Independent but Not Free

In his Blog (Che Det) latest posting, YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir commented on the “freedom message” glaringly integrated in the closing of the London Olympic. He bluntly said that the message should have been thrown back to “the more powerful countries” which are the culprit for preventing real “freedom” in the weaker countries.

A cursory check on the internet gave me some ideas to comment on the issue “freedom” from Islamic perspective.
To begin with, freedom of expression and information is a basic human right.  But it is not a gateway to spread lies and false information whilst passive when the truth should be spoken. Because Islam freed mankind from the darkness of polytheism, slavery, and injustice, we have the obligation to maintain and defend truth and justice as contained in the Quran:
 “And do not overlay the truth with falsehood, and do not knowingly suppress the truth” (2:42).

The irresponsible concept of freedom expounded by 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.

Freedom in Islam comes with 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. Freedom without restraints leads only to nihilism, the consequence of which is the complete breakdown of the moral and social order.

The Ulama, (Muslim Scholars trained in Islam and Islamic Laws) have concluded that if 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.

In Islam, political freedom is a means of leading mankind to justice, goodness and peace. It guarantees and protects the political rights of all. It is "the power to choose and determine one's position". As such, man should choose and decide carefully on a course of action which would best benefit himself and should not be motivated by our desire for pleasure or immediate gratification.

The emphasis on materialism and freedom without responsibilities in today's societies is destroying the social and moral fabric of these societies. It gives rise to moral decadence, promiscuity, crime and a lack of respect for all moral, legal and natural courses of actions.

In fact, freedom is abused and has become a subversive tool, a scourge to mankind. This abuse of freedom has resulted in chaos throughout the world. It has led to corruption, crime, war, poverty, drug addictions, alcoholism and life destroying diseases such as AIDS.

Freedom therefore is an inalienable right which enable man to lead a moral and upright life, and brings him under the mantle of the justice and mercy of Allah.
"Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan Malaysia ke 55"