Blasphemy and International Laws: A Comparative Study of the Protection of Religious Symbols and Legal Measures

توہینِ مقدسات اور بین الاقوامی قوانین: مذہبی شعائر کے تحفظ اور قانونی اقدامات کا تقابلی مطالعہ

Abstract

Blasphemy and desecration of sacred entities are universally regarded as serious offenses in religious, cultural, and legal contexts. In Islamic jurisprudence, blasphemy is considered a grave, unforgivable crime, with severe punishments intended to preserve the sanctity of faith, protect religious sentiments, and uphold moral order. Similar prohibitions exist in Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, where insults against sacred texts, figures, or rituals are strictly condemned. While Islamic law prescribes stringent punishments for blasphemy, it simultaneously emphasizes justice, fairness, and the avoidance of wrongful conviction by requiring clear evidence and genuine intent. In Pakistan and several Muslim-majority countries, blasphemy laws are embedded within penal codes with severe penalties, including capital punishment. In contrast, many Western countries prioritize freedom of expression, limiting or abolishing blasphemy-related laws, though some maintain hate-speech regulations to prevent incitement of violence. International organizations, such as the United Nations, highlight the balance between religious tolerance and freedom of expression, encouraging states to enact measures against hate speech without undermining fundamental rights. The study concludes that while blasphemy laws differ across nations and faith traditions, their underlying purpose is to safeguard religious dignity, promote peace, and prevent social unrest. Nevertheless, their application demands extreme caution, adherence to due process, and moral responsibility to ensure justice and interfaith harmony in a globalized world.