Freedom in Islam

Allah created man free of the domination of superstition and ignorance, and from the raging drift after desire and passion.

He was also free to choose his views, directions, goals, and ends of guardianship upon him, upon his mind, and emotions from others even if that person is a prophet or a religious man who is known for righteousness and reformation.

Every person is free in his beliefs and will as long as he does not violate the features of the society on its land a person lives or touches its public and private frames. Freedom in Islam is an essential element, a fence that protects its individuals and regulate the relation between its individuals that relation which is based on respect and commitment with the public and private rights before demanding it.

When the Islamic Shari`ah guaranteed for individuals —no matter their beliefs are— five objectives which are: protecting the religion, intellect, money, oneself, and offspring, it freed each person and guaranteed for him and to others that these five essentials shall not be violated provided that to respect these objectives and rights, and safeguard them whether they are connected with the country or with the people.

The Lawgiver (Glory be to Him) legislated for us the features of pure nature, explained to us the wisdom and the Qur'an, and guided us to the ways of peace. So, whoever follows them was truly guided to the Straight path and whoever turned away have gone astray.

Islam is a comprehensive religion that deals with all manifestations of life, freedom is obligatory, and government is part of it as we understand. So, the freedom of creed is guaranteed for all under the umbrella of Islam provided that not to call to a religion other than Islam or give glad tidings of a new religion in the Muslim land and under its supremacy. Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Tâghût and believes in Allâh, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower." [Surat Al Baqarah: 256]. Whoever was forced to embrace a certain creed is free to accept it willingly or refuse it. This Ayah is connected with the rulings of embracing Islam and calling to it without compulsion. So, this is the freedom of choice while a person is still in the safe side. However, if a person chooses Islam and enters it willingly, it is incumbent upon him to act according to the obligations of Shari`ah, the basics of creed, respect the frames of the Muslim society and its principles, and maintain its public and private features. And whoever does this has grasped the most trustworthy handhold and directed his face to the right destination.

It was reported in the book of "Tarikh Al Futuhat Al Islamiyyah Libilad Ma wara' An-Nahr" [The history of the Islamic conquests to the countries that are beyond the river] that the Muslim army entered a city with the agreement with someone of its people who opened the gates of the city to them without inviting them to Islam, asking them to pay Al Jizyah (Tribute), or fighting. The People of the city were stunned when they saw the Muslim army entering the city without their knowledge. So, they resorted to `Umar ibn `Abdul-`Aziz (may Allah be pleased with him) for arbitration and the judge gave a verdict that the opening of the city was nullified and judged that the Muslim army should get out of the city immediately. Muslims got out in obedience to the command of Allah.

Accordingly, the People of the city entered in the religion of Allah willingly. How wonderful that image, which Islam and its army depicted for freedom under the umbrella of Islam, was! This example also refutes the claims of those who say that Islam has spread by sword, and how actions are more effective than words!

Islam came to free intellects and hearts, so, it raised up the nation for self-independence, heart independence, independence of thinking and mind, and independence of the efforts and work. Moreover, it filled their spirit with the glory of Islam and the marvelousness of the Qur'an, gathered them under the banner of the truth, and regulated the relation between mankind and their Creator. Indeed, servitude is for Allah alone who has no partner and governorship is to Him (Glory be to Him). Furthermore, he clarified the relationship between them and the laws of the universe.

So, they worked on subjugating it for the service of religion and maintaining its benefits. They also knew what did Allah do with the previous nations and groups from evolution, establishment, victory, defeat, fall, and disappearance. The best nation that produced for mankind was established on the pillars of justice, Ihsan (the perfection of Faith), freedom, and maintaining the rights of people. Then they spread on earth to build and establish a nation on the bases of knowledge, work, and fruitful and wise Jihad. Hence, the result was that the Muslim nation has become the supreme of all nations and has taught people how to live in the shade of Islam and the responsible freedom which is the core of accountability and to expel any frivolity in thinking in the fundamentals of the nation, to support any positive thinking that attempt to reformation and righteousness, to guide the people, and take them out from the worship of people to the worship of the Lord of people, from the injustice of religions to the justice of Islam, and from the narrowness of the world to the wideness of the world and the Hereafter.

Thus, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has declared 1400 years ago the freedom of creed, opinion, and countries, as it has decided the inviolability of life, money, the prohibition of crime, and considering the national interest a bond between citizens. This nation was established on unity, love, brotherhood, and practical interdependence in misfortunes.

The Shari`ah was completed, the nation was established, and the state emerged and has become a beacon as never was before until it deserved to be the teacher of the world and was "The best nation raised up for mankind." [Surat Al `Imran: 110]. There is nothing left to restore the state of freedom, justice, and charity but the will, determination, and high spirit.

O Allah, forgive us what has been elapsed, reform what remains, guide us to goodness, and prepare for us from our affair right guidance. O Allah, Amen!

May Allah send peace and blessing upon our master, Prophet Muhammad and praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds [i.e., people].