Islam has laid down a comprehensive and unique concept of freedom of thought and expression. It has also ordained limitations on the same. Islam stands for truth. Also, the Muslims through Prophet Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihe wa Sallam) have been awarded a priceless and everlasting gift in the form of reason. The following verse was revealed to Hadhrat Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihe wa Sallam) when it was made known to him that he was the Prophet of Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa):

“Read! In the name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord...has taught (the writing) by the pen...has taught man that which he knew not.” (96: 1-5)

Use of logic and reason based on divine principles has been duly emphasised in various verses of the Quraan:

“Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alteration of night and day...and the water (rain) which Allah sends down from the sky...and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds...are indeed signs for people of understanding.” (2:164)

One can also refer verses at 51: 20-21, 16: 12 and 28: 71.

The above verse shows that individuals have been enjoined to think keeping in view the signs before them. They have been asked to draw their own conclusions to know the Creator. Thus Islam lays down the concept of freedom of thought.

Freedoms of thought and expression have not only been granted to Muslims, but also to non-Muslims. When the Holy Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihe wa Sallam) invited people to adopt the Muslim faith, he was commanded to preach the message of Islam without resorting to any form of compulsion:

“There is no compulsion in religion.” (2: 256)

“And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So, will you (Muhammad) then compel mankind, until they become believers.” (10: 99)

The Holy Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihe wa Sallam) was directed to preach the message in a gentle manner, “So remind them (O Muhammad) - you are only one who reminds. You are not a dictator over them” (88: 21-22)

As is the case with all other freedoms, freedom of expression is subject to certain limitations and restraints. First and foremost, Muslims can employ reason, but the same should not be used to draw conclusions which jeopardise the very spirit of Islam. Any form of expression of thought which contradicts the principles laid down by the religion is prohibited.

Freedom of expression does not condone concealment of truth. Man is ordained to support the truth unconditionally:

“And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth...” (2: 42)

According to a Hadeeth, it is a virtue on the part of a believer to accept the truth without any reservation whatsoever. Thus a believer has to accept the truth and promulgate the same even if it goes against his own interests. This virtue has been placed on a high pedestal as truth begets justice:

“...Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice.” (5: 8)

Islam prohibits asking of unnecessary questions and making inquiries which are unnecessary and fruitless in nature. Needless curiosity complicates matters and may become a cause of difficulties:

“...Ask not about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble...” (5: 101)

Some of the restraints are such that violations of the same fall under the category of offence. One such violation is in the form of Qazaf, i.e. slander, for which punishment has been prescribed in the Quraan:

“And those who accuse chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, flog them with eighty stripes, and reject their testimony forever.” (24: 4)

At this instance, one can also refer verses at 104: 1, 49:11, and 68: 11-16.

Freedom of expression makes no amends for blasphemy:
“And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Quraan) that when you hear the verses of Allah being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them...” (4: 140)

“And when they hear AL-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk), they withdraw from it and say: ‘...We seek not (the way of) the ignorant.’” (28: 55)

Freedom of expression should not be hurtful nor should it abuse the sentiments of others. It should not encroach upon another’s rights, privacy or dignity:

“...Let not a group scoff at another group...Nor let (some) women scoff at other women... nor insult one another by nicknames...” (49: 11)

“...Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another.” (49: 12)

Islam upholds religious tolerance. The believers are commanded to show tolerance and patience towards other religions and attract disbelievers to Islam by illustrating its virtues. Freedom of expression cannot be used as a tool to insult other faiths and beliefs:

“And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah...to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do.” (6: 108)

Freedom of expression should not be used to project evil be it in any form. It can only be exposed by the one who is victim of the vice:

“Allah does not like that evil should be uttered in public except by him who has been wronged.” (4: 148)

Freedom of expression should not make vulnerable essential interests of individuals i.e. life, belief, understanding, heredity and assets:

“And the believers, men and women...enjoin the right and forbid the wrong...” (9: 71)

At present, many national and international documents, which declare human rights, have duly acknowledged that the freedoms of thought and expression are interlinked. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, issued by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December, 10, 1948 has mentioned both freedoms consecutively in Articles 18 and 19 of the document. The legality of the exercise of these freedoms is judged by the underlying intention of the expression and the reason that caused the same to be made. Needless to say that Islam provides the freedom of thoughts and expression but with boundaries that ensures the protection of other people’s rights.