The perspective of international instruments and the Islamic approach towards Human Rights with emphasis on freedom of expression, opinion and religion

Abstract

Freedom of opinion and religion, as the foundation of humans ’words and deeds, are two important aspects of individual freedom. In fact, freedom of expression and other aspects of individual freedom are derived from freedom of opinion and its different manifestations. Thus, freedom of opinion may be assumed as the mother of all freedoms. Needless to say, the freedom of opinion has different dimensions such as political, social and religious freedoms. The question arises is that what is the approach of Islam, as the last and most perfect divine religion, towards the freedom of opinion and religion? Investigating different Islamic viewpoints revealed that freedom of opinion has been accepted and emphasized by Islam as one the most significant human rights. The issue stipulated in Quran as well as the Sirah (sayings and practical life of the Prophet and Imamas). In Islam, there is no compulsion in religion. In fact, Islam like international instruments and conventions on human rights respected freedom of religion.