Humans vary in their abilities compared to other creatures. Some surpass humans in speed, like the cheetah; others in vision, like the falcon; in the sense of smell, like the dog; in strength, like the elephant; in hearing, like the bat; in navigation, like fish; and in teamwork, like ants.
Humans share with other creatures the ability to communicate and exchange experiences to varying degrees, but they are distinguished by an absolute freedom that allows them even to suppress their physical needs and biological instincts if they choose to do so.
This absolute freedom results in the concepts of competency and responsibility, which are fundamental in all legal and religious legislations.
Therefore, any form of coercion, threat, or any situation where the mind is absent or obscured nullifies responsibility and accountability accordingly.
It is natural for religions to have similarities or differences on certain issues, as each has its own perspective on the Creator, the universe, life, and death.
It is expected that conflicts will occur between followers of different religions, but they should remain within the bounds of criticism and argument.
Thus, under no circumstances should anyone be forced to adopt a particular religion or sect, as the essence of faith is simply voluntary conviction of a certain view. Any coercion will only lead to violence or hypocrisy. What kind of religious call seeks followers among hypocrites?
In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly designated the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief through its resolution 73/296. It is celebrated annually on August 22 to honor the victims and survivors of violence based on religion or belief and to enhance understanding of the importance of protecting freedom of belief globally.
Violence based on religion or belief is a global issue affecting individuals and communities worldwide. Many are subjected to violence and discrimination due to their religious beliefs, ranging from discrimination and harassment to physical violence, coercive pressures, and even genocide.
The significance of this day lies in focusing on the victims and survivors, recognizing the profound impact of violence based on religion or belief on individuals and communities. It also highlights the urgent need to address the root causes of this violence and to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity.
Goals of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
One of the main goals of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief is to raise global awareness about the prevalence and impact of violence based on religion or belief. This includes highlighting specific cases of violence and discrimination faced by different religious communities around the world.
It also aims to honor those who have suffered due to violence based on religion or belief, recognizing their pain and supporting their rights to justice and compensation.
The celebration of this day emphasizes the importance of protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief as a fundamental human right. It urges the implementation of legal and political frameworks that protect this right.
This day serves as a call to governments, civil organizations, religious communities, and individuals to take concrete steps to prevent and address violence based on religion or belief. These steps include adopting practical measures to combat hate speech, promoting interfaith dialogue, and supporting victims and survivors.
Existing Challenges
Violence based on religion or belief is a global phenomenon affecting individuals and communities across different regions and religions. In recent years, there have been many notable instances of this violence, including attacks on places of worship, persecution of religious minorities, and widespread discrimination.
One of the main challenges in addressing violence based on religion or belief is the intersection of various forms of discrimination. Religious discrimination often intertwines with other biases such as racism, xenophobia, and violence against certain social levels. These complexities require a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to effectively address and reduce violence based on religion or belief.
Role of the United Nations
The United Nations plays a crucial role in advocating for the protection of religious freedom and combating violence based on religion or belief. Several UN bodies and agencies are involved in these efforts, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which works to promote and protect human rights, including the right to freedom of religion or belief. The office monitors and reports on cases of violence based on religion or belief and provides technical support to countries on implementing human rights standards.
The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief is an independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to study and report on issues related to freedom of religion or belief. The Special Rapporteur conducts country visits, engages with stakeholders, and provides recommendations to enhance the protection of religious freedom.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) promotes dialogue and cooperation among different cultures and religions, implementing initiatives to foster mutual respect and understanding, which helps prevent violence based on religion or belief.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) promotes education for tolerance and respect for diversity. Its initiatives aim to combat hate speech and extremism, often precursors to violence based on religion or belief.
Commemorative Activities
The activities organized to celebrate the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief include memorial services and events to honor the victims of violence based on religion or belief, often involving the participation of religious leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives.
Public awareness campaigns are also organized through media and social media, highlighting the issue of violence based on religion or belief and promoting tolerance and respect for diversity.
Educational programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences aim to provide a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of violence based on religion or belief. These activities seek to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to confront this violence.
Encouraging dialogue between different religious communities is essential to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, helping to build bridges and reduce tensions between communities.
Efforts are also made to urge governments and international organizations to take concrete actions to protect religious freedom and support victims of violence based on religion or belief. This includes advocating for the adoption and implementation of relevant laws and policies.
Future Challenges
Despite the efforts made by the United Nations and other organizations, many challenges still remain in protecting religious freedom and preventing violence based on religion or belief. Among these challenges is religious extremism, which poses a significant threat as it can lead to violence and discrimination against others. Combating it requires coordinated efforts that include education, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement.
Legislation in many countries is still insufficient to protect religious freedom and prevent violence based on religion or belief. Therefore, the international community needs to work with governments to strengthen the legal framework and ensure its effective implementation.
Hate speech undoubtedly continues to be a major challenge as it fuels violence and increases tensions between communities. Combating hate speech requires coordinated efforts involving media, education, and public policies.
Migration and asylum also complicate issues of religious freedom. Displaced communities face significant challenges in adapting to host communities while respecting their religious freedom, which requires coordinated efforts.
Civil society plays a vital role in promoting and protecting religious freedom and preventing violence based on religion or belief. This includes advocacy, where NGOs and civil society groups can raise awareness of religious violence issues and advocate for policies and laws that protect religious freedom.
Civil society can also organize educational and awareness programs to promote tolerance and respect for religious diversity. These programs include workshops, seminars, and public awareness campaigns.
Civil society organizations should provide support for victims and survivors of violence based on religion or belief through legal, psychological, and humanitarian assistance.
They should also promote interfaith dialogue and build bridges between different religious communities.
The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals.
Islamophobia
The document titled UN Experts Warn of Rising Islamophobia to Alarming Levels discusses the increasing levels of Islamophobia worldwide, particularly following the September 11 attacks and other terrorist acts associated with Islam. There has been a significant rise in institutional suspicion and discrimination against Muslims.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Ahmed Shaheed, highlighted how security measures disproportionately target Muslims, labeling them as highly vulnerable individuals. This has led to widespread discrimination, hostility, and violence against Muslim communities.
The report also emphasizes the negative portrayal of Islam in the media and political discourse, which reinforces harmful stereotypes and fuels hatred of Islam. In several regions, incidents of hate speech against Muslims, physical assaults on mosques, and discriminatory policies have escalated.
Islam’s Position on Freedom of Belief
Islam emphasizes human freedom in many instances, as without it, accountability would be meaningless, and there would be no justification for reward or punishment. Allah says in Surah Al-Insan, “Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.”
It also affirms that compulsion in belief is not permissible, as every person is free and responsible for their choices. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
The role of the Prophet and the preacher is merely to convey God’s message clearly to the world. Allah says in Surah An-Nur, “Say, ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away – then upon him is only that [duty] with which he has been charged, and upon you is that with which you have been charged.’ And if you obey him, you will be [rightly] guided. And there is not upon the Messenger except the [responsibility for] clear notification.” Allah further states in Surah Al-A’raf, “Say, ‘I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allah has willed. And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me. I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe.’”
Human belief or disbelief is within God’s will, as He granted humans the freedom of choice. Allah says in Surah Yunus, “And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed – all of them entirely. Then, [O Muhammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?”
The Ruling on Apostasy in Islam
God informed His Prophet (PBUH) about the hypocrites by their names, but despite knowing they were hypocrites, he did not fight them. The biography tells us the story of Ubaidullah bin Jahsh, who apostatized from Islam and converted to Christianity in Abyssinia. Although the Prophet (PBUH) knew of his apostasy, he did nothing to him.
Some Islamic scholars argue that an apostate in Islam is not to be killed unless they become a combatant against Muslims.
This is based on the verse in Surah Al-Ahzab: “If the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease and those who spread rumors in Madinah do not cease, We will surely incite you against them; then they will not remain your neighbors therein except for a little. Accursed wherever they are found, [being] seized and massacred completely. [This is] the established way of Allah with those who passed on before; and you will not find in the way of Allah any change.”
Violence against those who are religiously different creates a vicious cycle of violence and counter-violence. While peaceful coexistence among humans is the only rational choice, extreme ideas are the real cause behind this aggressive behavior, and there is no escape from confronting them with enlightened thinking.
