Islam Promotes Political Freedom and Human Rights but Muslims Face Different Realities

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 3 October 2024 Understanding the Relationship between Freedom and Islam Main Points: 1. Western philosophers have historically viewed religion as a barrier to personal freedom. 2. Islamic scholar Rashid Ghannouchi argues that true freedom is essential for Sharia, the divine guidance for Muslims. 3. Islamic scholars like Imam Farahi and Allama Taha Jabir Alwani emphasize the importance of freedom in any system of governance. 4. The rise of Islam marked a significant turning point, introducing new ideas about individual rights and responsibilities. 5. The French Revolution was a significant moment in the discussion of freedom, aiming to dismantle tyranny and advocate for individual rights. 6. The Khilafat-e-Rashida (Rightly Guided Caliphs) serves as a historical example of how political freedom can manifest in an Islamic context. 7. Many Muslims seek refuge in Western nations, motivated by a desire for freedom and respect for human rights. 8. The stark contrast between Islam's freedom-promoting principles and the realities faced by Muslims underscores the need for reform in Islamic countries to align with modern society's demands. ------ Representative Photo from Files ------ Introduction Freedom is a fundamental aspect of human existence, influencing both individual lives and the structure of societies. In Islam, freedom is not just a social or political idea; it is seen as a divine mandate that underscores human dignity and purpose. This essay explores the deep relationship between freedom and Islam, examining how these two elements can coexist, the historical context of freedom in Islamic thought, and the moral, political, and practical implications of this relationship. By understanding these aspects, we can see how Islam frames freedom as essential for human dignity. Religion and Freedom: A Historical Perspective Many Western philosophers have historically viewed religion as a barrier to personal freedom. This perspective stems from long struggles against religious institutions, especially during the Enlightenment, when societies sought to liberate themselves from religious constraints. In Europe, religious authorities held significant power, often controlling moral and ethical standards, which made individuals feel oppressed and powerless. Consequently, the belief emerged that genuine freedom could only be achieved by distancing oneself from religious doctrine. However, this view oversimplifies the complex relationship between Islam and freedom. Renowned Islamic scholar Rashid Ghannouchi challenges the idea that religion opposes freedom. He argues that true freedom is essential for Sharia, the divine guidance for Muslims. Ghannouchi believes that without freedom, the foundations of divine commands and ethical behaviour become meaningless. Support for this perspective can be found among other Islamic scholars, such as Imam Farahi and Allama Taha Jabir Alwani. They emphasize that freedom is crucial for any system of governance. Individuals must have the autonomy to make choices and face the consequences of their actions. The Quran itself highlights freedom as a divine gift, reinforcing the idea that Islam aims to uplift humanity and provide a framework for ethical living. The Islamic Understanding of Freedom To appreciate the Islamic perspective on freedom, it is important to recognize its historical significance. The rise of Islam represented a significant turning point, introducing new ideas about individual rights and responsibilities. Unlike previous religious systems that enforced rigid societal roles, Islam promoted personal autonomy and accountability. In Islam, freedom is closely linked to human dignity. The Quran teaches that every person is created with inherent worth and the ability to choose their path in life. Islamic teachings encourage individuals to pursue their own destinies while adhering to ethical principles that foster justice and equality in society. The French Revolution is another important moment in the discussion of freedom. This event was not just a political upheaval; it was also a social movement aimed at dismantling tyranny and advocating for individual rights. The philosophical ideas behind the Revolution resonate with Islamic teachings, though interpretations of freedom in the Western context often differ from those in Islam. The Contrast with Slavery and Tyranny Central to the fight for freedom is the opposition to slavery and tyranny. Slavery, the most blatant denial of freedom, is a direct affront to human dignity. The historical realities of slavery highlight the moral obligation to combat oppression and advocate for justice. Tyranny, whether political, religious, or economic, poses a significant threat to societal well-being. Abd al-Rahman al-Kawakbi, a notable Islamic thinker, points out that political tyranny is one of the gravest challenges a nation can face. He categorizes various forms of tyranny, showing how the domination of one group over another leads to the systemic denial of freedom. In contrast to the Western emphasis on individualism, the Islamic view prioritizes the well-being of the community alongside personal autonomy. This balance reflects Islam's holistic approach to freedom, insisting that individual rights must coexist with collective responsibilities. The Philosophical Dimensions of Freedom Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a key figure in Enlightenment philosophy, identified four types of freedom: natural, civil, political, and moral. Natural freedom refers to unrestrained existence outside societal constraints, while civil freedom emphasizes individual autonomy within a community. Political freedom highlights the importance of collective decision-making, and moral freedom focuses on ethical self-governance. Rousseau's