Lecture 13

Liberalism

A political philosophy advocating personal freedom for the individual and a democratic form of government.

In religion, it is ascribed to a movement in Christianity that advocates a broad interpretation of the Bible and a freedom from any rigid doctrine.

Some philosophers equate it with secularism.

Its usage is primarily in politics. It is the view that the autonomy and dignity of the individual should be protected and not infringed by the state.

Consequently, liberalism holds, we have certain civil and political liberties and rights that it is the duty of the government to uphold, and the government derives its authority to govern by the consent of the governed.

The main elements in liberalism are democracy, and a free market economy, which is capitalism.
These are usually contrasted with a monarchy system of government and a socialist form of government and economy.

Liberalism as a philosophy and ideology is not acceptable in Islam. However, Islam does not oppose a democratic form of government and a free market economy, as long as it is not practiced on the principles of interest (riba’) and a monopoly of wealth and injustice to the poor.

Muslim scholars usually compare a democratic form of government with the system of shura (consultation, counsel) as being practiced by our Prophet Muhammad SAW and the four caliphs that came after him.

“It is part of the Mercy of God that thou dost deal gently with them. Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (God’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in God. For God loves those who put their trust (in Him),” (3:159).