Freedom of Expression vs. Religious Sanctity in Jordan

Every year during the holy month of Ramadan, a recurring debate resurfaces in Jordan about the boundaries of freedom of expression — specifically whether publicly breaking the fast, or mocking religious practices, falls within the sphere of personal freedom or constitutes an offence against religious sentiment that triggers criminal liability.

Ramadan: Personal Act vs. Public Provocation

There is no legal provision in Jordan that criminalizes breaking the fast itself — fasting is a personal religious obligation and the decision to fast or not is a matter of individual choice. However, the deliberate and provocative public display of breaking the fast, or the publication of content mocking fasting individuals or Ramadan rituals, may be characterized legally as a public act that offends religious sentiment or constitutes behavior contrary to public decency.

The Digital Dimension

The rapid growth of social media has fundamentally changed the legal landscape in this area. Posts, comments, and video clips shared online are now treated as public acts capable of satisfying the elements of a criminal offence. Jordan's Cybercrime Law specifically criminalises the intentional sending, re-sending, or publication of content through information networks or social media that contains false news targeting national security and societal peace, or that constitutes defamation, slander, or contempt.

Freedom of Expression: Rights and Responsibilities

Freedom of expression is a constitutionally protected right in Jordan — but it is not unlimited. The crucial distinction is between academic criticism and intellectual debate on one hand, and deliberate mockery, incitement, or contempt for religious beliefs on the other. The determining factors are the intent to insult, the nature and degree of publicity, and the social impact of the act.

The Governing Legal Provisions

•        Article 273 of the Penal Code: Anyone who publishes material likely to offend the religious sentiments of others or hold their religious rituals in contempt is liable to imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to twenty dinars.

•        Article 278 of the Penal Code: Imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of 50-200 dinars for anyone who commits acts intended to stir up sectarian or racial strife or incite conflict between different communities.

•        Article 274 of the Penal Code: Anyone who publicly breaks the fast during Ramadan is liable to imprisonment of up to one month or a fine of up to fifteen dinars.

•        Article 15 of the Cybercrime Law: Imprisonment of not less than three months or a fine of 5,000-20,000 dinars for intentional publication of false news targeting national security or content constituting defamation or contempt.

Conclusion

The sanctity of Ramadan is not merely a religious value — it is a social reality that commands broad respect in Jordan. Insulting religious sentiment is not simply a difference of opinion — it may constitute a completed criminal offence when all its legal elements are present. In a state governed by law, freedom remains a responsibility, and respect for the beliefs of others is the cornerstone of protecting societal peace.

At Shraideh Law Firm, our criminal law team advises on matters involving freedom of expression, religious offence, and cybercrime under Jordanian law.