LIBERATION IN ISLAM - by Adams Aliyah

LIBERATION IN ISLAMWhen it comes to the concept of “Liberty”, in general it refers to the act of freedom, independence from societal restriction, injustice and oppression including all forms of stereotypes. According to a Peruvian Roman Catholic priest and theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez who is regarded as the founder of liberation theology. He defined Liberation as “the process of freeing human beings from every form of oppression; social, political, economic and spiritual. Liberation is seen to have taken place in most social and religious aspects of the society and the question is “Does Islam support Liberation?. This question has been asked for decades about how Islam views liberation and it's principles towards it. Islam, as a comprehensive way of life, provides a unique perspective on liberation by addressing not only spiritual freedom but economic, social and political justice as well. An instance can be seen during the pre-Islamic era, whereby societal norms were filled with restrictions and oppression especially towards female children, women and even slaves. It was normalized during that era of which their social rights were denied and were forced to accept any form of injustice. In the Islamic teachings, liberation is rooted in the Tawhid (oneness of Allah). Its principles frees a person from the submission of any other form of worship except Allah; the message of Islam as taught by the Prophet emphasizes justice equality as well as dignity and uniqueness of all human beings. Therefore, the concept of liberation can also be seen in Islam and its teachings such as freeing individuals and the society from corruption and injustice. This concept can be seen in Suratul Al Baqarah 2:256 “(There is no compulsion in matters of faith. Distinct is the way of guidance now from error. He who turns away from the forces of evil and believes in God, will surely hold fast to a handle that is strong and unbreakable, for God hears all and knows everything.”).This verse shows that there is no compulsion in faith and everyone has a right to worship what they believe in therefore, the principles in Islam does not compel the people in the matter of faith.Also in the concept of slavery, Islam regulated and gradually encouraged the abolition of slavery, especially through acts such as manumission and expiation and it is seen in Surah Al-Balad 90:13. “To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery)”. The concept of freeing slaves/captives is also seen in Surah Muhammad 47:4 which says: “(So, when you clash with the unbelievers, smite their necks until you overpower them, then hold them in bondage. Then either free them graciously or after taking a ransom, until war shall have come to end. If God had pleased He could have punished them (Himself), but He wills to test some of you through some others. He will not allow the deeds of those who are killed in the cause of God to go waste.”)This particular verse outlines the liberation of captives through grace or ransom. The act of enslaving another human being is prohibited and it could also be seen in the Hadith of the Prophet PBUH which says. An instance is seen during the introduction of Islam whereby slaves were sold, and treated mercilessly among them was Bilal Ibn Rajah of which he was bought by Abubakry and became of the companions of the Prophet and the first caller to prayer in Islam. The principles about liberation in Islam does not only encompass the physical and social aspect. It is also seen economically, Islam encourages the distribution of wealth through Zakat which allows the circulation of wealth in the society especially among the needy. It discouraged any form of economic exploitation such as Riba (interests), which is seen as an economic oppression and financial burden towards the poor. It is strictly prohibited, through these economic liberation, Islam seeks to create a balanced society where wealth does not remain concentrated in the hands of a few people and this could be seen in the following verse. Surah Al Imran (3:130) “O you who believe, do not practice usury, charging doubled and redoubled (interest); but have fear of God: you may well attain your goal.” In this verse, Allah SWT has warned the believers not to take advantage of whatever price they put on their commodities and “Riba” itself is classified under major sins. Another verse is also sighted in Surah Ar-Rum (30-39) which says: “What you give on interest to increase (your capital) through others` wealth, does not find increase with God; yet what you give (in alms and charity) with a pure heart, seeking the way of God, will be doubled.”The free will in the principles of Islam is not only restricted to human and physical rights but also encompasses all aspects of human daily activities as stated in the Holy Quran. Scholarly articles also point out to this topic of liberation brought by the religion of Islam. A quote such as “The essence of Islam is to free mankind from the bondage of men and bring them into the service of God alone.”— Abul A'la Maududi, and also “Freedom in Islam is not absolute but is conditioned by responsibility to God and society.”_By Seyyid Hossein Nasr. The principles of Liberation in Islam is not just a mere principle of physical and political freedom but it encompasses the social, economical and even the emotional aspect of one's life and all these are rooted to the belief in one God. Tahwid frees an individual from all forms of false authority, shirk, syncretism and establishes a relationship between the servant and his Creator. As emphasized by Fazlur Rahman, human beings are endowed with free will and of which they will be held accountable for their deeds which further depicts that liberation in Islam is tied to responsibilities and moral consciousness. This is a reminder to those who question women about their Hijabs, thinking they do that because they are afraid of their husbands or those who support Muslims being denied in many working agencies due to their religion, therefore in all aspects of our lives; Islam itself is Liberation!

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