Jon MC

The word “Sitr” itself is related to the Arabic word for a curtain or a veil, and carries the meaning of drawing a blind over something that is not to be revealed.

The doctrine of Sitr is related to the concept of “Aurah” or “dishonour / shame”.

In simple terms, when a person does something “shameful” or “dishonourable” within the Muslim community, it should be hushed up and only repeated offenders should be brought to (Islamic) justice. This is justified on the grounds that in the Hadith a duty is laid on Muslims to protect each other and each other’s honour.

Sitr developed in a primitive culture where the concept of a crime had not been fully developed into a formalised system. Muslims adhere to Sitr because of their religious belief. But times have surpassed this concept.

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Introduction

In this article British writer Jon MC and American commentator and writer Jake Neuman explore some issues surrounding free-speech at present (2013).

For those who wish to avoid reading the full article, a summary has been provided before the conclusions.

Universal Free speech

The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states in article 19:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and to seek, receive and impart information through any media and regardless of frontiers.' UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 19. (1948)

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