It deprives human life of all sense of a higher purpose...

It deprives human life of all sense of a higher purpose, robs man of his free will, and destroys all that is good in human nature. Islam came to break man’s fetters and tear dawn the wall of this prison. It enabled mankind to cast off the chains that hindered his growth and induced him to give proper expression to his humanity and follow the path to moral perfection. It created an atmosphere of hope and optimism that gave true meaning to human existence.

The freedom that Islam grants is based on commitment and responsibility without which there can be no true freedom. Freedom without restraints leads only to nihilism, the consequence of which is the complete breakdown of the moral and social order. The irresponsible concept of freedom expounded by existentialism, democracy and modern theories of freedom of expression lead only to corruption and immorality since they are not tied to any concept higher moral values or self control.

For Islam, freedom lies in commitment and responsibility. They form an integral part of each other and can in no way be separated. There is no freedom of choice without responsibility; no responsibility without freedom. Scholars over the centuries have studied and researched the relationship between freedom and responsibility. Based on their research, they produced their explanation of human behaviour and outlined their connection with divine justice.

They concluded that if a man were deprived of free will and the right to choose his path in life, he could never be reconciled with Allah, the Glorified. Because Allah has granted man free will, which allows him to choose his course in life, man is answerable to Allah for his actions. “Surely We have shown him the way: he may be thankful or unthankful.” (3) And, “…Nay!

man is evidence against himself, Though he puts forth his excuses.” (4) Divine reward or punishment is ordained in accordance with man’s freewill. Without free will and its adherent responsibility and commitment, there could be neither reward nor punishment. The Qur’an says: “And stop them, for they shall be questioned.” (5) “And We have made every man’s actions to cling to his neck, and We will bring forth to him on the Resurrection Day a book which he will find wide open.

Read your book; your own self is sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day.” (6) Because Islam insists that man has free will because that is the way, that Allah created him.