ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Answer Freedom in Islam freedom in islam is considered one of the most important elements taught and exemplified by the life of prophet muhammad (p.) in his manners and teachings. from the beginning of the civilization, freedom has been sought and studied by philosophers and religious thinkers.

history has proven that freedom has been used and abused by the rulers of the world when they reached the peak of their power at the expense of the weak and oppressed people, regardless of the nature of the government (monarchy, democratic, socialist, etc.,). all have used the principle of divide and conquer. on the contrary, islam has promised and fulfilled the true freedom .

god almighty says, "there is no compulsion in the religion [of islam] when the right has been distinguished from the wrong. (the qur'an, 2:256)". also, prophet muhammad (p.) says that the best of you in the sight of god is the most righteous person. the goal is to distinguish right from wrong. if a person realizes the righteousness and elects this path, then, he is in the sight of god the most righteous person.

people of different origin such as turks, persians, and indians accepted islam, and today when they have the freedom to choose, but they do not go back to worship idols. when arabs rulers left these people and their countries, people have chosen islam as their only religion. this is mainly because islam is the practical way of life for people of different nationalities and races. freedom in islam, basically has two facids: freedom of thought and freedom of action.

tawhid, the unity of god, is an example of former. chapter 109 kaferoon of the holy qur'an explains this principle: ". . . . you have your religion, and [ i have ] my religion." the qur'an 109:6. further, throughout the qur'an one finds many verses that encourage freedom of thought. thus qur'an reads: " i preach you only one thing, that is to rise up for the sake of god, jointly and singly, then think". the qur'an 34 : 46 the second facid of freedom in islam is the purification of self.

the life of the prophet muhammad (p. ) explains this second principle. this principle applies to all regardless of race, gender or age. his life is an example for all nationalities with all different background such as black, white, young, old, short, tall, male or female because islam knows no discrimination. human reaps what he sows.