Liberalism.....from The View Of Ayatulah Sayed Ali Khamnai

[mazharali_132]

There have been dozens of interpretations of liberalism. After the Renaissance, the liberalism school of thought grew in France and Europe and later in the rest of the world. Then it led to the French Revolution and later was distorted and used in the independence wars of America when the American charter was created. American politicians and ideologies have been very active in this respect over the recent years. Even a number of the non-American writers receive their guidelines from the U.S. The books might have been written in Austria, Germany or France but they are published in New York. It is a U.S. order. The aim is a U.S. one as well. On the other hand, what is of great significance here is the fact that the Islamic viewpoint is an elevated one.

The Western school of liberalism is human freedom minus a truth called religion and God. So the advocates of this school never relate freedom to a divine cause. They do not say that freedom is a God gift. They attempt to find it a philosophical source. They have mentioned some sources and presented some interpretations. Freedom in Islam is rooted in divinity. This is a principle difference and becomes a point of departure for many other differences. According to the Islamic logic any act against freedom is a movement against a divine phenomenon. In other words, it creates a religious obligation. But there is no such a thing in the West. The social struggles engaged in the world for the cause of freedom have no logic according Western school of liberalism. For instance, in this regard, they say that it is for the “common interest” or “the interest of the majority.” This is the root of “social freedom.” Why should I be killed and destroyed for the interest of the majority? This is illogical. Of course, seasonal and momentary excitements attract many to the battlefields. But as soon as the excitement of the battlefield is over those struggling for such thoughts – if there has been any – become doubtful. Why should I sacrifice myself?

It is not like that according to the Islamic thought. The struggle for freedom is an obligation because it is done for a divine cause. Likewise, if you see someone’s life in danger you will have a responsibility to help. It is a religious obligation. If you do not then you will be sinful. It is the same way with freedom. You have an obligation to struggle."

[Desert Fox]

There is a minor mistake in this essay. Among the many reasons for French Revolution American war of independence was one of them. American war of independence provided impetus to French Revolution. Frenchmen in New France (Now the states of Central US) fought along side the republicans. They brought back the idea of freedom struggle to their homeland.