Independence from occupation through the Prophet's Sunnah

As Malaysia approaches its 69th Independence Day, this article frames the concept of freedom through an Islamic lens, drawing parallels between national liberation and spiritual emancipation. It posits that true occupation and oppression stem from the human soul being enslaved by base desires, urging readers to guard against such internal subjugation.

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All occupation and oppression in the world occur because the human soul is enslaved by desires. Therefore, beware of your desires’ occupation!

The author highlights the Prophet Muhammad's recommendation to fast on Ashura (10th Muharram) to commemorate the Israelites' freedom from Pharaoh's tyranny. This religious practice, the article suggests, underscores the significance of liberation and the importance of remembering such historical victories, linking it to the spirit of patriotism Malaysia celebrates.

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This is a good day! This is the day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies' (oppression). Therefore, Prophet Moses fasted on this day.

Furthermore, the piece draws upon the historical context of Islam's advent in Arabia. It describes the pre-Islamic Arab society as being enslaved by animalistic desires until the Prophet Muhammad's mission brought them spiritual freedom. The narrative of Ja'far bin Abi Talib's explanation to King al-Najashi about the Prophet's teachings is invoked to illustrate this transformation from ignorance and immorality to truthfulness, trustworthiness, and adherence to divine guidance.

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I am more deserving of rejoicing in Moses' success than you all.

Ultimately, the article contends that despite Malaysia's 69 years of political independence, many Muslims may still be mentally bound by their desires. It argues that true freedom requires controlling these impulses through religious guidance, suggesting that the struggle for independence is ongoing, extending beyond the political to the spiritual and personal realms.

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We were once people of ignorance who worshipped idols, ate carcasses (animals not slaughtered in the name of Allah), committed immoral acts (like adultery), severed family ties, treated neighbors badly, and the strong preyed upon the weak.