Unmodern Aspects of Islam (10): The Myth of Freedom

 

Is freedom really doing whatever you want, whenever you want?
That’s what the modern world tells us: “Follow your heart. Break the rules. Live without limits.”
But look closely—does this really make people free?

The truth is, it often enslaves them.
To addictions, to desires, to the expectations of others.
The one who “does whatever he likes” quickly discovers he is ruled by impulses, not by choice.

Islam flips this idea on its head.
The Qur’an says: “Have you seen the one who takes his desires as his god?” (Surah Al-Jathiyah 45:23)
Real freedom begins by breaking those chains—not by obeying them.

The Prophet ﷺ showed us discipline through prayer, fasting, charity, and self-restraint.
Far from being burdens, these practices elevate the soul, tame the ego, and restore control to the human being.

The early Muslims understood this deeply.
Their strength didn’t come from unrestrained living, but from disciplined hearts.
That’s why they could resist temptation, endure hardship, and lead lives of purpose.

So what about us today?
Do we want the fleeting thrill of “doing whatever we like”?
Or the lasting freedom of living with meaning, order, and dignity?

The myth of freedom enslaves.
But Islam’s discipline liberates.

In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.