In the age of digital and networked technologies, hate is more vociferous, dominant, and intimidating than ever.
While a formal and comprehensive definition of hate speech in international human rights law remains elusive, the United Nations defines the term as "any offensive discourse targeting a group or an individual based on inherent characteristics (such as race, religion or gender) and that may threaten social peace."
One does not need to look far to find examples of the abject consequences of hate speech. Racist and xenophobic hate speech-inspired slurs, violence, and crimes against people of African descent in the United States continue to this day. In Europe, Muslims are subject to anti-Muslim sentiment and Islamophobic hate crimes, speech, and sometimes even physical violence. Some of these attacks have even targeted Muslim women wearing the headscarf. The 2009 murder of Marwa el-Shirbini, an Egyptian residing in Germany, by an anti-Muslim fanatic is a case in point.
Other manifestations of hate against Muslims and Islam include the caricaturist depiction of Prophet Muhammad – which provoked Muslim zealots to attack the offices of the Charlie Hebdo newspaper, killing 12 and injuring 11 – and the repeated desecration and burning of the Holy Quran in the US and several European countries, the latest being in Sweden by an anti-Islam provocateur.
Unfortunately, the police had permitted the perpetrators of all the instances to express "their opinions about the Quran" in the name of freedom of speech.
Freedom of expression is a valuable right; however, the freedom of expression enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes "freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media" is in stark contrast to articles 1-5 in the same declaration, which ensure freedom from discrimination, the right to equality, the right to personal security, and freedom from degrading treatment. The right to free speech has been greatly abused to intentionally attack and discriminate against individuals and groups without any accountability.
Religious institutions, hence, emerge as potent allies in the fight against hate speech. With their rich histories, influential platforms, and deep-rooted moral values, these organizations possess unique potential to promote peace, tolerance, and compassion, effectively combating hate speech.
These institutions have long served as moral compasses for their followers, championing principles of love, empathy, and understanding. By harnessing this influence, they can actively advocate for respectful dialogue and inclusivity, fostering an environment where hate speech struggles to find fertile ground.
Moreover, religious leaders play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. Through sermons, teachings, and public addresses, they can address the root causes of hate speech, emphasizing its consequences for individuals and society.
In the digital age, religious institutions can utilize their online presence to promote positivity, share messages of peace, and address instances of hate speech, thus creating a compelling counter-narrative to combat harmful ideologies.
By incorporating teachings on tolerance, acceptance, and the dangers of hate speech within their curriculum, religious institutions can instill these values in future generations, shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society.
In conclusion, religious institutions' role in combating hate speech is vital and multifaceted. These institutions can create a more tolerant and compassionate society by leveraging their moral authority, embracing inclusivity, promoting education, and fostering collaboration.
*The writer is a senior adviser to the Grand Mufti of Egypt
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