We live in a world where personal freedom is treated as sacred. Phrases like “my body, my choice”, “speak your truth”, and “don’t judge anyone” are not just cultural slogans they reflect a larger belief system: liberalism.
Liberalism teaches that the highest value is individual liberty people should be free to believe, say, wear, and do almost anything, as long as it doesn’t harm others. On the surface, this sounds fair. But when this idea is placed next to Islam, deep differences begin to emerge.
Islam teaches that freedom exists, but within the boundaries set by Allah ﷻ. It’s not the absence of limits; it’s the presence of divine purpose.
What Is Liberalism, Really?
Liberalism is a dominant modern ideology that prioritizes:
- Individual autonomy over collective duty
- Personal rights over divine commands
- Freedom of expression over moral accountability
Under liberalism, each person is seen as the ultimate judge of right and wrong for themselves. Truth becomes relative. Morality becomes personal. And religion? That’s optional — or private at best.
Where Liberalism and Islam Clash
While liberalism champions unrestricted self-expression, Islam calls for submission to the Creator, not the self. Here are a few key areas where the two worldviews conflict:
1. Moral Boundaries
- Liberalism says: “If it feels right, it is right.”
- Islam says: “What Allah made halal is good. What He made haram is harmful — even if you desire it.”
2. Identity and Gender
- Liberalism promotes LGBTQ+ identities as personal freedoms.
- Islam forbids homosexual acts, cross-dressing, and gender denial — not out of hate, but because it honors the natural fitrah and protects human dignity.
3. Accountability
- Liberalism says: “You can’t judge me. My choices are mine.”
- Islam says: “You are accountable to Allah, and the ummah must enjoin good and forbid evil.”
4. Law and Ethics
- Liberalism favors man-made laws based on human logic and evolving values.
- Islam is grounded in divine revelation — what’s moral doesn’t change with time or opinion.
Why Islam Sets Limits on Freedom
To the liberal mind, limits seem oppressive. But in Islam, limits are a mercy. Allah is Al-Hakeem (The Most Wise) — His rules are not random. They are designed to protect:
- The soul from self-destruction
- Society from chaos and injustice
- Families from breakdown
- Dignity from exploitation
Without moral guidelines, freedom can become a weapon — used to harm others or ruin oneself. Just like fire needs a fireplace to benefit us, freedom needs boundaries to remain just and meaningful.
The “Progressive Muslim” Trap
In an attempt to reconcile liberalism and Islam, some Muslims fall into the trap of reinterpreting the deen. They try to update divine laws to match modern liberal values.
Examples include:
- Rebranding hijab as a “personal empowerment choice” rather than a command from Allah
- Arguing for same-sex “nikah”
- Erasing gender roles and treating Islamic rulings as outdated culture
This approach might seem inclusive, but in reality, it dilutes the faith. Islam becomes something to reshape at will — not something to submit to with trust and sincerity.
So, Is Islam Anti-Freedom?
Not at all. Islam offers something better: freedom with responsibility. It gives humans dignity, autonomy, and rights — but never at the expense of truth or the rights of others.
Real freedom isn’t doing whatever you want. It’s knowing who you are, why you exist, and what leads to your salvation. That’s what Islam offers — a path that honors both the soul and society.
As Allah ﷻ says:
“Have you seen the one who takes his own desires as his god?”
— Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:23)
Two Different Worldviews
Liberalism says: “You do you.”
Islam says: “You belong to Allah.”
Liberalism exalts desire. Islam elevates submission. While both claim to offer freedom, only Islam provides a path that combines divine wisdom, accountability, and eternal benefits. True freedom isn’t found in doing whatever feels good; it’s found in obeying the One who knows us best.