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Heri Mahbub
Learn the true meaning of freedom in Islam which frees humans from slavery to lust, wealth, position and lust. Discover the teachings of Rasulullah SAW. and the Qur'anic proposition about true freedom which can only be achieved by becoming a true servant of Allah.
Cordoba Koran - Freedom is a nature that Allah has given to every human being. No one is born into this world to be a slave to another creature.
However, the reality is that not everyone lives in true freedom. Some are free, noble, and honorable, but others are unconsciously colonized and shackled, not by iron chains, but by ambition, lust, and the world.
Humans have the right to life. Surah Al-Isra, verse 70, affirms that every human being has the right to live a noble life, endowed with His gifts.
" And indeed, We have glorified the children and grandchildren of Adam, and We carried them on land and in the sea, and We gave them sustenance from the good things and We preferred them above many creatures that We created with perfect advantages ." (QS. Al-Isra, 17: 70)
Quoting from the brief interpretation of the Ministry of Religion;
Allah SWT has honored the children of Adam, namely the human race in general with good bodies, the ability to think, freedom of will, and knowledge, and We carry them on land by means of vehicles such as camels or others, and at sea, by means of ships.
Allah SWT has provided them with good things, delicious food and drink, and We have favored them above many of the creatures We have created with perfect excellence. That is human freedom.
Ibn Atha'illah as-Sakandari in the book al-Hikam said:
"You are free from something you don't want. And you become a slave to something you really want."
This means that humans are free from things they don't hold onto greedily or excessively. However, when they desire something so much that their heart is tied to it and their mind is bound, that's when they become a slave to that desire.
This is the reality of life: many people feel free, when in fact they are enslaved by the things they pursue.
Modern forms of "colonialism" are often invisible. For example, someone who expects too much help from others is willing to humble themselves, beg, and even comply with their every wish in order to receive assistance.
In this condition, he has become a “slave” non-physically or mentally.
Islam prohibits enslaving other humans and forbids enslaving others. Umar ibn Khattab (ra) once said:
"Since when have you enslaved people, when their mothers gave birth to them free?"
Many people live solely around material possessions. They devote all their time, thoughts, and energy to accumulating money. They are willing to work nonstop, even neglecting their religious obligations and family.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reminded in the hadith:
" (HR. Bukhari).
Such people are essentially colonized by material things. They become slaves to money, lose their freedom of heart, and are tied to this transitory world. Islam frees humans from the trap of materialism.
There are also those who are enslaved by lust for the opposite sex. He is willing to sacrifice his wealth, career and even family to fulfill his desires. An Arabic proverb says:
"Indeed lust can make a king a slave."
Many also become slaves to position and popularity. To attain a position of honor, they justify any means, even sacrificing moral values and friendship. Once in position, they become intoxicated with power, enjoy being respected, and forget themselves.
Islam came to liberate humans from all forms of slavery other than Allah. Freedom in Islam does not mean freedom to do anything, but freedom from servitude to creatures, desires and the world.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was once offered power, wealth and women on the condition that he abandon his preaching. He rejected everything. The sentence of monotheism Laa ilaaha illallaah is the highest declaration of independence: freeing humans from all servitude other than Allah.
The Qur'an emphasizes the purpose of human creation:
"And I did not create jinn and humans except so that they would worship Me." (QS. Az-Zariyat: 56)
This verse shows that true freedom is when humans are only servants of God, not servants of the world, not servants of lust, and not servants of other humans.
Islam highly values freedom as a fundamental human right. In fact, the Quran commands us to oppose all forms of oppression and colonialism among fellow human beings:
"And why don't you want to fight in the way of Allah and defend the weak, both men, women and children who pray: 'Our Lord, take us out of this land whose inhabitants are unjust...'" (QS. An-Nisa: 75)
This verse shows that defending independence is part of religious orders.
From all this, there is an important lesson:
Conclusion
Freedom in Islam is not merely about freedom from physical oppression, but primarily about freedom of the soul from the shackles of desires, material possessions, and the influence of other creatures. True freedom is when the heart submits solely to God, not to the world and all that it contains.
When a Muslim truly understands the freedom inherent in Islam, he or she will live a noble, steadfast life, and will not be easily enslaved by anything. This is true freedom—freedom that not only liberates the body but also liberates the heart and mind.
Wallahu'alam
