Freedom, both as a concept and as a value, has been denied to many individuals, groups and nations. It often has been misunderstood and abused.
The fact is that no human society can be free in the absolute sense of the word. There must be some limitations of one sort or another if the society is to function at all.
Apart from this general idea, Islam teaches freedom, cherishes it and guarantees it for the Muslim, as well as for the non-Muslim. The Islamic concept of freedom applies to all voluntary activities of individuals in all walks of life.
Every person is born free on the “fitrah,” or in a pure state of nature. This means that people are born free from subjugation, sin, inherited inferiority and ancestral hindrances. Our right of freedom is sacred as long as we do not deliberately violate the Law of God or desecrate the rights of others.
Some of the main objectives of Islam are to emancipate the mind from superstitions and uncertainties, the soul from sin and corruption, the conscience from oppression and fear, and the body from disorder and degeneration.
The course, which Islam helps individuals understand, includes profound intellectual endeavors, constant spiritual observances, binding moral principles and dietary regulations. When one follows this course, religiously, one cannot fail to reach his or her ultimate goal of freedom and emancipation.
The question of freedom with regard to belief, worship and conscience also is of paramount importance in Islam. Every person is entitled to exercise his or her freedom of belief, conscience and worship.
In the Quran, the Almighty God states: “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error. Whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the strongest bond that never breaks. And God knows and hears all things” (2:256).
Islam takes this attitude because religion depends on faith, wills and commitment. These would be meaningless if induced by force. Furthermore, Islam presents the Truth of God in the form of an opportunity and leaves the choice for people to decide their own course.
The Almighty Creator also says in the Quran, “The truth is from your Lord. Let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve” (18:29).
The Islamic concept of freedom is an article of faith, a solemn command from the Supreme Creator. It is built on the following fundamental principles:
First, an individual’s conscience is subject to God only, to whom every being is directly responsible.
Second, every human is personally responsible for their deeds and alone is entitled to reap the fruits of their hard work.
Third, God has delegated to each individual the responsibility to decide for one’s self.
Fourth, individuals are sufficiently provided with spiritual guidance and equipped with rational qualities that enable them to make responsible, sound choices.
Such is the foundation of the Islamic concept of freedom and the value of freedom in Islam. It is a natural right of humans, a spiritual privilege, a moral prerogative and, above all, a religious duty.
Within the framework of the Islamic concept of freedom, there is no room for religious persecution, class conflict or racial prejudice. The individual’s right of freedom is as sacred as the right to life.
Marwa Elkelani, who has her master’s degree in teaching English as a second language-linguistics from Oklahoma State University and is a graduate student at the University of Maine, lives in Brewer with her husband and three young children.