FEROZ KARMALLY

"Quran on Freedom and Human Rights"

 

One look at what the Quran says about freedom of speech and human rights will quickly lead us to conclude that Muslims have very little, if anything, in common with the Quran.  Instead they have made a new religion based on opinions of their scholars and followed their leaders blindly and stupidly.  Verses are provided for quick reference.

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A nation that upholds God's laws is guaranteed prominence among the nations of the world, victory, prosperity, and happiness  (10:62-64, 16:97, 24:55, 41:30-31).
On the other hand, a nation that violates God's laws incurs a miserable life (20:124).
A nation that upholds God's laws is guaranteed to be a great nation. This is not a mere idealistic dream; since God is in full control (10:61), His guarantees and promises are done. A nation that upholds God's laws is characterized by:

1. Maximum freedom for the people - freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom to travel, and freedom of economy (2:256, 10:99, 88:21-22).

2. Guaranteed human rights for all the people, regardless of their race, color, creed, social status, financial situation, or political affiliation (5:8, 49:13).

3. Prosperity for all the people. God's economic system is based on constant circulation of wealth, no usury, and productive investment. Non-productive economy such as gambling, lottery, and high interest loans are not permitted (2:275-7, 59:7).

4. Social justice for all. Because of the obligatory charity (Zakat), no one will go hungry or -sheltered (2:215, 70:24-25, 107:1-7).

5. A political system that is based on unanimous consensus. Through mutual consultation and freedom of expression, one side of any given issue convinces all participants in the discussion. The end result is a unanimous agreement, not the opinion of a 51% majority rammed down the throat of the 49% minority (42:38).

6. A society that upholds and maintains the highest standards of moral behavior. There will be a strong family, no alcoholism, no illicit drugs, no illegitimate pregnancies, no abortions, and practically no divorce.

7. Maximum regard for people's lives and properties. Therefore, there will be no crime against the people's lives or properties.

8. Prevalence of love, courtesy, peace, and mutual respect among the people, and between this nation and other world communities (3:110, 60:8-9).

9. Environmental protection is guaranteed through conservation and prohibition of wasteful practices (30:41).

March 15, 2006

Send questions or comments to Pervaiz Salahuddin