Voice of British Muslim Women

Kinza Ahmad, Epsom

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”[i]

The word ‘Freedom’ has often been used by many individuals or communities in various contexts to acquire the right to act, believe, speak, or think as one wants. Wouldn’t one think this a simple right which should be granted to every individual?

Yes – it is a simple right. No – it is not equally or readily available to all.

Every day we hear about direct or indirect violations of Article 18 of the UDHR, but to list them all would not spare us time to ponder over the importance of upholding this right.

Over 1,400 years ago, Islam presented to us the very notion of freedom of religion and thought, recognising that belief is a matter of one’s heart and conscience which cannot be forced, by stating:

‘’There should be no compulsion in religion…” (Holy Qur’an 2: 257)[ii]

A person might be forced to say that they believe, but they can by no means be forced to believe.

Islam’s very foundation is built on peace; allowing for different religions to co-exist peacefully in a state means that it is imperative that such freedom is not just promised, but is made readily available without the possibility of it being taken away. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) sought peace and promoted inter-faith dialogue, mutual understanding and respect between the people of different communities. After migrating to Medina, he formed a treaty with the Jewish community, and together they formed a system of government in which the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was mutually chosen as the head of state. The treaty guaranteed the right of every individual to practice their religion and customs without fear of persecution or sanction.

The Holy Qur’an also states:

“For you your religion, and for me my religion.” (Holy Qur’an 109: 7)[iii]

Through this verse, Islam recognises that key differences inevitably exist between a believer in Islam and a non-believer, without taking away their right to freely practise a religion of their choice. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) permitted a Christian delegation from Najran to hold their service, in accordance with their rites, in his mosque at Medina.[iv]

Islam also endorses freedom of thought and conscience of every individual by stating:

“And say, ‘It is the truth from your Lord; wherefore let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve…” (Holy Qur’an 18: 30).[v]

And furthermore;

“Do they not reflect in their own minds? Allah has not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between the two but in accordance with the requirements of wisdom and for a fixed term. But many among men believe not in the meeting of their Lord” (Holy Qur’an 30:9).[vi]

These verses do not just signify one’s right to exercise their reason and judgment, but actively encourages one to do so – especially in the matter of religion and belief.

The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) engaged on many occasions in intellectual discussion with Hindu, Sikh and Christian missionaries, and would be compassionate and respectful towards other religions, thoughts and beliefs. He writes: ”…a religion which does not inculcate universal compassion is no religion at all. Similarly, a human being without the faculty of compassion is no human at all. Our God has never discriminated between one people and another.”[vii]

It is vital, therefore, that every individual is able to fully manifest one’s religion or belief in teaching, and be able to practice, worship and observe without the fear of this right being revoked. The unimpeded accessibility of the right to freedom of religion and thought is fundamental to ensure the end to all forms of injustice and conflict in any society. May every person and nation come to fulfil the rights of one another, and come together to thrive and become a model of pluralism, tolerance and a shining example of a prosperous, multi-cultural society.

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[i]https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/

[ii]The Holy Qur’an Chapter 2, Verse 257, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib

[iii]The Holy Qur’an Chapter 109, Verse 7, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib

[iv]Islam and Human Rights by Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khan Sahib: 157-169

[v]The Holy Qur’an Chapter 18, Verse 30, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib

[vi]The Holy Qur’an Chapter 30, Verse 9, Translated by Maulwi Sher Ali Sahib

[vii]‘Message of Peace’, p. 6  (Paigham e Sulh by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad)