THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC LAWS IN COMBATING HATE SPEECH

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine hate speech in the light of Islamic laws. The study focuses on how traditional Shariah laws (Islamic Laws) are playing a crucial role in eradicating the roots of hate speech and intolerance from society. In this paper, the qualitative method is implemented, and to do so, primary and secondary both are be used. The primary sources are the al-Qur’ān and sunnah. The secondary sources include journals, articles, judicial authorities, and related books on Islamic laws. The study found that, in recent times, the phenomenon of hate speech is increasing dramatically all over the world. Hence, now more than ever, there is a necessity to more concerned about this issue together irrespective of religion, race, and nationality. Islam, however, as a religion of peace and humanity had declared a clear statement against hate speech, even, it is strictly forbidden and a punishable offence in Shariah; since the main essence of the maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah (objectives of Shariah) is to avoid the evil and uphold the human interest. From the legal perspective, to abate the phenomena of hate speech from the society, Islamic laws can be more effective combined with conventional laws, if it is executed properly.