The Denial of Mental and Physical Slavery in Islam: A Critical and Explanatory Study of Shaykh Qazi Abdul Hadi Rastami’s Teachings

Abstract

A careful study of history reveals that human nature, on the one hand, is inclined toward dominance, sovereignty, and authority, while on the other hand it contains an inherent resistance to subjugation and a deep aversion to slavery. Islam is a comprehensive and divinely ordained system of life that provides humanity with a balanced path of liberation from bondage and the establishment of justice. The religion of Islam embodies justice in governance, safeguards human dignity, and calls to the worship of the One God, without any partner. Shaykh ʿAbd al-Hādī Rastamī (رحمه الله) was a distinguished religious scholar. In one of his works, Hādī al-Subul, he identifies two forms of slavery: mental slavery (such as blind imitation and intellectual stagnation) and physical slavery (such as political domination and the exploitation of rights). In this context, he writes the following statement: ‘For a Muslim, there are only two paths: freedom or death. In Islam, there is no third option.’ This research examines the philosophy of freedom and slavery in the light of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and history, with particular focus on a critical analysis of this statement. The findings of the study indicate that Shaykh Rastamī’s statement was not written on the basis of religious violence or extremism; rather, it is a natural outcome of Islamic teachings that lead human beings toward self-respect, moral courage, and intellectual as well as social freedom. In essence, this statement reflects the fundamental Islamic principle that there is no room for either mental or physical slavery in Islam.