Relation between Liberalism and Islam

Freedom in Decision Making

Shura was the tradition of Muhammad (PBUH) which is greatly valued for decision making; it helps people to take the correct decision that affects the society by consultation with the community members. It is an important attribute of the Islamic politics that give an opportunity to the common people to advocate for the decision making and to be a part of the process by actively engaging with the leaders. In Islam, it is mandatory to build a solid relationship between the people and their leader in order to ensure that leaders can’t go astray. In Islamic history, democratic value and liberalism have been present for thousands of years, embedded in the cultures and practices and documented in many instances. The active participation of common people is found from the very early development of Islam and Prophet Muhammad was the initiator as Allah directed him to seek consultation from all of the followers to take the important decision. It is an integral concept of leadership in Islam and moral ethics must be maintained while holding the position of authority. Omer (Caliph of Islam) expected his leaders to live up to ethical standards”. He mentioned following attributes mandatory for a leader:

No room for nepotism and hereditary succession
The common people of the state or country should be able to come forward and to voice any of their suggestions and can complain
A ruler must have the mentality to accept criticism, seek counsel and rectify any mistake
The army people should exist to protect the people of the nation not to protect the leader of the nation (Morgan, 2007).

These examples are the reflection of liberalism in Islam. All the people are liberal in counseling, seeking help from the leader, the leader is bound to rectify mistakes and protection of all the civilians is ensured ("Islamic Law, 2016).

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Gender Relations in Islam

In the Quran 49:13, Allah said “…In God’s eyes, the most honored of you are the ones most mindful of Him; God all knows, all aware”. It means it is clearly described that men and women are equal in front of Allah. At the same time, they possess different physiological and psychological attributes that made them unique. These differences are vital for building a healthy family life and community structure by the contribution of their own distinctive talents and merits. God’s rule is applied to both genders. Covering their bodies out of modesty is mandatory for both men and women but not in the same way as there exist unique differences between men and women (Haidar, 2008). Therefore, Allah ordered both men and women in a different manner while encourages both to be modest. Men and women should not focus on their appearance and limitations rather optimize their skills in order to enhance the resources and establishing a society by fulfilling mutual goals and ensuring peace and property (Lewis, 2016).

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Women Rights in Islam

When someone thinks about women in Islam, oppressed, inferior and unequal these words come to his or her mind and these stereotypes confuse Islam with cultural practices. It is not right as cultural practices do not resemble Islam. Islam has empowered women with most progressive rights since the 7th century (Massad, 2014).

Education:

Back in the 7th century, when women were really deprived of all human rights, Islam established the right of education. Muhammad (PBUH) declared that pursuit of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim male and female.

Motherhood:

In Islam, Allah gives mothers high status and elevated her position from father. Allah mentioned all the sacrifices that a mother made in bearing her children and ordered to treat their mother with love, care, and respect.

Politics and Social Services

Among the early Muslims, women were actively participant in government, public affairs, teaching, law making etc. To continue the tradition and uphold the generation women need to be encouraged to actively participate in improving the various aspects of the society ("The Clash of Islam and Liberalism", 2016).

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Inheritance:

Before the emergence of Islam, men were considered to inherit the properties and women across the world are fully deprived of assets. Islam gave them the right to own property, inherit them. It is the pure liberalism where women are provided with shares of properties as a wife, mother, sister or daughter.

Financial Responsibilities:

It is not obligatory for women to earn and spend the money for the family; he is entitled to full support from her husband, and before marriage from her closest male person in the family like father, brother etc. Thus Islam ensures women’s financial security and interdependence and also allows herself in case of divorce.

Marriage:

Women have the right of both accepting and rejecting a marriage proposal and she cannot be forced, if it occurs for cultural practices then it is certainly in opposition to the law of Islam.

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Conclusion

Liberalism is the state of being liberal and Islam and liberalism are interconnected. Before the understanding of the sense of right and wrong for a Muslim, the knowledge of Islamic Law is need to be known. The nature, source, and development of Islamic Laws are important for humanity to know the right path which is pleasing to the Almighty Allah. A thousand years ago, Muslim societies were curious and very open minded while other religious people were fearful. Now, the Muslim world needs to be developed in science, technology, culture, and economics with the help of more freedom. The liberalism of individual based on Islamic law is required for promoting success.

The END

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