What is Freedom? And Why is Celebrating It Necessary?

Freedom is a concept that has been deemed the most fundamental need of humanity in the modern era. Philosophers have written extensively about it, leaders have built their entire careers on it, generals and commanders have fought wars for it, individuals have sacrificed their lives for it, and nations have struggled for centuries to attain it. Meanwhile, powerful nations have used everything from violence and oppression to education, media, awareness, restrictions, and surveillance to prevent it.

Without delving into this entire history, bypassing philosophers, social scientists, writers, critics, and every school of thought, I go straight to the book whose subject is the human being.

This book tells us that in the universe, no one has any kind of freedom. Everything is bound to its designated orbit, destined to meet its predetermined end. The moon, sun, stars, galaxies, black holes, gravity, the properties of matter, animals, birds, beasts, and even the angels who sustain the universe are not granted a single moment to act according to their own will or permission. In such a context, the Merciful Lord declared that He would create a being that would be free. The angels objected, saying this would be tantamount to the destruction of the universe, as this being would do whatever it pleased. The Almighty responded, "Talk to him and see." The angels spoke to Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), and he responded to their questions, upon which the angels fell into prostration. They realized that this creation was indeed free, and while God did not reject the angels' logic, He proved that this being was endowed with the ability to think, understand, and evolve as it has the "thought process."

The concept of freedom and the struggle for it is tied to this very thought process. Your physical captivity can never persist if you are given the thought process—if your mind is granted freedom, it adopts reasoning and standards for thinking, understanding, and progressing.

This is why many nations claim freedom and consciousness, but some are busy worshipping cows, others are devoted to stones, some are trapped in superstitions, some are swayed by individuals, some bow before the powerful, some blindly chase endless wealth like senseless animals, and others are victims of their own greed. Some cannot free themselves from overindulgence, while others are troubled by negative thoughts, frustrated by their own minds, wondering, "What is it thinking?"

From the enslavement of individuals to the enslavement of nations, there is one universal remedy that grants true freedom:

**"La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah"**

(There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger).

Whoever memorizes and understands this phrase is truly free. No power, no law, no fear, no greed can enslave them. They know that the individual ruling over them has no real power and is just like them—needy, frail, weak, and helpless. The resources unavailable to them are under the control of the Causer of Causes, who can place them in their grasp whenever He wills. Death has a fixed time, and no one can decide their fate before that moment. Any trouble that seems insurmountable, even if it appears as massive as a mountain, can be averted with a single prayer or an act of charity. And it is said that even a smile is an act of charity. If you smile, the Creator of the universe takes care of many of your affairs. Where else can you find such freedom, such a philosophy of life?

This is why Allama Iqbal describes the reality of freedom as follows:

*"This one prostration that you find burdensome,

Frees a person from a thousand prostrations!"*

Accepting the decree of the Almighty Lord wholeheartedly is true freedom, and fulfilling the responsibility of that freedom helps sustain it. If you observe closely today, despite all challenges, no one appears truly free except the Muslim world. The only nation confronting unjust systems, individuals, idols, wealth, and materialism is the Muslim nation. The one maintaining its freedom to the point of sacrificing lives is the Muslim. The one dismantling the narratives of tyrannical and satanic forces is the Muslim. The one standing on the right side of history, alongside the weak and oppressed, is the Muslim. And the one opposing those who dominate materially is the Muslim.

It is the Muslim who refuses to acknowledge numerical superiority or be intimidated by displays of weapons. Their mind is free, and they understand that when the entire universe was subdued and gifted to them, what are the boundaries of countries or the constraints of customs? They continue to move forward, resisting both the internal Pharaohs within their system and the external Nimrods. Their history does not begin in 1947. From the confrontation of Prophet Adam with Satan to the Battle of Badr, it is all a saga of their struggle for freedom. They are the heirs and successors of Medina, the support, aid, and hope for every weak and subjugated people. From Gaza to Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos, the narrative tells us that celebrating freedom is not just about being free or breathing in free skies. The battle now is that the time is nearing to liberate those still struggling, those enslaved by their own closed minds. They are in the crosshairs of this freest nation, and the time is not far when the enslaved, materialistic nations of the world will be utterly defeated by the philosophy of life and death of the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his companions).

Pakistan has liberated many countries from 1947 to today. Our younger generation is deliberately kept away from their history; otherwise, from Azad Kashmir to Algeria, from Afghanistan to Bosnia, from the defense of Germany to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, from the freedom of former Soviet states to the struggles of Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir, and from Morocco’s independence from France, the tale of a free nation’s courage, dignity, zeal, and principles is unmatched by any other nation. Even Turkey and China are grateful to Pakistan, which sold its jewelry in the most difficult times for one and secured a permanent seat on the UN Security Council for another. Today, that same China is advocating for Pakistan’s permanent seat on the Security Council, fighting for its diplomatic battles.

Pakistanis, congratulations on your Independence Day. Instead of listening to those spreading despair, you should hold onto hope that this great nation is not intimidated by threats and considers no power significant. On the contrary, the weaker nations of the world draw hope from it, and their struggles for freedom turn into successes through Pakistan’s efforts. You are not just free; you are also the guarantors of the freedom of the oppressed. So celebrate this freedom so that their spirits are further uplifted and despair spreads among the enemies. By celebrating Independence Day, crush the hopes of internal and external enemies.

Join me in raising the slogan: Pakistan Zindabad! 🇵🇰