Islam stands for freedom of expression (2:256; 18:29; 10:99; 88:21-22). <br /> <br />An excerpt from Manifesto for Islamic Reform, by Edip Yuksel: <br /> <br />Islam <br />• is not a proper name, but a descriptive noun coming from the Arabic root of surrendering/submission/peace, used by God to describe the system delivered by all His messengers and prophets (5:111; 10:72; 98:5), which reached another stage with Abraham (4:125; 22:78). <br />• is peacefully surrendering to God alone (2:112,131; 4:125; 6:71; 22:34; 40:66). <br />• is a system with universal principles, which are in harmony with nature (3:83; 33:30; 35:43). <br />• requires objective evidence besides personal experience (3:86; 2:111; 21:24; 74:30). <br />• demands conviction not based on wishful thinking or feelings, but based on reason and evidence (17:36; 4:174; 8:42; 10:100; 11:17; 74:30-31). <br />• esteems knowledge, education, and learning (35:28; 4:162; 9:122; 22:54; 27:40; 29:44,49). <br />• promotes scientific inquiry regarding the evolution of humankind on earth (29:20). <br />• rejects clergymen and intermediaries between God and people (2:48; 9:31-34). <br />• condemns profiteering from religion (9:34; 2:41,79,174; 5:44; 9:9). <br />• stands for liberty, accountability, and defiance of false authorities (6:164). <br />• stands for freedom of expression (2:256; 18:29; 10:99; 88:21-22). <br />• requires consultation and representation in public affairs (42:38; 5:12). <br />• promotes a democratic system where participation of all citizens is encouraged and facilitated (58:11). <br />• prohibits bribery, and requires strict rules against the influence of interest groups and corporations in government (2:188). <br />• requires election of officials based on qualifications and principles of justice (4:58). <br />• promises justice for everyone, regardless of their creed or ethnicity (5:8). <br />• acknowledges the rights of citizens to publicly petition against injustices committed by individuals or government (4:148). <br />• encourages the distribution of wealth, economic freedom and social welfare (2:215, 59:7). <br />• promotes utmost respect to individuals (5:32). <br />• relates the quality of a society to the quality of individuals comprising it (13:11). <br />• recognizes and protects individual right's to privacy (49:12). <br />• recognizes the right to the presumption of innocence and right to confront the accuser (49:12). <br />• provides protection for witnesses (2:282). <br />• does not hold innocent people responsible for the crimes of others (53:38). <br />• protects the right to personal property (2:85,188; 4:29; exception 24:29; 59:6-7). <br />• discourages a non-productive economy (2:275; 5:90; 3:130). <br />• encourages charity and caring for the poor (6:141; 7:156). <br />• unifies humanity by promoting gender and race equality. (49:13). <br />• values women (3:195; 4:124; 16:97). <br />• values intellect (5:90). <br />• offers peace among nations (2:62; 2:135-136, 208).
