By Sumaya Junaid Ahmed
NEW DELHI: Various speakers at an international webinar on “Morality is Freedom” on how Islamic teachings can help create a morally strong society and encourage practical discussions on applying these principles to today’s ethical and moral issues.
Organized by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Women’s Department as part of the month-long campaign on morality, brought together a global audience into a thread for a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics between moral principles and personal freedom.
In her keynote address on the theme of ‘Morality is Freedom: Challenging Common Notions.’, Dr Teresa Lesher, Associate Professor of Information Studies at PAAET, Kuwait, critically analyzed the widely held view or belief that the more absolute one’s freedom, the happier one will be and the more fulfilled a person.
Dr. Lesher said that freedom, exercised without moral restraint, could lead to undesirable consequences like poor personal health, desolated environmental conditions, and social chaos. She maintained that true freedom stems from morality joined by the will of Allah as a means of establishing complete social order and personal happiness.
Speaking on ‘Sexual Morality and Family Values’ Ustada Ameena Blake, Chaplain at The University of Sheffield in Britain, discussed the increasing normalization of immoral behaviours and the feminist outlook regarding freedom. Ustada Blake spoke about the mainstream acceptance of premarital and extramarital relationships and dwelled upon sexual morality from the Islamic perspective.
She said Islam allowed a sexual relationship between individuals, but only within a lawful marriage framework for ensuring the integrity of the families and saving society from disintegration. She told them that moral codes had to be upheld to preserve the sanctity of family life and protect one another from temptation.
Dr Magda Ismail A. Mohsin, Professor of INCEIF, Malaysia, addressed the webinar on ‘Capitalism and the Erosion of Morality.’ She spoke at length on how capitalistic systems tend to undermine morality in their relentless pursuit of profit.
Dr. Ismail spoke about the commodification of many areas of human life: exploitation of women’s bodies and the proliferation of damaging substances being a couple of them. She further argued that the capitalist ethos of financial gain erodes morality and social justice, which is in total contrast to the Islamic principles of mercy, integrity, and welfare for the common good.
Dr. Nevine Ahmed, Former President of the Muslim Association of Britain, West Midland Branch, spoke on ‘Islamic Guidelines for a Morally Upright Society: Principles and Practices.’ Dr. Ahmed discussed some of the basic Islamic teachings that regulate morals. She contrasted Islamic values with historical and modern rights struggles of other cultures, emphasising that Islamic justice is proactive, not reactive.
She said that Islamic teachings offer moral guidance, justice, equality, and social cohesion. Dr. Ahmed urged participants to implement these ideals in practice to change in today’s societies.
In her presidential address, Rahamathunnisa A, National Secretary of Jamaat Islami Hind Women’s Department, reflected on the wider ramifications of immorality across several societies. She thanked the speakers for their enlightening contributions and brought to light modern slavery—economic and cultural constraints on which a great deal of importance must be laid.
The National Secretary drew an analogy between the ethical principles that ensure fair play in sports and the moral boundaries that define the parameters of a just society. She poignantly drove home that true freedom is attained through respect for the rights of others and in defence of justice.
The webinar started with reciting verses from the Holy Quran and was followed by a warm welcome by Sameena Afshan, Editor, Aura-e-Magazine, Program Convener. In her address, Sameena emphasized aligning moral values with personal freedom.
She said true freedom is not enjoyed when performing unbridled actions; it is rather an adherence to a code of ethics that respects the dignity and rights of others. Sameena explained that building awareness of moral values among people was vital for a just and peaceful society.
Rajeena Begum, Program Assistant Convener, thanked the speakers, panelists, and participants for their active participation and insightful contributions. She highlighted the resilience and strength of women and children in conflict zones, praising them as upholders of Islamic values amidst adversity.