classification provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of freedom. In the Islamic context, these categories resonate with teachings that advocate for ethical conduct and communal responsibility. Islam encourages individuals to exercise their freedoms while considering their impact on others, reinforcing the idea that true freedom is achieved not only through individual rights but also through moral considerations. Political Freedom and the Islamic Framework Political freedom, as described by Rousseau and later by John Rawls, emphasizes the necessity for universal participation in governance. They argue that everyone should have an equal opportunity to engage in the governmental process, shaping the laws and policies that affect their lives. This principle aligns closely with the Islamic concept of Shura, or mutual consultation, which embodies democratic ideals within an Islamic framework. The Khilafat-e-Rashida (Rightly Guided Caliphs) serves as a historical example of how political freedom can manifest in an Islamic context. This period showcased a governance system based on collective input and accountability, where leaders were chosen based on merit and the will of the people. Shura is not just a theoretical concept; it represents a practical application of democratic principles that underscores the importance of community involvement in governance. Moral Freedom in Islamic Teachings Moral freedom is another vital aspect of the Islamic understanding of freedom. It asserts that individuals must consider societal ethics and legal standards when exercising their freedoms. The Quran explicitly instructs believers to respect the beliefs and practices of others, advocating for a culture of tolerance and mutual respect. This principle reinforces the idea that freedom cannot exist in isolation; it requires an ethical framework to ensure that individual liberties do not infringe upon the rights of others. Islamic teachings encourage self-reflection and moral reasoning. This introspection is crucial for making ethical decisions that contribute to a just society. Thus, moral freedom involves not only personal autonomy but also a commitment to ethical living that promotes harmony within the community. Prerequisites for Achieving Freedom While freedom is a fundamental requirement of human dignity and an essential aspect of Islam, certain prerequisites must be met to fully realize this freedom. One critical condition is meeting basic human needs. No one can genuinely claim to be free if they lack access to essentials like food, shelter, and clean water. A society that neglects these basic needs undermines the very concept of freedom. Education plays a crucial role in achieving freedom. An educated population is better equipped to understand their rights and responsibilities, engage in meaningful dialogue, and actively participate in societal affairs. Education empowers individuals to navigate life's complexities and make informed choices, thereby enhancing their freedom. Lastly, a just and equitable society is essential for ensuring that freedom is not just a theoretical concept. For Rousseau, justice within society is a prerequisite for true freedom. Without justice, individual liberties can easily slip into tyranny and oppression, contradicting the principles of freedom that society strives to uphold. The Modern Quest for Freedom Today, many Muslims seek refuge in Western nations, motivated by a desire for freedom and respect for human rights. This migration is often misunderstood as a rejection of faith; however, it reflects a quest to escape oppressive conditions in search of dignity and justice. Rachid Ghannouchi emphasizes that the yearning for freedom among Muslims does not equate to abandoning Islam but is a pursuit of the values inherent in their faith. The stark contrast between the freedom-promoting precepts of Islam and the realities faced by a large number of Muslims underscores the pressing need for reform in Islamic countries. Islam's long history of freedom must be balanced with the demands of modern society. By tackling structural problems that stand in the way of freedom, this reconciliation brings Islamic values into line with the global pursuit of human dignity. Conclusion Freedom is a core tenet of Islam, intricately woven into the fabric of human dignity. While historical narratives often portray religion as an obstacle to freedom, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced relationship. Islam presents a vision of freedom that encompasses individual rights, communal responsibilities, and moral considerations. The teachings of the Quran and the principles of Shura provide a solid framework for understanding and practicing freedom. As the modern world grapples with profound questions of justice, dignity, and human rights, the Islamic perspective offers valuable insights for achieving a more harmonious existence. However, it is important to acknowledge that some individuals who identify as Muslims paradoxically engage in coercive practices that contradict the essence of Islam. Forcing belief upon others starkly opposes the fundamental Islamic principle of freedom of faith. Recognizing the compatibility between freedom and Islamic principles is crucial for bridging the gap between faith and modernity. Such recognition fosters a deeper understanding of human rights that honors both individual autonomy and collective ethics. Ultimately, freedom is not merely a political aspiration; it is a profound spiritual and moral imperative that lies at the heart of the human experience, urging us to strive for a world where dignity, justice, and respect for all flourish, creating a society where everyone can thrive in harmony. ------ Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/political-freedom-human-rights-muslims-realities/d/133348 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism