The Concept of Freedom in Islām
In the name of Allāh, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
By Farouk Kerbelker (vice-chairman)
All praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the Worlds and may the peace and blessings of Allāh Almighty be upon the Noble Prophet Muḥammad (SAW) his family and companions and upon all those who follow the Truth until the end of time and beyond Inshā Allāh.
After praising and thanking Allāh, Almighty, I thank our Chairman, Adam Ismail, and the executive members for granting me the privilege to address our guests and our members here today. Thank you Moulana and the office staff for all your assistance. Hajji Moosa Vallie Ismail, jazākallāh for your invaluable contribution in the drafting this paper entitled The Concept of Freedom in Islām. May Allāh grant you many more years with us to benefit from your vast experience, knowledge, and wisdom, Inshā Allāh.
Jazākallāh Maulana Ridwaan Mathews for the melodious recital of Suratul A’Rãf Verses 157 to 159 and Sūrah Tawba verses 128 to 129 which will form the spirit of my talk here today
Allāh The All Wise says:
“And those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel, enjoining them to do what is right and forbidding them what is wrong, making lawful for them the good (things), and forbidding for them the wrong (things) and relieving them of their burdens, and the difficulties that were upon them. Those who believe in him and honour him, and help him and follow the Nur (the Holy Qur’ãn) that has been sent down with him… they are the successful.” Sūrah A’rãf verse 157
In Islām freedom is a Divine Human right, a privilege and an honour bestowed to man, by his Creator. Without freedom man is robbed of his true potential and possibilities and reduced into mere slavery to
la ilāha illallāh (in other words: there is no god worthy of worship in creation). Only when man is truly free can he be guided on a path of self realization. I.e. know himself, his limitations and come to know The Creator of all creation, His Lord and Master Allāh (SWT). Then he will be truly free to love his Lord and fulfill his purpose in life as vicegerent. The individual has a right to exercise his free will and choice without being subjected to the unguided will of others, motivated by expediency and selfish aims.
Freedom is an evolutionary process starting with the acceptance of the Kalima. The Kalima inspires the individual with the right thoughts and clear concepts of man and creation, Godhood Role model-ship and the perfect, eternal, complete and universal Ideology of Islām. The second process is the adherence to the Sunnah, expressing in practical terms, thoughts and universal principles into action.
Islām frees oneself from the clutches of anything, everything, anyone and all of creation. Unconditional submission and total surrender and obedience only to Allāh (SWT) liberates the soul and the complete human personality from fear, ignorance, superstition, blind speculation, priesthood and wrong manmade Ideologies. Restrains the instinctive self, the lower animal self, from exaggerated emotions, urges, desires and ego together with all other negative influences. Through belief in tawḥīd the soul is constantly inspired with God consciousness
. A keen perception of morality in Tawḥīd ever growing. Forever aware that he will be held accountable for his actions and constantly grateful to his Lord for all the favours bestowed upon him. Ever ready to seek the mercy and love from Allāh (SWT) through total obedience to Allāh and His Rasool. Humbling himself in sincere tawbah. With unwavering faith, hope and trust that Allāh, The forgiver of all sins, will forgive him and not disgrace him in this life and in the hereafter. With a conscience free from regrettable sins and a deeply rooted belief, together with good deeds, he strengthens his will and Imān in the remembrance of Allah, The Merciful, in Ibãdah, Șalāh, Dhikrs, Fast, Ḥaj etc.
With Divine inspiration and action (in other words implementing the Sunnah) a society and individuals are able to free themselves from oppressive tyrants, unjust laws, lust, superstition, priesthood and psychological complexes which enslave and distort the human will. Submission to the will of Allāh Almighty grants man the right attitude, outlook and a practical path in life to live a complete ethico – religious life with immense benefits for the entire family, society, nation and the rest of the world. Where peace, happiness, security and justice for all is guaranteed by Allāh Almighty.
Allāh, The All Wise, says in the Holy Qur’ãn
“And We have not sent you (O Muḥammad) but as a mercy unto all the worlds.” Ambiyãh – verse-107)
How is Muḥammad (SAW) a mercy to mankind?
Very briefly:
- He teaches the correct understanding and concept of Godhood
- He purifies to liberate man from disbelief thus perfecting human conduct and character
- He teaches the Qur’ãn and wisdom to practically implement the Will and Plan of Allāh Almighty.
Islām purifies the individual from self aggrandizement and narrow mindedness, frees the individual from slavery and injustice. As growth of the Human Personality develops in Tawhid, that driving force, frees the complete human personality from creation. It encourages true belief in a Single Perfect Ideal, Allāh (SWT). A single role model that perfect exemplar for all mankind, Mohammed Mustapha (SAW). The complete, universal and eternal Ideology of Islām, capable of evolving through the passage of time to guarantee mans constant progress while maintaining fundamental and universal principles to fit mans nature. Man has the human right to moral and social reform but only within in the parameters of Divine Law. Reforms are to be created in an atmosphere of security and safety in which man is free to think, reflect and express his humanness. Man must have the freedom to consciously search for his ideal in an environment of justice, peace and tolerance.
