Western Perspective: Laws punishing blasphemy (insulting religious beliefs) and apostasy (renouncing one’s faith) are seen as contravening freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Islamic Perspective: Blasphemy and apostasy are seen as grave offenses that can disrupt societal harmony. However, views on the punishment for these offenses vary widely among Muslim scholars and communities.
Punishments (Hudud Laws):
Western Perspective: Some of the punishments prescribed in Islamic law, such as amputation for theft or flogging for adultery, are seen as inhumane and barbaric.
Islamic Perspective: Hudud punishments are prescribed as a deterrent, with the idea that their severity will prevent crime. Many conditions must be met for these punishments to be carried out, making their application rare.
Gender Roles and Women’s Rights:
Western Perspective: Restrictions on women’s dress (e.g., mandatory hijab) and their roles in some Muslim-majority countries are viewed as oppressive. Also, inheritance laws where females inherit half of what males inherit are seen as discriminatory.
Islamic Perspective: Modesty in dress and behavior is emphasized for both men and women. The inheritance laws take into consideration the financial responsibilities placed upon men to provide for their families. Many scholars also argue that cultural practices, rather than Islamic teachings, are responsible for women’s oppression in certain societies.
Polygamy:
Western Perspective: Polygamy (allowing a man to have up to four wives) is generally seen as promoting gender inequality.
Islamic Perspective: Polygamy was permitted in contexts where it was socially and economically pragmatic, e.g., after wars where there were many widows. It’s conditional on treating all wives equally, which is deemed nearly impossible by some scholars, thus discouraging the practice.
Jizya Tax on Non-Muslims:
Western Perspective: The jizya tax imposed on non-Muslims living in an Islamic state is seen as discriminatory.
Islamic Perspective: Jizya is seen as a form of protection tax, especially since non-Muslims are exempted from military service and other civic obligations required of Muslims.
Homosexuality:
Western Perspective: The prohibition and penalization of homosexual acts in many Muslim-majority countries are viewed as violating human rights and personal freedoms.
Islamic Perspective: Homosexual acts are prohibited based on Quranic verses and Hadiths. However, views on punishment and its enforcement vary among scholars and countries.
