Freedom of expression: Global peace and interfaith harmony

Dr. Shoaib Aziz

A healthy relation among the people depends upon their mutual respect for all religions, their prophets, Holy Books and also their famous religious personalities. Followers of different religions must respect and accept the freedom of thoughts and freedom of expression in the guidance of their scripture, norms and common practices. They must know which sort of freedom is beneficial, constructive or which is harmful, infuriated and emotionalized others faith. The United Nations organization has mentioned in the charter of human rights and made world Assembly of religions for solving such type of problems. We can make loveable, peaceful and harmonic multiethnic societies by giving respect to these laws.
We can make a real peaceful global village by observing and abiding by these laws in real sense and religious tradition of tolerance and mutual respect. The right of Freedom of Expression means that everybody has the right to express his opinion and independent thoughts regarding any issue that directly and indirectly concern him. Islam accepts this right to the extent that even the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) was directed to get the consultation in the matters of state in which revelation was not revealed. The great caliphs also opened the criticism even by the ordinary person e.g the great caliph Umer was criticized and was asked to explain the extra length of cloth he got as booty of war. A woman criticized him when he advised the people not to fix huge amounts in dowry. The followers of religions themselves decide, how and which sort of the freedom will effect and unbearable for others. The code of scaredness of prophets particularly Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and the Holy book of Quran.
The controversies surrounding the Publication of caricatures present very different legal, moral and historic issues. But the heart of debate and attendant violence of the burn of Quran in USA, Norway, Sweden and other western countries. This dreadful action emerged many core questions regarding the Freedom of Expression and criminal offence of under humanitarian law of United Nations. The Publications of caricature and derogatory action of burning of Quran can be caused of the conflicts between Christian & Muslim.
It can be effected interfaith dialogue and peaceful harmony of the World. The struggle for peace and to live in peaceful environment is one of the fundamental and basic right of every human being. Not to hurt by words, by actions or any other means to human being, and religious feeling should be respected by eachother. The burning of Quran and publications of caricatures show the intention and irresponsible attitude towards Islam. The followers of the religions must decide that which sort of freedom of expression is relevant with the law, morals, customs and value of human dignity and mutual respect. The freedom of expression acquires special significance in Islam and as well as western scriptures and legal framework.
Muslims have always shown reverence and respect for all prophets and Holy books. They have never ridiculed the founders and leaders of the other religions. The freedom of expression required restraint, responsible and respectable code of ethics, values and norms in the matter of faith and ideologies. All civilized, sophisticated and legitimate rights can be materialized and enjoyed. If we observe the values and norms which are the natural bar and limits not insulting any religion, prophet and Holy book. Consequently, it creates the remarkable impact on interfaith Harmony and mutual relations among all faiths. Freedom of expression without responsibility might leads the world in the anarchy and it can be a cause of a clash in civilization, Global peace and interfaith Harmony.

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