The Political Freedom of Self Under Islamic Regulations Essay

The Political Freedom of Self Under Islamic Regulations - Essay Example In this research paper, I’ll analyze the idea and conception of one’s political freedom in Islam, and how we can achieve it. In the beginning, I’ll quote Qur’anic verses that have particularly emphasized freedom and then, I’ll discuss al nafs (self) and its freedom in Quran. I’ll also examine the extent of man’s freedom in his actions and its political application. In addition, I’ll explore how a complete surrender to Allah’s will and message brings freedom for self. Moreover, I’ll thoroughly explain Qutb’s investigation on how complete surrender to Allah’s will brings freedom and end enslavement of other humans or systems. Additionally, I’ll explain Isaiah Berlin’s ideas of freedom and his critique of â€Å"positive freedom† in an effort to identify their relevance with Qutb’s. Lastly, I’ll explore the idea of jihad (struggle in the way of Allah or struggle against unbeliever) as Qutb refers it as a universal declaration of freedom and the way it is established. Semantically, freedom can mean a variety of things, but in this paper freedom shall be understood within the realms of Islam and within the two concept of freedom as explained by Isaiah Berlin. These two concepts are negative freedom, and positive freedom. Negative freedom is centered on the lack of restraints and constraint in carrying out actions, whereas positive freedom is the complete opposite. In positive freedom, one is restrained or allowed to act in a certain way on the basis of moral code. Muslims are free to act as they want as they can take their own decisions (determinism and mon). They are responsible for their actions; therefore, they need to purify their actions and self. In an effort to purify the inner self, they follow the regulations set by Islam. Jihad Asghar constitute three stages of self, and practicing it