FREEDOM

Cont’d from page 1

He has sent messengers, including a messenger in our own generation. He tells us to consult with the believers when deciding our affairs. He may even guide us using the words of a disbeliever. But we are responsible for accepting and following what we hear, or rejecting it:

They are the ones who examine all words, then follow the best. These are the ones whom God has guided; these are the ones who possess intelligence. (39:18)

Thus we are responsible for examining all sides of an issue. This is especially important in issues of belief, for these are at the core of who we are. They determine whether we are following the path of God, or not. This brings up another essential freedom, freedom of speech. Without freedom of speech, how can we examine all points of view? We must hear all sides to examine them. Then we can decide which to follow.

But don’t we have a responsibility to make sure that we do not listen to falsehood? Should we not silence that which we know to be detrimental? These are very knotty questions. They are at the core of all discussions of censorship.

I believe that God tells us that it is not our responsibility to act as censors. The responsibility of what one says lies on that person, not on those listening as the following verse demonstrates:

A believing man among Pharaoh’s people, who was concealing his belief, said, “How can you kill a man just for saying, ‘My Lord is GOD,’ and he has shown you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is a liar, that is his problem, and if he is truthful, you benefit from his promises. Surely, GOD does not guide any transgressor, liar.” (40:28)

We must decide for ourselves if what we hear is correct and if we even wish to remain to hear it. But to stop it from being said is to thwart one of the basic freedoms we have been blessed with.

What about others who may not have the experience to make a good decision about what is being said? Don’t we have a responsibility to protect them? Ultimately, God alone is responsible for what each of us hears, what each of us sees. We must trust God to take care of our guidance, and that of our children and of every human being on earth:

You cannot guide the ones you love. God is the only One who guides in accordance with His will, and in accordance with His knowledge of those who deserve the guidance. (28:56)

True freedom is essential for true submission to God. Freedom for ourselves, and freedom for those around us.

The United States identifies itself strongly with the freedoms it stands for. It seems most appropriate that a country based on such Quranic concepts should also have the motto:

“In God we trust.”

And is that not the essence of Submission?

Lisa S.