Every August 15th, India celebrates its independence from British rule, a day marked by parades, speeches, and patriotic zeal. However, on this day, one mustn’t forget to reflect on the ongoing struggle for true freedom and justice.
India’s journey to independence was a complex struggle involving various movements and leaders, including figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The quest for independence was a struggle for justice and freedom, values deeply rooted in Islamic teachings.
Freedom, in Islam, is multifaceted and is one of the religion’s core teachings. The concept of freedom in Islam is not merely the absence of oppression or constraint; it encompasses a broader understanding of human dignity, justice, and moral responsibility.
In Islam, true freedom is defined by the liberation from both physical and spiritual constraints. The Quran emphasizes the worth of every human being, stating in Surah Al-Isra (17:70): “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam.” This verse implies that individuals are entitled to live free from oppression and discrimination, enjoying their rights with dignity and respect.
The freedom granted by Islam does not mean allowing harm to others or neglecting societal duties. Instead, it is a balanced freedom that aligns individual rights with the welfare of the community. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized justice and equity, stating, “The just ruler is in the shade of Allah’s throne on the Day of Judgment.”
One facet of the significance given to freedom in Islam is the treatment of prisoners of war, those that fought unrelentingly against the religion. According to the Prophet’s teachings, the release of prisoners could be out of mercy, upon ransom or a charitable act after enslavement in accordance with personal conditions of prisoners.
Modern media may dispute that the concept of individual freedom in liberal society vastly differs from the teachings and limitations within Islam. In liberal ideologies, the basic idea of freedom suggests that one is free to partake in whatever they desire, as long as, no harm is inflicted upon others. In Islam, however, it refers to the idea that one is free to pursue their desires, so long as, no distress is brought down upon others or upon oneself. This distinction is the source of the clash between the two ideologies. For example, drinking alcohol, premarital sex, eating pork, gambling, engaging in homosexuality, etc. are actions deemed acceptable for a person to engage in under liberal ideologies but not under Islam.
Ultimately, the struggles and limitations experienced in this life must serve as a reminder to the true occurrence of freedom. Freedom and independence, in all aspects of life - physical, mental and societal - cannot be fully experienced in this world but will be realized in the eternal destination that is Paradise.
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