Freedom without morality is a western concept where freedom is above morality and values. But Islam acknowledges the importance of personal choice within the framework of moral guidelines. Islam emphasises ethical behaviour and responsibility in both personal and public spheres. This can sometimes be perceived as a constraint on freedom, but religious leaders argue that these guidelines aim to protect and uphold dignity, modesty and justice.
The balance between morality and freedom is central to Islamic teachings. While Islam upholds personal freedom, it sets moral boundaries to protect individuals, groups and communities. This includes guidelines on modesty, honesty, dignity and justice. The concept of freedom in Islam is intertwined with social responsibility. Muslims are encouraged to contribute positively to society and to uphold justice and equity, reflecting the moral teachings of their faith. The ongoing dialogue within the Muslim world reflects a commitment to adapting these principles to contemporary issues while remaining faithful to their spiritual roots.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Women’s Department has planned a nationwide campaign on Morality is Freedom to create awareness in the Indian society about the dangers of absolute freedom and to educate the masses about its impact on women and the society at large.
On the concept and challenges, Professor Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said, “Freedom is no doubt very important; the Almighty has given freedom to human beings. But this freedom cannot be absolute and there has to be some limits and boundaries. In the name of freedom, others’ freedom, rights and dignity cannot be hampered. Many things are being spread in the society under the influence of the Western concept of freedom which is impacting our society very fast. Nudity, vulgarity is being promoted in the name of freedom and women today are being considered a commercial commodity.”
JIH Vice President further said, “This concept of freedom will endanger the fundamentals of value-based society. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind believes that morality is very important and it does not restrict freedom but protects society from ill effects of freedom. It respects the dignity and freedom of others. In the divine guidance of the creator, morality is said to be the objective of religion. The objective of religion is to ensure morality and values, justice, human dignity, honesty, equality in society. These values should be promoted as they do not restrict our freedom; therefore, the theme of this campaign is Morality is Freedom.”
On the dangers of Western concept of freedom, he said, “What is being done in the name of freedom like saying ‘my body,my choice’ is not freedom but slavery. If freedom does not have modesty and dignity, it is not freedom but slavery. We can see today the impact of uncontrolled, unbridled freedom in our Indian society. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has always advocated for character and value-based society as per the guidance of the creator.”
Goswami Sushilji Maharaj, National Convenor of Bhartiya Sarva Dharma Sansad, while sharing his perspective on the campaign, said, “I wish to make an appeal to young ones and the religious leaders that it is high time to make the young boys and girls aware of our culture, tradition and the guidelines of our religious text on values-based society.”
“Too much of freedom hampers discipline. All problems that exist are said to be the result of religion. It is the duty of religious leaders to condemn this notion that religion is cause of the problems we are facing instead the problems are because of the misuse of religion. Today we have given too much freedom to boys and girls for live-in relationship, which is against our culture and traditions, no matter to which faith they belong to. Religious leaders should provide counselling to the children that no religion preaches hate. All religions teach us about unity and togetherness and talk of values-based society,” said Goswami Maharaj.
Dr M.D. Thomas, Founder Director of Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies, said, “In order to counter negative impact in the society, efforts should be made right from the family level to educate about the dangers of absolute freedom in the absence of morality. Curriculum in schools and colleges should be designed to inculcate moral values in order to create a value-based society. Programs at regular level should be organised to make girls and women aware of the values as per the doctrines of their faith. A value-based society is not only good for the people of India but for the country at large.”