Oppression and servitude deprives man of his spiritual, mental and moral freedom, stunts and distorts the moral transformation of both the victor and victim. Tyranny devours human dignity, self esteem, self image, self respect and the will to grow spiritually. The sense of searching for a Creator is substituted by material gain and power at any price. The sense of beauty is distorted, hence the free will within man destroys the inner goodness of human nature.
Implementation of Qur’ãn and Sunnah enhance the growth and transformation of the human being, inspires proper expression to his humanity to follow a path of moral perfection. Creating an atmosphere of hope and optimism which give true meaning to human creativity and existence.
Freedom in Islām is based on truthfulness, commitment and responsibility in Tawhid. (In other words implementing the Will and Plan of Allāh alone.) Without this attitude true freedom cannot be realised. When Islāmic principles are rejected, as a standard for moral conduct, there will be a complete breakdown of moral and social order in society.
All human beings are created with a common basic nature by a single Creator. Man has an innate urge to conduct his affairs without interference from others or the state. He wants the choice of participating or abstaining from personal activities based on his own will.
No human being has the right to force his will upon others. An individual and society has a Divine right to make their own choices. However, the freedom of individuals and communities should never jeopardise the general order of society or destroy its foundations. The freedom of individuals or a specific community should never cause hatred, chaos, anarchy and hardship to the general society. No one’s freedom should violate the freedom of others.
Islām places the human being on the highest level. For this reason, Islām considers transgression against one person to be transgression against society as a whole. Similarly, the concern of one person is the concern of the whole society. Every human being male or female, rich or poor, Arab or non Arab, Muslim or non Muslim has to be honoured and respected because of his intrinsic human worth as a creation of Allāh Almighty.
These regulations and guidelines show that Islām does not recognize individual freedom at the expense of the community, nor does it establish freedoms for communities at the expense of individuals. Islām is the balance thus giving everyone their just due.
Individuals in a society must have the choice to dispose of his own affairs without fearing injury to his person, property or reputation. Personal freedom must imply sanctity and security.
In the absence of a Creator and accountability, irresponsible and over exaggerated concepts of freedom, expounded by democracy and modern theories of freedom of expression, lead to a lack of spirituality, corruption, and moral decay in a society. It inevitably leads to racism, nationalism and a tribal mentality. True freedom lies in commitment to the Sunnah of Muḥammadur Rasūlillāh (SAW) and the acceptance of responsibility on that tremendous day of Accountability. Commitment and Accountability forms an integral part of each other which cannot be separated.
There cannot be freedom of choice without responsibility and no responsibility without freedom. If man is deprived of his free will and the right to choose his path in life, he could never be reconciled with Allāh, the Glorified. Allāh, The All Aware, has granted man free will, which allows him to choose his course in life and man is answerable to Allāh, the Judge of all judges, for his actions.
Divine reward or punishment is ordained in accordance with man’s free will. Without free will and its adherent responsibility and commitment there could be neither reward nor punishment.
Free will is an innate human characteristic but must be expressed and be practiced within the limits of commitment, responsibility and self control. Man has a Divine obligation to choose the path of righteousness thus ensuring the rights and freedom of others. Free will is granted to man as a mercy, honour and privilege from his Lord. The purpose of free will is to increase his self knowledge (both spiritual and secular) to fulfill his duty and responsibility of vicegerent, the representative of Allāh Almighty on earth. To establish God’s kingdom on earth, to improve his destiny and come to know himself and his Creator. Only man has the capacity, capabilities and consciousness to come to know his Creator. If not, freedom will become a tool of self destruction as History so tragically reveals. Islām urges man to consider the spiritual, physical and material welfare of others in all his endeavours. This prevents freedom from being turned into a dictatorship, exploiting other’s Divine right to share in natural resources and the wealth of a community.
Political freedom in Islām must guide mankind to the Truth, justice, beauty, goodness, peace and security. And must guarantee and protect the political rights and freedom to express the religious beliefs of all. It is simply not enough to have a vote, or access to good food, running water, good education, medical services and protection from criminals, which in any event is a privilege to only a few in a Capitalist society.
Art and literature must emulate values of the Holy Qur’ãn, and emphasise love, goodness and human relations in an aesthetic manner. Irresponsible exaggerated freedom leads to pornography, decadence, and disrespectful moral values.
