The limits of freedom in Islam
The limits of freedom in Islam
For giving an accurate explanation of limits of freedom in political and juridical system, firstly the base and philosophy of freedom should be analyzed.
There are different views; some believe social freedom has an innate value means it does not any reasoning. They believe that human should be free in the society, because they are created free. Although human being is created free and has free will to do what they want, whatever they do is not nice and acceptable.
Therefore what is important is to explain the philosophy and the way of applying the freedom.
In the West, human tendencies and demands are known as the origin of freedom.
According to liberalism, freedom has a basic and innate value and everything should be evaluated on freedom; the limits of freedom should be specified only by freedom itself. In fact the limits of freedom are the same as freedom, means everyone is free to the extent that does not ruin others' freedom.
According to "Motahhari" (great Iranian thinker) in Europe, great importance is attached to freedom and even adores it.
The limits of freedom
1- Justice
Justice means everything should be positioned in its own place and anyone's right should be given to. Justice is to give freedom to each member of society.
Denying freedom equals the death of justice:
Do your duty lest dissension strike those of you especially who do wrong (8/25)
Do not follow any passion so that you may deal justly (4/135)
Is he equal to someone gives proper orders and is on a Straight Road? (16/76)
2- Law
The tendency towards law and living lawfully are both innate and evaluate human society. The value of society depends on accepting the law in the society. A society without law is like a jungle:
Fight those who fight against you along God's way, yet do not initiate hostilities; God does not love aggressors (1/190)
You who believe do not forbid any wholesome things which God has permitted you nor exceed the limits. God love the defiant. (5/87)
According to Islam only the law which is corresponding to human best interest, is valid.
3- Freedom of oneself and others
According to Islam, human should feel responsibility towards each other, therefore no one is completely free, means they can criticize, order and forbid each other.
Everyone's freedom is limited to their own and others' freedom and no one is allowed to violate others' freedom.
The highest point of freedom is to not allow it to reach the high point:
Does man reckon he'll be left forlorn? (75/36)
4- The definite command of wisdom
It allows human to enjoy freedom
5- Religion and the truth
Religion and law, the truth and justice are the other limits of freedom.
6- Peace
It is clear that if there is no peace, there will be no freedom; as well as if the freedom of a country is violated, the peace will also be violated:
You who believe enter absolutely into peace! Do not follow Satan's footsteps; he is an open enemy of yours. (1/208)
In the Koran, those who do not help the oppressed people are blamed:
Why should you not fight for God's sake when men, women and children who are considered helpless say: "our Lord, lead us out of this town whose people are so oppressive. (4/75)
The home in the Hereafter will We grant those want neither haughtiness nor any corruption on earth. The outcome belongs to those who do their duty. (28/83)
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