The issue of freedom has always been one of the fundamental concerns of mankind in social and political life throughout history. Freedom has always been one of the desires and emotional and innate relationships of mankind; however, throughout history, it has been denied to individuals in various ways and by various internal and external obstacles, whether from selfish desires, internal tyrants, or external powers.
In Islam, individual and social freedom has a special place, as one of the principles of the Islamic political system is freedom in the form of Sharia.
Some orientalist scholars and, following them, some ignorant people who do not have a correct understanding of Islam have accused it of being a religion full of taboos, restrictions, and prohibitions. In response to such people, it should be said that the truth is completely the opposite of what they think. Because the freedom that exists in Islam is unmatched in any other religion or system. For example, consider countries like France and the United States, which claim to offer the most freedom; yet, there are many restrictions for traveling to or from these countries, and even in issues such as raising children and family matters. These restrictions exist in all countries; however, such limitations are never found in Islam. Islam never tells you where you should live, where you should go, how you should go, or when you should travel. Rather, it clearly states that Allah Almighty created you and gave you intelligence and thought, so do not be a slave to others, and you do not need to inform the government about your entry, exit, residence, travel, or what goods you export or import; of course, the goods that you export or import should not be from those that Allah Almighty has forbidden. In other words, Islam provides us with guidelines and advice that will make us successful and prosperous if we follow them, and if we do not, we will suffer losses.
Islam and Freedom of Speech
Does Islam accept freedom of speech? If so, to what extent does it accept it?
Undoubtedly, Islam is a defender of freedom of thought and has always demanded proof from its enemies: «قُلْ هاتُوا بُرْهانَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صادِقين» (Translation: ‘Say, “Produce your proof, if you are truthful.”’) The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also invited people to debate and discuss with them: «ادْعُ إِلى سَبيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَ الْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَ جادِلْهُمْ بِالَّتي هِيَ أَحْسَن» (Translation: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and argue with them in a way that is best.”) He also invited people to listen to their sayings and choose the best of them: «فَبَشِّرْ عِباد الَّذينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَه» (Translation: “So give good tidings to My servants, those who listen to the words and follow the best of them.”)
In fact, this freedom of expression leads to the expansion and flourishing of thought and ideas, and so the expansion of free thought is also important. Humans should be able to think in a free space. Freedom of expression is subordinate to freedom of thought; because, in the absence of a free intellectual space, there is no possibility of growth. Since the concept of freedom is an Islamic concept, it is wrong to think that the idea of social freedom was gifted to us by the West. Of course, it is natural that absolute freedom is not accepted by any religion or thought movement; even those who make such claims actually place restrictions on human freedom; such as the Holocaust, which we witness today in relation to the prohibition of freedom of expression. In Islam, freedom of expression is also limited to matters that are logical; for example:
First: Freedom of thought and expression is different from the freedom to mislead others; the misleading nature of a statement depends on the prevailing conditions in society; that is, the level of understanding and information of the people, as well as the conditions conducive to the presentation of different ideas, are the criteria for freedom of expression. Therefore, the conditions for expressing a false statement are different from the manner in which a false statement is expressed; false statements are not misleading and seductive everywhere. Where they are seductive, it is necessary to confront them, and it is forbidden from the point of view of Islam, and Islamic regulations prevent their expression. However, if a statement is issued by a speaker in a space and environment, under conditions and with an audience that misleads a group of people, this is forbidden from the point of view of Islam. The reason and philosophy behind this prohibition are also clear; because freedom is fundamentally for guiding thoughts, for the growth of thoughts, and for the progress of society; but those freedoms that mislead thoughts also cause thoughts to stagnate.
Second: Freedom of expression should not be contrary to moral values; unlike the Western world, which summarizes the criterion for benefits and harms in material things, morality is preferred from the point of view of Islam; therefore, immorality cannot be promoted under the pretext of freedom of expression.
Third: Creating tension is prohibited; the most important thing for a society is peace, security, and stability, because progress cannot be achieved except under the shadow of security and certainty. Therefore, freedom of expression from the perspective of Islam should not create fear among people or make the prevailing situation in society tense.
Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 60: «لَئِنْ لَمْ يَنْتَهِ الْمُنافِقُونَ وَ الَّذينَ في قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ وَالْمُرْجِفُونَ فِي الْمَدينَةِ لَنُغْرِيَنَّكَ بِهِمْ» (Translation: “If the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease do not cease, and those who tremble in the city, We will tempt you with them.”) The trembling ones are next to the hypocrites and those with diseased hearts—who are two groups. The hypocrites are one group. The sick-hearted—“Those in whose hearts is a disease”—are another group; these “those who tremble” are placed next to them. The “trembling ones” are those who frighten the people. A newly established Islamic society, with all its enemies, all its Quranic mobilization, and all its prophetic mobilization, must have everyone spiritually prepared to defend the country and this great human and popular system. But, if a few people fall for the lives of the people and weaken their morale like gluttons, they are trembling. The Quran states: If the “trembling ones” – those who frighten the people, instill despair, and prevent action – do not stop, “We will tempt you with them.” This encompasses the limit of freedom. Expression is free, but if someone wants to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of society and the healthy coexistence of the people within this society with this expression, Islam does not accept this in any way. It states: “We will tempt you with them”; security agencies will be obliged to stand against such statements and pursue legal, political, and legal action.
Fourth: Freedom of expression should not be a threat to security or contrary to the interests of the political system; in accordance with what has been said about the importance of stability and peace, the realization of a powerful and stable political system that can bring security to the people is essential; its preservation takes precedence over everything else, and freedom of expression that endangers this is prohibited.
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