Is Obedience to God in Conflict with Freedom?

The question of whether obedience to God conflicts with the concept of freedom has long been one of the most challenging topics in philosophy and theology. A deep look into the teachings of the Holy Quran clearly reveals that not only is there no contradiction between these two concepts, but genuine obedience to Allah Almighty is, in fact, the gateway to the highest levels of freedom. In the Quranic view, freedom is not defined as liberation from all constraints and the ability to do whatever one desires; rather, true freedom is liberation from the servitude of one’s egoistic desires, material attachments, the dominance of tyrants, and anything that hinders human perfection. In other words, freedom in Islam is freedom 'from' the servitude of anything other than God, leading to pure servitude to God, which itself embodies dignity and independence. The Holy Quran explicitly emphasizes human free will and choice. Allah Almighty created humanity with free will, granting individuals the power to choose between the path of guidance or misguidance. Verse 256 of Surah Al-Baqarah clearly states: "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong." This verse indicates that faith and obedience are not forced but stem from knowledge, choice, and conscious decision. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 29, we read: "And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.'" These verses excellently illustrate that God has given humans the opportunity to choose and has not compelled them to obey. This very power of choice is the pinnacle of freedom that God has bestowed upon humanity. But why does obedience to God lead to freedom instead of restricting it? The answer lies in the boundless wisdom and knowledge of God. He is the Creator of humanity and is fully aware of all its dimensions, needs, and benefits. Divine commands and prohibitions act as a comprehensive and flawless blueprint for human well-being. Following this blueprint saves humanity from falling into ruin, becoming enslaved by lusts, and getting entangled in injustice and corruption. Imagine a ship in the vast ocean: if it sails without a compass or map, it might initially feel absolute freedom, but this freedom will soon lead to wandering, getting lost, and ultimately sinking. However, if the same ship navigates by observing the principles of navigation and adhering to the map, it will safely reach its destination. It is here that the freedom to move in the right direction and achieve the goal truly gains meaning. Moreover, obedience to God liberates humanity from the servitude of anything other than God. When a person is only a servant of God, they are no longer enslaved by status or wealth, nor by fame or whims, nor do they submit to the oppression and exploitation of others. This independence and self-respect are the greatest fruits of true freedom. A believer sees themselves accountable only to the Creator of the universe, and this gives them the courage to stand against oppressors, speak the truth, and act according to what is right, without fear of condemnation or seeking people’s praise. This type of freedom is internal, deeply rooted in the human soul, providing peace and assurance. On the other hand, divine teachings impose certain limitations on humans, which are based on wisdom and benefit. These limitations are not meant to negate freedom but to preserve it and prevent harm to oneself and others. For example, the prohibition of murder or theft is not a restriction but a guarantee of life and property freedom and security for society. If everyone were free to do whatever they pleased, society would descend into chaos, and ultimately, individual freedoms would be trampled upon. Therefore, divine laws are frameworks that guide individual freedom towards collective freedom and human perfection. They are like traffic laws; one who observes these laws is not only not deprived of freedom but also reaches their destination with greater safety and does not harm others. In summary, obedience to God is by no means in conflict with freedom; rather, it completes and realizes it in the true sense of the word. Freedom, from the Quranic perspective, is liberation from any constraint that hinders human growth and perfection and leads to destruction. In this journey, obedience to the Creator, who is aware of benefits and harms, is the best guide for humanity to achieve the pinnacle of true freedom, happiness, and peace in this world and the hereafter. This obedience is not a heavy burden but rather wings that enable humans to escape the prison of the self and worldly constraints, soaring towards the absolute infinite.