Islamic Perception of Freedom of Expression: An Exploration of Islamic Thought

Islam considers freedom of expression, speech and thought as an imperative human right and liberty. Primary Islamic sources, as the Holy Quran, Hadith and Seerah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Islamic jurisprudence discuss its principles parameters and boundaries comprehensively. There are many verses of the Quran, ?h?d?th of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and many terms of Islamic Fiqh, which guide us to describe the freedom of expression, its meanings, significance, principles and limits. Islamic scholars of different fields define the freedom of expression in different ways. It’s also observed during exploration in Islamic and Western perspectives, there is no specific and agreed upon definition of freedom of expression. Some scholars try to define it according to their own interest and requirement, but they can’t make an agreement on its definition. So, there is found a variety of definitions of freedom of expression in academic discourse. Different Islamic scholars mention different definitions due to its being a modern term. In this study efforts are made to elaborate Islamic concept of freedom of expression, thought and speech in modern context. It’s concluded, the Islamic teachings give all kind of freedom and rights to human being but their limits and boundaries are different from Western thought.

Pathogenecity and Control of Nematodes Associated With Walnut in Hazara Division

This research was done to recognize plant parasitic nematode related to walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Hazara Division, KP, Pakistan. Phytonematodes are of great concern as they are potential pest of plants including crops and trees. Their infestation resulted in yield loss and poor plant growth. Symptoms included stunted growth, yellowing of foliage, early flowering, excessive branching, root lesions and root galls, root tip death and root knots which resulted in adverse effects on the plant. The identified nematode species included Helicotylenchus dihystera, Helicotylenchus digonicus, Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus, Helicotylenchus vulgaris, Helicotylenchus canadensis, Helicotylenchus larvae, Aphelenchus avenae, Tylenchus sp., Tylenchus filiformis, Tylenchus ritae, Pratylenchus vulnus, Pratylenchus neglectus, Pratylenchus penetrans, Trichodorus sp., Meloidogyne larvae, Basiria bajorensis, Basiria kashmirensis and Basiria graminophila from Mansehra and Helicotylenchus vulgaris, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Tylenchus sp., Psilenchus hilarulus and Meloidogyne incognita from Abbottabad. Among identified nematodes Meloidogyne larvae (root-knot nematode), Pratylenchus vulnus, P. neglectus, P. penetrans (root-lesion nematodes) and Trichodorus sp. (Stubby root nematode) were of major concern. Management of phytonematodes is of great importance. In this study inorganic (Carbofuran) and organic (poultry manure, cow dung, horse manure, pigeon manure, castor oil cakes, duck manure, Saw dust) were used for the management and it was found that all amendments were effective against parasitic phytonematodes associated with walnut trees. Organic amendments were effective in the sequence like castor oil > poultry manure > cow dung > pigeon manure > horse manure > duck manure > saw dust. As organic amendments are eco-friendly and easily available therefore, their use is more recommendable as compared to chemical nematicides. Histopathology of the infected walnut roots by Meloidogyne sp. showed that roots were damaged due to nematode activity to a greater extend. Cortex and vascular tissues were completely destroyed. It was observed that feeding sites were induced along with giant cells with egg masses by the second stage juveniles. Cells with multinuclei and densed cytoplasm were observed. Necrosis of the root along with hypertrophy was also seen.