Islām urges man to practice his personal freedom without encroaching on the rights of others and deviating from correct moral conduct. When individuals respect the rights and freedoms of others, a society will grow and prosper in all aspects of life and in the correct balance. Life is filled with knowledge, good deeds and purpose. Free from lusts and tyranny. True happiness and contentment can then be realized despite the challenges of everyday life.
The power to choose must be accompanied with responsibility and the certainty of accountability. In other words: True repentance (tawba) is to feel deep regret filled with sincere remorse of one’s sins, and returning to Allāh with the intention to obey Him. Genuine Tawba signifies a sincere effort to no longer oppose the Divine will in one’s feelings, thoughts, intentions, and acts, and to comply sincerely with His commands and prohibitions.
Freedom is not a license to satisfy instincts and satisfy lusts and desires. Nor can it be a tool to satisfy the ego or cave in to political correctness or fleeting contemporary world views. In Islām, freedom guides man to God consciousness. The innate ability to recognize right from wrong. The freedom to forbid evil and promote goodness and beauty for oneself and others.
The collapse of a civilization and man’s fall into misery and helplessness are direct consequences of permissiveness and the frenzied pursuit of pleasure, power and wealth. The Qur’ãn presents us with lessons drawn from history. It warns us of nations and communities that destroyed themselves by ignoring the way of Allāh (SWT) and the Wise Qur’ãn.
“Then there succeeded after them a succession who wasted/neglected the salah/prayer, and followed their lusts; so they shall encounter error.” (Sūrah Maryam verse:59)
The emphasis on materialism and freedom without responsibilities in today’s societies is destroying the social and moral fabric of these societies. It gives rise to moral decadence, promiscuity, crime and a lack of respect for all moral and legal norms.
Freedom is abused and has become a subversive tool for frivolous legal and intellectual debates with fruitless results. The abuse of freedom has resulted in intellectual and political justification for corruption, crime, war, poverty, drug addictions, alcoholism and life destroying diseases such as Aids.
It is a known fact that that drug addiction throughout the modern world is increasing at an alarming rate. Despite educational programs, massive public awareness campaigns and law enforcement, drug abuse and crime is increasing at a phenomenal rate. The true cause of drug addiction is linked to the breakdown of Spiritual and moral values, the helplessness and despair of the underprivileged, together with the emphasis of secularism and the market orientated culture, promoting instant self gratification, leaving real issues unanswered, considering religion as mere tales of history.
The quality of human life is compromised by the absence of natural male-female relationships, free sex and man’s lack of self control. Fatal diseases are the natural consequence of irresponsible sexual practices.
More children are born with this dreadful disease and suffer throughout their short lives. Our government believes that Spiritual and moral values have no role to play in combating this disease. They would be well advised to look at Muslim societies where strict moral values are the norm and consequently such diseases are minimal.
Suffering brought about by these diseases and addictions are a result of man’s inability to practise freedom with restraint, and responsibility. The limitless freedom has resulted in chaos, disorder, crime, despair and death by the very freedom they wish to express.
Economic freedom is seen as a legal means to exploit the underprivileged by deceit, fraud, bribery and corruption. The sole aim is to amass wealth in the hands of a few, grow powerful and influential on the sweat and misery of others.
Man has an obligation to pursue knowledge to increase his skills and to use it to his benefit. But, we should distinguish between that which is useful and that which is harmful. Wealth must serve mankind and not bring about oppression and hatred.
Economic activities must always be in accordance with ordained principles, both Spiritual and moral values. Man, is a servant of Allāh, The Master of all the worlds. Allāh alone has full authority over man. It is Allāh’s will that man live a life of justice and fairness, beauty and goodness.
Islām encourages freedom of thought, speech, politics, economics, individual conduct, but insists that this freedom encompass a sense of responsibility, commitment and accountability. Thus building strong, unwavering character, secure in self knowledge and high self esteem. Their strength is reflected by high moral values, exceptional conduct and the correct attitude in life.
The beloved Prophet (SAW) urged us to develop our independent characters nourished by universal Qur’ãnic teachings.
The Our’ an and the Messenger of Allāh (SWT) nourished the Islāmic concept of freedom. Never was freedom of expression denied. Muslims viewed their opinions in his presence. He consulted them about revelation and listened to their views. The first Muslim community lived in unprecedented freedom under the banner of the Holy Qur’ān and the leadership of Muḥammad (SAW).
Everyone Muslim and Non Muslims lived in an atmosphere of social justice and harmony. There was no place for pride, arrogance and self righteousness by a priest class. Society was one. Islām laid down the principles of justice, equality, fairness and freedom in a single established moral code.
In Islām freedom is a Divine right which enables man to lead a moral and upright life, and brings him under the mantle of the justice and mercy of Allāh Almighty.
Wal Ḥamdulillāhi Rabbil ‘Ālamīn