Is it a crime to speak only about people of other religions, or is lying and hatred also an insult to religion?

The term “insult to religion” is now a very sensitive issue in our society. It is often seen that somewhere a Hindu youth writes something on Facebook—or a screenshot is shared in his name—and he is immediately arrested. Many times, tension has spread, attacks have occurred, houses have been burned, social boycotts have taken place.

But in the same society, there are also people who lie in the name of religion every day, spread hatred, divide people, and use religion for political gain—and charges of “insulting religion” are very rare against them.

So the question is—what does it really mean to insult religion?

Is it insulting religion just because someone says something about Islam? Or is it insulting religion by using religion to lie, deceive, and insult others—all these are also insults to religion?

To find the answer to this question, we need to look not to emotions, but to the Quran.

Religion in the Quran is not just an emotion, but also morality

In our society, religion is often seen as a symbol of honor. But the Quran has not presented religion as just a matter of emotion; rather, it has made truth, justice, honesty, humanity and behavior a part of religion.

The Quran says—

“Do not mix truth with falsehood while you know it, nor conceal the truth.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:42

It is also said—

“Woe to those who write the book with their own hands and say, ‘This is from Allah,’ so that they may take a small price for it.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:79

The language of these verses is very harsh. Here, the Quran is directly condemning the use of religion to mislead people, spread lies and achieve personal interests.

That is, lying in the name of religion, engaging in power politics, and leading people astray—all these are serious crimes in the eyes of the Quran.

Isn’t lying in the name of religion an insult to religion?

Today we live in a society where religious identity has often become more important than morality. If someone wears a hat and beard, chants religious slogans, and uses Islamic language, then his lies are acceptable to many.

But does Islam say so?

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed truthfulness as part of faith. He called lying a sign of hypocrisy. So, a person who lies every day in the name of religion, spreads propaganda, and spreads hatred against people—is he really protecting religion, or is he destroying the dignity of religion?

This question is very important.

Because nowhere in the Quran does it say that if you become a Muslim, all your words will become sacred. Rather, the Quran has repeatedly warned people—not to make religion a tool for personal gain.

Does Islam support insulting other religions?

In our society, it is often seen that other religions are humiliated in sermons, mahfils, or social discussions. Sometimes they are directly abused, sometimes they are ridiculed. However, when the same person comments on Islam, they become angry and call it “insulting religion.”

But what does the Quran say?

The Quran clearly instructs—

“Do not abuse those they call upon besides Allah, lest they abuse Allah out of ignorance, out of enmity.”

— Surah Al-An’am 6:108

This is a very important verse. Here, Muslims are asked to be restrained. That is, Islam does not allow insulting other religions.

But in reality, we often see the opposite picture. Insulting the majority is called “propagating religion,” and even a minor comment by a minority is made into “insulting religion.”

Insulting religion or identity politics?

In the reality of the subcontinent, including Bangladesh, “insulting religion” has often become not a moral question, but a question of power and identity.

When a person from a minority community is accused, action is taken quickly. But when someone from the majority community disparages another religion, it is seen as a common occurrence.

The main problem here is that we judge religion not by the standard of justice, but by the standard of identity.

The Quran, however, does not support this hypocrisy.

Allah says—

“Let not hatred of a people incite you to abandon justice. Be just; that is nearer to piety.”

— Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:8

That is, justice must be equal for all. One rule for Muslims, another for non-Muslims—this is not Quranic justice.

No compulsion in religion

One of the fundamental principles of the Quran is religious freedom.

“There is no compulsion in religion.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256

It is also said—

“Your religion is for you, my religion is for me.”

— Surah Al-Kafirun 109:6

That is, Islam has given people freedom of belief. But in reality, we have often created a society where even religious dissent or questioning is considered a crime.

As a result, religion gradually loses confidence and stands on fear. However, a truly strong faith is never afraid of questions.

How is religion protected?

Religion cannot be protected only with slogans.

Religion cannot be protected only by punishing others.

Religion can be protected through truth, justice, honesty and humanity.

In a society where liars become “defenders of religion” and weak people become easy targets—religious emotions are used more than religion.

Most importantly, the Quran has never taught Muslims blind favoritism. Rather, it has taught them the courage to see their own mistakes.

Today, we need that courage of self-criticism the most.

Because the greatest insult to religion may not be the words of people of a different religion; rather, it occurs when religion is diverted from the path of truth and justice and turned into a weapon of power, hatred, and lies.

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