What is liberalism anyway?

 

Let us be real. Did we properly learn philosophy and ideology in school? The textbook mentioned that the Nazis ran a fascist government but there was little explanation on what fascism is. We were never properly taught about the left-right political spectrum.

“But that news outlet, it’s leaning to the left, right?” a colleague of mine commented on a news article we discussed in the office.

Her tone was not neutral. There was a tinge of worry, or maybe fear, of the word “left” the moment she said it. A sound came out of my mouth, but the conversation ended there.

At that time, I just got back from abroad after two years of studying for my master’s degrees along with my newfound understanding of the political spectrum.

I felt both frustration and understanding. We were the same age, which means we went through the same school syllabi.

My frustration was mostly towards our education system and public discourse that has deprived us of even the most basic understanding of the world.

Thanks to liberalism, I have the right to pray

I am a Malaysian Muslim woman. Ideologically, I identify as socially liberal and politically (centre) left. Ten years ago, I would have identified my ideological leanings as completely the opposite.

Like most Muslims in Malaysia, Islam is as important to me as the air I breathe. However, liberal-minded Muslims like myself have recently found themselves subjected to guilt-tripping or even outright cancellation by influential and vocal figures, all without proper or intellectually honest engagement.

Liberalism as a political and moral philosophy focuses on individual freedom, equality, and democratic values in running a society.

At its core, liberalism believes that people should be free to make their own choices and live their lives the way they want, as long as it does not harm others.

This includes having the right to express your thoughts and beliefs without fear of punishment.

To conservative Muslims in Malaysia, this contradicts their Islamic faith. To be a Muslim is to submit to Allah. There is no such thing as individual freedom when you are a servant of Allah.

But here is the thing, liberalism also enables Muslims to adhere to their religious practice abroad.

During my undergraduate years, I was able to speak up in front of my former vice-chancellor when the prayer room was closed for renovation and we had to pray in between the bookshelves in the library.

If someone mocked my Muslim identity or my religion, I could make a case for discrimination and Islamophobia.

Why? Because liberalism emphasises equality; everyone, no matter their background or where they come from, should have the same rights and opportunities.

This means that discrimination or treating people unfairly based on things like their gender, race, or religion is unacceptable.

Just like what Prophet Muhammad emphasised in his last sermon, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action.”

It is truly perplexing for me to witness my fellow friends, who have enjoyed the religious freedom granted by liberalism in the West, now becoming the most vocal advocates for restrictive measures or control over the freedoms of others.

The cognitive dissonance is striking.

You have your way and I have my way

These days, I noticed that some people or groups of people feel so sure of themselves that they understand Allah’s intentions better than others.

They draw the divide between Muslims and non-Muslims; good and devious Muslims according to their particular standards.

Whereas, Allah’s knowledge and wisdom are so deep and wide that, “Say, O Muhammad, if the water of the sea were ink for a pen to write down the words, wisdom, and signs of Allah, the sea would run dry before it all could be written down. (even if We brought like it) means, another sea, then another, and so on, additional seas to be used for writing. The words of Allah would still never run out.” [Quran 18:109]

I cannot understand how a Muslim could read this verse and not stop judging or controlling others whose appearance, choices, understanding, or practices of Islam differ from theirs.

How can you be so sure that they are in the wrong when you have no access to Allah’s wisdom? Aren’t you too arrogant to speak on behalf of Allah?

“You have your way, and I have my Way.” [Quran 109:6]

I will not delve into the various opinions and interpretations of the above verse of the Quran. But say we believe that certain acts are sinful, doesn’t everyone sin differently?

As the adage goes:

“I can’t do that because of my religion.”
“Ok.”
“You can’t do that because of my religion.”
“Not ok.”

Even if we believe in calling others to do good and prevent others from doing evil, have we not been told that: “So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder” [Quran 88:21].

Not only are we just a reminder, but we are the flawed ones at that and we know it.

To hold space for others

We have always taken pride in the diversity of our multicultural society. Yet, I cannot help but feel that Muslims in this country are increasingly pressured to conform to a more homogenous identity each day.

Given that both the governing and main political opposition coalitions currently differ only in degrees of conservatism, Muslim liberals face only two choices: either expose themselves to scrutiny and persecution by the majority Muslim community and religious authorities to stay true to their values or betray their own principles in order to blend into the community and avoid standing out like a sore thumb.

While we all come together in the spirit of Merdeka and Malaysia these three weeks, it is essential to remind ourselves that this country belongs to each and every one of its citizens.

This includes believers, agnostics, conservatives, and liberals alike. Surrendering your individual freedom to a higher power because of your faith is a personal prerogative.

However, imposing your (version of) faith on others and limiting their freedom amounts to oppression.

Let us make room for everyone, with all their creeds and colours. The more inclusive our spaces, the stronger we become.

After all, our diversity is our strength. - Mkini

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AISHA ADAM is one of the producers of the film ‘Maryam Pagi ke Malam’, featured at the 2023 Rotterdam International Film Festival.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT