Understanding Islam — Page 195
193 Islam the Prophets first attend to the moral values of the country. They transform the society, raise the standard to a high degree. Then to maintain that standard and to safeguard its values, some stern measures are taken which are very seldom applied in reality. But the society in bargain is much happier and safe. 13 D OES I SLAM ALLOW F REEDOM OF S PEECH ? When discussing Shariah, a common allegation that further helps develop the narrative that Islam is an oppressive religion is that it does not allow freedom of speech and freedom of expression. This however is a gross injustice to Islam. Freedom of conscience is one of humanity’s most precious heritage. In fact, a religion which does not give unqualified recognition to this right of human beings, brings them down to a much-degraded position. The following verses of the Holy Quran demonstrate how Islam advocates freedom of speech and conscience: