Welcome to the 28th weekly episode of the series Islamic Human Rights. Today, we discuss the perspective of the divine religion of Islam toward freedom.

As a reminder, last week it was said that freedom of thought is one of the fundamental freedoms of mankind, which the sacred religion of Islam pays especial attention to. It was also mentioned that Islam maintains a delicate and especial outlook toward freedom of thought, which has made it distinguished from other human schools of thought.

Human beliefs can be on two bases. At times, human beliefs are rooted in free thoughts. This means that the individual selects his belief based upon contemplation and freedom of thought. However, at times, a belief is imposed on man. This imposition of thought can take place via a number of means, which could include imitation of forefathers, without any trace of ponder and contemplation.

Man gets accustomed to his beliefs. According to thinkers, man gets accustomed to something through two approaches. Human belief could be based on contemplation. However, sometimes, man starts to believe in something due to sentiments, imitation of parents, impact of the environment, personal inclinations, and/or personal interests. Such a belief is not based on wisdom and prudence.

Such belief obstructs contemplation. The freedom of thought, in accordance to this definition, is based on anything other than wisdom, and leaves the most detrimental impact on the individual and the community. The important point is that in accordance to divine religion of Islam, freedom of thought is meaningless in this case. This is because in this case, freedom is tantamount to being held captive by ignorance. In the view of Islam, given that in this case the ability of mankind to think freely has been sabotaged, another force is needed to free mankind. He should be able to free himself from these chains to be able to think freely to choose a belief based on wisdom and contemplation. This is one of the biggest services that an individual can render to mankind. One of the accomplishments of prophets was that they uprooted the superstitious and ignorant beliefs of people, so that the individual would be able to think freely about himself, his fate, and beliefs.

So, the divine religion of Islam approves of freedom of thought, and beliefs which are rooted in freedom of thought. However, all beliefs are not based on appropriate and correct wisdom. Islam is against beliefs which are not based on freedom of thought. This is the delicate difference of Islam on the topic of freedom of thought with the views of other schools of thoughts.

The other delicate difference of Islam with the other schools of thought, especially with Western thinkers, is the difference in principles of freedom of thought. Western thinkers have based freedom of thought on the principles of respectfulness of mankind, and the personal nature of religion.

The principle of respectfulness of mankind means that man is respectable, and respect for mankind is in respect for man’s beliefs, whether they are righteous or false. However, as it was stated, all beliefs are not correct in the view of divine religion of Islam. In the view of this sacred religion, only beliefs which are based on freedom of thought are acceptable, while beliefs which are based on superstitions, blind imitation, and ignorant traditions are negated by Islam because they have nothing to do with human wisdom. For instance, if someone worships stones or sheep, in the view of Islam his belief is not respectable. This is because if he contemplates wisely and prudently he realizes that such a belief has imprisoned him and has obstructed his freedom of thought.

Upon acceptance of a false belief by mankind, he obstructs his freedom of thought. This is because man is tied to his beliefs. Is it possible for men to conclude that cows should be worshipped via freedom of logical thoughts? This is not the case. Such beliefs are rooted in factors other than wisdom. Usually, those, who want to suppress others, initially promote such fake beliefs in order to fulfill their ominous goals.

There is a stark paradox in the contemporary world. On one hand they say that human wisdom should be free. On the other hand, they say that man should also be free in his beliefs, which means an idolater or one who worships cows should also be free in his beliefs. However, the fact of the matter is that such beliefs are against freedom of thought.

Western thinkers say that individuals are respected because they are human beings. So whatever anyone believes should be respected. The divine religion of Islam also points out that mankind are respectable. However, Islam believes that freedom of thought doesn’t include all of mankind’s beliefs. This is because mankind may chain himself. In the view of Islam, the respectfulness of mankind is tied to his guidance to the path of progress and perfection. If we respect any ignorant and superstitious belief, we have in fact disrespected human talent and dignity.

Furthermore, in contrast to the view of Western thinkers, who believe that the view of the majority can be imposed on the minority, Islam disagrees with this Western outlook. Islam believes that in regard to freedom of thought, majority’s view should not be the criterion. This means that man should not blindly follow the majority in the community.

The other topic of importance is that the judgment of people about oneself should also not be the criterion. This is because at times people’s comments are intent on changing one’s belief.

MR/SS