Quadir, Haziqul

English

This study analyses the tensions between freedom of expression in Islam and liberal democracies. It aims to examine and analyse several aspects that characterise a comparison between the boundaries of freedom of expression in Islam and liberal democracies. This study revolves around freedom of expression in liberal democracies and its boundaries, freedom of expression in Islam and its boundaries, blasphemy, and apostasy in Islam, and a comparison between the boundaries of freedom of expression in Islam and freedom of expression in liberal democracies. Chapter 2 discusses several issues related to freedom of expression in liberal democracies. Since freedom of expression is closely connected to the concept of freedom, this chapter discusses Isaiah Berlin's two concepts of freedom, negative freedom and positive freedom, to understand the boundaries of freedom of expression in liberal democracies. Chapter 3 discusses the subject matter of freedom of expression from an Islamic perspective. It first discusses the justifications for freedom of expression in Islam, followed by the corroborative evidence for freedom of expression in Islam. The second part of this chapter is dedicated to the boundaries of freedom of expression in Islam. Chapter 4 deals with two subjects: blasphemy and apostasy. The first part of this chapter discusses the relationship between blasphemy and offense, and argues to separate blasphemy from apostasy, and discusses various standpoints on repentance from blasphemy. The second part of the chapter explores the different viewpoints on apostasy in Islam. Chapter 5 compares the boundaries of free speech in Islam and liberal democracy. It explores the difference in terms of content and through the lens of the nature of the community. Finally, this chapter explores how the boundaries of freedom of expression are conceptually different or comparable in liberal democracy and Islam. To this end, it also discusses some case studies

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Freedom of Expression in Islam and Liberal Democracies: A Comparison

https://research.vu.nl/files/171702413/H  Quadir - thesis.pdf

Freedom of Expression in Islam and Liberal Democracies: A Comparison

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