Freedom of Expression in Islam: Challenging Apostasy and Blasphemy Laws

The book explores the theological, historical, and legal reasoning behind the most restrictive state laws around the world to open up new ways of thinking. It 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 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.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Apostasy and blasphemy laws in Muslim countries are often defended on the grounds that they are based on Islamic Sharia and intended to protect religion. However, these laws can be used to suppress thought and debate and to harass religious minorities, both inside and outside Islam. This book 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.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784538576