Free Speech in Holy Scripture
who asked me to meet with Ahmed Al Shaikh who was then responsible for the newly introduced programme ‘The Sharia Laws & Life.’ From the very beginning I felt that it was different from any TV show I had ever appeared on. I remember the fatwa (discretionary religious opinion) given by Dr Yusuf Al Qaradawi, the then chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) legalising the Misyar marriage. I requested to participate in debate with him on the show to examine the types of this marriage, which of them is legal and which is not. This was a clear example of ‘an opinion and the counter opinion,’ which has become Al Jazeera’s slogan. Since 2017, I have been presenting the ‘Jurisprudence on Funds & Property’ show. It provides a clear explanation of the financial matters in Islamic Law. It also provides solutions amid the frenetic complications of modern financial and banking systems. Al Jazeera has become an authoritative source in the world; establishing truths and defending rights. It plays an instrumental role serving humanity. I pray to Allah Almighty to bless Al Jazeera together with all those behind it.
I believe there were a number of factors behind Al Jazeera’s massive success; first the removal of restrictions on freedom of expression, laced with the unwavering and generous support of the Qatari leadership at any cost. Such freedom of speech was unprecedented in the Arab world; and therefore, the State of Qatar has been facing many challenges. The unjust blockade against Qatar was the peak. Another factor in its success is the elite professionals leading the network, from the top down. I still recall my first encounter with Al Jazeera in its early days. I was approached by Mahmoud Sahlawi
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