In Muslim countries, apostasy and blasphemy laws are defended on
the grounds that they are based on Islamic Shari’a and intended
to protect religion. But blasphemy and apostasy laws can be used
both to suppress thought and debate and to harass religious
minorities, both inside and outside Islam. This book – comprising
contributions from Muslim scholars, experts and activists -
critically and constructively engages with the theological,
historical and legal reasoning behind the most restrictive state
laws around the world to open up new ways of thinking. The book
focuses on the struggle within Muslim societies in Iran, Egypt,
Pakistan and Indonesia where blasphemy and apostasy laws serve
powerful groups to silence dissent and stifle critical thought. The
first part of the book covers the development of the law in
shifting historical circumstances and surveys the interpretations
of Qur'anic verses that seem to affirm freedom of religion. The
second part examines the present politics and practices of
prosecuting alleged blasphemers and/or apostates in Muslim
countries. The third part looks to the future and where reforms of
the law could be possible. Debates on Islam and freedom of
expression are often cast in polarizing terms of rights versus
religion, East versus West. This volume avoids such approaches by
bringing together a diverse group of Muslim scholars and activists
with the knowledge, commitment and courage to contest repressive
interpretations of religion and provide a resource for reclaiming
the human rights to freedom of expression and belief.
General
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