It is generally acknowledged that freedom of expression in Islam is in many ways complimentary to freedom of religion; that is an extension and a logical consequence of the freedom of conscience and belief which the shariah had validated and upholds.


Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah points out that freedom of expression can be utilised for the realisation of benefit or for the prevention of evil which may come to light and then be secured through the exercise of this freedom.


Awdah has observed that when freedom of speech is exercised within its legitimate framework, it leads to progress and encourages affection, fraternity and respect among fellow citizens. It is also a means by which the ruler and his subjects can co-operate (ta awun) to attain benefit and to combat evil, discrimination and prejudice.


The Quranic attitude as regards freedom of enquiry in the pursuit of knowledge and the exchange of information is indicated by the prolific use of such expressions as 'those who exercise their intellect' (yaqilun), 'those who think' (yatafakurrun), 'those who
know' (yalamun), 'those who ponder' (yatadabbrun), and 'those who understand' (yafqahun). As these expressions show, the Quran clearly encourages enquiry and investigation. Thought, judgement opinion and
knowledge, as the Quran suggests, must be expressed and communicated, and only then can they serve effectively as the means by which to promote faith in Allah and to benefit mankind.

Arab writers are not consistent in the use of terminology
for 'freedom of expression'. While some employ terms as 'hurriyat al ray', literally 'freedom of opinion', and 'hurriyyat al qaul', 'freedom of speech', others have used alternative terms such as 'hurriyat al tafkir', literally 'freedom of thought', 'hurriyat ak tabir', 'freedom of interpretation', and 'hurriyat al bayan', 'freedom of expression'.

Subhi Mahmassani uses both `hurriyat al ray' and `hurriyat al way wal tabir', that is, freedom of opinion and expression. He then explains why this longer phrase is preferable to hurriyyat al tafkir or 'freedom of thought':

"...thought is a hidden phenomenon and a mental activity which is communicated in words, and until then, thought which has not been expressed in words, remains outside the concern of law. It is the external manifestation of thought which we refer to as ray (opinion).

To use the phrase `hurriyat al ray' and `hurriyat al way wal tabir' is thus preferable as it leaves no doubt that the thought, idea, or opinion at issue has been expressed and communicated..."


Ray means a considered opinion, often related to, and co-existive with personal reasoning (ijtihad) and it signifies harmony with the norms and principles of Islam.

Taken from: Freedom of Expression in Islam by, Mohammad Hashim Lamali