A Comparative Review of Islamic and International Law on the Veneration of Divine Books and Sacred Sites

الہامی کتب و مقدسات کی تکریم :شرعی اور بین الاقوامی قانون کاتقابلی مطالعہ

Abstract

Religion holds the same significance in human life as the soul does for the body. Every major religion primarily revolves around two essential elements: worship and beliefs. All religions are rooted in reverence, and showing respect for sacred beliefs is considered essential across faith traditions. The glorification (taʿẓīm) of revealed scriptures and holy books is so important that even in a state of war, the Qur’ān emphasized protecting their sanctity. Islam strictly forbids the desecration of any religion. Followers of any religion maintain a strong emotional and spiritual bond with their religious sanctities (muqaddasāt), and respecting these is a universal religious value. The previous divine laws, including those found in Judaism and Christianity, contain guidance regarding the interpretation (tafsīr) of revealed scriptures. Similarly, Islamic Sharīʿah places great importance on the respect for these texts. Islam is a religion of peace, mutual respect, and harmony. It teaches Muslims to honor not only their own religious symbols but also those of other faiths. In contrast, some Western societies have misused the concept of freedom of religion and expression, crossing boundaries by insulting sacred figures, mocking religious sentiments, and publishing blasphemous content. While they label this behavior as "freedom of speech," they are often unwilling to tolerate similar speech about their own sensitive issues—such as criticism related to the Holocaust. Islamic law (Sharīʿah) guarantees true freedom of religion. It commands Muslims to respect all revealed books, prophets (Anbiyāʾ), sacred places (amākin muqaddasah), and houses of worship. It promotes interfaith harmony and prohibits Muslims from allowing personal disputes to lead to the desecration of others’ sanctities. Anyone who insults the books of Allah or religious symbols faces condemnation and both worldly and eternal consequences in Islam. On the other hand, international law, though it recognizes freedom of religion and belief, often limits these rights when it comes to freedom of expression. This imbalance enables acts of desecration—such as blasphemous cartoons, Qur’ān burnings, and insults against the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Companions (Ṣaḥābah), and the Mothers of the Believers (Ummahāt al-Muʾminīn)—to occur under legal protection. Thus, the limited scope of international law in addressing such issues highlights the need for a more balanced and respectful global legal approach toward religious sanctities.