Ambiguities of apostasy and the repression of Muslim dissent

Authors:

Saeed, Abdullah¹

Source:

Review of Faith & International Affairs; Jun2011, Vol. 9 Issue 2, p31-38, 8p

Abstract:

Early Islam acknowledged religious diversity and offered protections for people of other religions. As Islam's political and cultural influence grew, the concepts of apostasy, blasphemy, heresy, hypocrisy, and unbelief emerged to suppress dissent. Today, there are no universally agreed upon definitions of these terms, and laws against apostasy and blasphemy are used to suppress religious dissent, thwart political opposition, harass intellectuals, and incite acts of violence. Scholars who propose reforms may be imprisoned, exiled, or killed. Muslims in Muslim-majority states need to rethink laws that criminalize dissent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author Affiliations:

¹Sultan of Oman Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Melbourne, Australia