Freedom – what does it mean?

Freedom – what does it mean? Is freedom something that comes in stages, or is it a definitively accomplished fact?

This is the subject of debate: the messages of Independence Day celebrations and the criticism directed at those who celebrate it. The critical opinions are: which freedom? We are not free; we are under some kind of bondage; we are living a life of slavery, and so on.

According to this critical viewpoint, those celebrating freedom are foolish and do not even know what freedom truly is. Meanwhile, in the eyes of those celebrating independence, the critics are overthinkers who are intentionally or unintentionally working against the country.

To understand this topic, a few examples are presented below so that we may cover it comprehensively. Consider a human being who has opened his eyes in this world after birth. Physically and spiritually, he does not yet possess the qualities that an adult should have – physical and spiritual growth. The society in which he is raised influences his upbringing just as a mother’s milk affects a child’s development. And as this newborn passes through the various stages of life, his dietary and spiritual needs continue to grow. In the end, he will certainly become a complete human being – but what kind of human? A worldly man, or a man of God who could be called the noblest of creation (Ashraf-ul-Makhlooqat)?

The second example is religious: a person accepts Islam and receives a certificate of being a Muslim. Now, whether he walks this religious path to become a true believer (Momin) or a hypocrite (Munafiq) – or he is neutral – all of this depends on upbringing, environment, and the individual’s own quest.

Similarly, freedom is the same: we got a separate piece of land where you can all live together. This is the first step toward freedom. Now, the question is whether we will live freely on this free land, or remain enslaved on this free land as well. All of this depends on education, upbringing, environment, and the path we choose. Our education teaches us to remain subjugated, and our upbringing also instills subservience – and they call it “discipline.” If we speak the master’s language, we are considered more educated; if we take their advice on which system is right for running the country; and if we give our votes to those who please the white masters – then this is the very “freedom” we are celebrating. And those who are disgruntled are essentially saying, “Give me a chance at power, and if you don’t, then no one is free.” This is the same discipline that Pakistanis have established, whether they are the masses or the institutions – they are all just oxen turning the mill.
To understand freedom, Pakistan must look at its neighbor, because right in front of them exists a living and eternal example of freedom and the free. What is freedom? What does it mean to be free? What is a leader, and what should he be like? What is the Millat (nation), and what should it be like? What is martyrdom and what does it mean to be a martyr? What are the people of God like? And even if destruction and ruin do occur, even the opponents adopt the divine path. If we can learn something today—if the heart is brimming with passion and desire.