Thursday, September 27, 2012

Freedom of religion, thinking and belief as stated in Al Quran


One of the basic tenets of Islam is freedom of religion, thinking and belief as stated in Al Quran, 109:6 "Unto you, your religion, way of life, thinking and  belief, and unto me mine." It follows logically that this freedom will result in some form of expression by way of the written or spoken word, being the only forms of expression available formerly. Fortunately or unfortunately now there are so many other forms of expression and dissemination, but the same freedom applies. What make expressions of peoples of other beliefs than ours significant or effective is an audience, a readership, those looking for a means to stir up discord, those looking for means to leadership or fame, those looking for an excuse to vent feelings for one reason or the other. In the same manner that one has the right to publish, voice or video whatever they wish, it is our right and prerogative to pay attention, give recognition or heed such. The effectiveness, significance or awareness of such publication or broadcast is fully dependent on our desire and willingness to give it attention or credence. In other words the power is in our hands propagate it and let it live or to let it die. Its success or failure. awareness and longevity is solely in our hands. It is therefore the duty and responsibility of leaders, the intelligent, those with the ability to obtain information and its dissemination, those who desire peace and harmony to ensure that such knowledge and information is not used to inflame, incite or encourage discord, hate and disharmony. The former results in emotional and sentimental reactions resulting in self destruction, death, destruction of infrastructure and actions contradictory to the principles of the religion, Islam, they are claiming to be defend. The reactions, by way of the violent demonstration, destruction, maiming and killing are definitely not the teachings of Islam nor the actions of Muslims, who are following the laws and principles of Islam (Peace).

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