The sanctity of human right to freedom of speech in Islam

• Main Author: Syed Bidin, Prof. Madya Dr. Sharifah Norshah
• Format: Book Section
• Language: English; English
• Published: Penerbit UniSZA 2020
• Subjects: BL Religion; BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc
• Online Access: http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/4695/1/FH05-FKI-20-50025.pdf; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/4695/2/FH05-FKI-21-50250.pdf; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/4695/
• Institution: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin

Freedom refers to the authority to act and make a decision without external coercion. Mankind is allowed to act and speak without external pressure and the influence of foreign powers (al-Siba’i 1998). Nevertheless, freedom of speech is defined by `Uthman (1984) as an individual and social necessity, compatible with human instinct and the philosophy of his existence as well as an indispensable right in the realization of his real interest in the world and the Hereafter. The human right to freedom of speech is considered by Islamic law as a human right. Islamic law also respects the right to freedom of speech for non-Muslims in the Islamic State, which aims to achieve human dignity defined by the objectives of Shari’ah