Islam and Freedom

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Islam is the religion of freedom and peace. It has provided the
people with freedom as never been witnessed by any other system
throughout history. The Qur'an, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the
practices of rulers expressed how much Islam values freedom in all
aspects of life: the spiritual, political, economic, and social
matters.
"Almighty Allah says, "Allah is the protector of those who have
faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into
light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the Evil Ones: from
light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They
will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (forever)" (Al-
Baqarah: 257).
He also says, "We have honored the sons of Adam; provided them with
transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and
pure; and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of Our
Creation" (Al-Isra': 70).

Who does not like freedom? There is no human being who will say that
he or she is against freedom. Even animals want freedom. Put a bird
in a cage and open the small door of the cage, and you will see that
bird wants to fly out. It does not want to live in the cage. Take a
cat in a small room and close the door and you will see that it will
go immediately to the door and scratch the door. The cat does not
want to live in a locked room. Freedom is not a modern idea or a
Western or Eastern idea; it is a universal idea. It is wrong to say
that some people do not want freedom for themselves and for their
societies. It is, however, true that some people in the East and in
the West want freedom only for themselves and do not to give freedom
to others.

Islam teaches that you live with freedom and you must equally wish
and work for the freedom of others. Freedom and equality are
interrelated. We cannot practice freedom without practicing equality.
However, it is important to remember that freedom in Islam means
freedom to do good, not freedom to do anything that you like. In the
Arabic language the word hurr does not mean only "free" but it also
means "noble." The whole religion of Islam is to protect and promote
freedom. Islam emphasizes human dignity, and it is freedom that
brings dignity to human beings. It opens their minds and souls to
reach to higher and higher goals. Human beings cannot be called
honored and dignified unless they are free.

Islam ensures religious freedom for all people. "There should not be
any compulsion in religion" (Al-Baqarah: 256).

Islam teaches freedom of the soul, mind, and body.
Islam teaches freedom of the individual and the society.
Islam teaches freedom in this world and in the Hereafter
We should try to establish these rights and freedoms in Muslim
societies and in the world, taking guidance from the Qur'an, the
Sunnah and the great Muslim heritage."

May Allah help us all keep firm on the Straight Path. Ameen.

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