The month-long campaign, “Morality is Freedom,” organized by the Women’s Department of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), concluded on September 30, leaving a lasting message of collective action against the spread of immorality. The campaign, which ran from September 1 to September 30, aimed to inspire a society grounded in moral values and true freedom.
Although the official campaign period has ended, its central message – that freedom without morality is hollow – continues to resonate across various public discussions. The campaign emphasized that morality is the cornerstone of a values-based society and essential for genuine freedom.
Rahamathunnissa A, National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, explained the impetus behind the initiative: “While the campaign officially launched with a press conference at our headquarters on August 27, preparations had been ongoing since July. Although the month of activities concluded by September 30, various events linked to the campaign continue at several locations.”
She further highlighted the campaign’s objectives: “We sought to raise awareness that living a moral life is vital for attaining true freedom, both from a general and Islamic standpoint. The campaign was launched in response to the growing normalization of immoral activities in the name of freedom. This has led to numerous social issues, such as drug addiction, the spread of pornography, extramarital affairs, violence against women, suicides, family breakups, and rising divorce rates. These problems, especially prevalent among the youth, have fostered a climate of chaos, loneliness, and frustration, ultimately hindering their progress. Laws that endorse these immoral behaviors only exacerbate the situation.”
During the campaign, a wide range of programs and events were held at national, state, and local levels. These included international webinars, interfaith seminars, panel discussions with educators, lawyers, and counselors, competitions, processions, campus meetups, and oath-taking ceremonies.
Public outreach efforts included interviews and opinions from experts, social workers, and influencers, as well as daily posters, reels, and seminars. JIH publications produced special editions dedicated to the campaign, while the Women’s Department developed materials in multiple languages to broaden the initiative’s reach.
Rahamathunnissa noted that feedback from different regions revealed overwhelming support for the campaign’s message. “The slogan ‘Morality is Freedom’ struck a chord with people across communities, indicating that the concern for moral values is widespread. Many we approached expressed strong cooperation,” she said.
One key aspect of the campaign was the study of Chapter 24 of the Qur’an, Surah An Noor, which outlines principles for a morally upright society. This study was made mandatory for JIH’s cadre, with broader participation from women across the community. Quiz competitions based on this study generated renewed interest in reading the Qur’an with understanding. Plans are now underway to establish an online academy that will enable women to study the Qur’an under the guidance of other women.
As the campaign transitions to its next phase, Rahamathunnissa emphasized that discussions during the campaign generated many practical suggestions for promoting morality. “We have gathered a wealth of ideas, and once we analyze these, each state will develop follow-up programs tailored to their specific needs.”
One of the campaign’s major achievements was the discovery of new talent among women in various fields. “Our cadre and leadership gained valuable knowledge and skills throughout the campaign, boosting their confidence for future efforts. This is a positive step forward in advancing the mission of our movement,” she concluded.
The “Morality is Freedom” campaign may have officially ended, but its message and spirit will continue to inspire collective action for a morally sound and free society.