In Defence Of ‘The Right To Say’

By Ayathuray Rajasingam -January 27, 2015

Ayathuray Rajasingam

The series of attacks launched by the Islamist terrorists throughout the world sends the message of the denial of the ‘Right to say’ about the freedom enjoyed in democratic countries. It spreads like a cancer and a challenge thrown to the freedom of expression. Upon scrutinizing the motive of the Jihadists it is obvious that they are a bunch of hypocrites which the moderate Islamists should not fail to condemn such uncivilized activities.

European democratic countries have a remarkable history on the achievement of democracy after the period of Renaissance. Prior to the period of Renaissance, all religions were tainted with blood – killing in the name of God – on account of ignorance. Even in Asia there were religious wars. However with the passage of time, all religions accepted the concept of democracy as it assured the freedom to embrace a faith of one’s choice. Religion is a personal affair and a secondary matter. Freedom of expression places a moral obligation on the Clerics not to blend religion with politics.

The conflict between the concept of ‘Right to say’ and some versions in the Quran such as ‘whosoever join the crusade against Islam, will be protected from hellfire and enjoy eternal bliss’ poses number of issues. These slogans are misleading and amount to emotional blackmailing which in turn has the force of driving the young Islamists to join the terrorist organizations such as the ISIS, etc, who are unaware of their fate. Every Religion asserts that God is great, which assertion is not confined to Islam alone. But other religions do not resort to emotional blackmailing. It is time that the radical Islamists realize that they should not create painful situations and create tension and conflict.Read More