Islamic Injunctions Regarding Freedom of Expression

Abstract

Islam is a complete code of life. It gives us guidance in every sphere of life either it is private life or public life. In the private sphere of life, Islam gives us even minute and tiniest details for the guidance because a physical human being will never change till the Day of Judgment. But in the public sphere of life, it gives us rules which are to be followed. Islam is a great proponent of freedom of expression. The basic principle of Islam regarding freedom of expression can be derived from the Holy Qur’ān (3:256) “There shall be no compulsion in (acceptance of) the religion. Freedom of expression is a globally accepted phenomenon. The content analysis approach is used in this paper regarding the divine and viable approach regarding freedom of expression. This paper is an attempt to unveil the best possible rules regarding the freedom of expression with certain restrictions that are necessary for a system of checks and balances.