Freedom and Fundamental Human Rights for All
Islam promotes freedom and fundamental human rights for all. This freedom applies to many spheres of life such as freedom to choose or change one’s faith, freedom of expression, freedom of conscience etc.
However it promotes freedom with responsibility. This concept is common across all cultures and exists to protect and promote social peace. It seeks to preserve a balance between the rights of the individual versus the rights of society – a role played by all faiths as well as by secular governance structures and as such is in full accord with the common principle it does not permit absolute freedom without checks and balances.
These checks and balances are in place to preserve social peace so for example whilst it permits freedom of speech it admonishes courtesy and civil conduct so that sentiments of people of other faiths and beliefs are not hurt. It is worthy of note here that in Islam there is no punishment in this world for blasphemy or even of apostasy as people are accountable to God for such deeds. It would however advise against any acts that antagonise or incite people towards hatred or upset individual peace. Within these confines it leaves people free to live and develop social laws and systems to govern according to their needs and capacities.
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- Pledge for Ahmadi Muslims is to their Nation- Aswell
One thing is absolutely clear is that it does not permit compulsion or the use of force in any matters of faith .ie, it does not allow force to be used to make people change their faith. The Quran clearly states that there should be no compulsion in religion and the Prophet Muhammad ( peace and blessing of God be upon him), himself never forced anyone to change their belief or punished anyone for leaving Islam. Islam is a religion of freedom and advocates the separation of state and religion so people of all faiths and of none are free to live progress in a spirit of brotherhood and humanity.
