Source: timesofmalta.com

Like every sane and rational person, Muslims around the world are shocked and deeply hurt by the Paris attacks which left so many dead and injured. It is even more painful that this attack was done in the name of Prophet Muhammad – the messenger of peace – and Islam, the religion of peace and reconciliation.

Islam teaches tolerance, love for others, respect, mutual understanding and kindness. We stand united against these terrorists.

Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

The worldwide leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has also categorically condemned the attacks and prayed for peace in the world.

Speaking during his weekly Friday sermon, delivered in London, he said: “The perpetrators of this brutal attack may seek to justify their acts in the name of Islam and its Holy Founder Muhammad (peace be upon him) but their acts have no relation whatsoever to the true teachings of Islam. Nowhere does Islam permit taking the law into one’s own hands or to injure or murder anyone. Yet these so-called Muslims and Muslim groups still do not abstain from such cruelties and atrocities.”

The attacks have ignited a debate about freedom of speech and many are questioning whether Islam upholds the value of freedom of expression.

Freedom of speech and expression is vital to the spread of any message as well as to restore the dignity of man. In fact, it is impossible for a religion like Islam to deny freedom of speech and expression.

On the contrary, Islam upholds this principle in a great manner, as the Holy Quran declares: “Have they taken gods besides Him! Say, ‘Bring forth your proof’”(21:25). “We shall draw from every people a witness and we shall say to them, ‘Bring your proof’” (28:76). “Or have you a clear authority? Then provide your Book if you are truthful” (37:157-128).

I have just presented a few examples where it is abundantly clear that Islam not only upholds the value of freedom of expression but also says that people should speak and present their arguments to support their claim, without any fear and hesitation, but with decency and civility.

Islam champions the cause of… read more at timesofmalta.com