Respect for the Sacred versus Freedom of Expression: Analysis from an Islamic Perspective in the Context of De-Radicalization

Abstract

Freedom is the most basic of rights that every human being is born with. Freedom of expression is one of the essential elements of a democratic society. Although in a liberal democratic society freedom of expression is an essential right there are some concerns that if it could cause harms to others when used without any limit. In this regard, all human beings expect respect for their sacred and this seems to be the only way to build a peaceful society. Because, if the sacred of people are humiliated through media, newspapers, cartoons, or any other means this creates enmity and hatred towards certain faiths and in return, the humiliated ones develop anger, violence and terror towards to abusers of their faiths. This article aims to examine whether freedom of expression should be limited when criticizing the sacred, and also seeks to analyze if respecting for the sacred can be a solution towards the process of de-radicalizing religious extremism. Finally, this article emphasizes on the necessity of interfaith dialogue among people from different faiths to promote peace in the world.