Philosophers' understandings of freedom in Islamic political philosophy

This study examines individual freedom from both moral and political perspectives within the context of Islamic philosophy, revealing the philosophical foundations and historical transformation of the concept. The research systematically and comparatively examines the understandings of freedom of thinkers such as Farabi, Ibn Sina, Ibn Khaldun, Ghazali, Kindi, and Raghib al-Isfahani. The fundamental questions of the thesis are how freedom is defined in Islamic philosophy, the framework within which individual and political freedom are interpreted, the transformation of the concept throughout history, and the connections between classical and modern understandings of freedom. Three fundamental hypotheses are developed: Islamic philosophers did not limit freedom to individual rights but considered it in conjunction with moral and social responsibilities. A systematic, comparative analysis provides a holistic perspective on the subject of freedom, which is treated fragmentarily in the literature. This study contributes to the reassessment of contemporary debates on freedom. The first sections of the thesis begin with a general overview of the concept and its subdisciplines; It then examines the structure of Islamic philosophy and the relationship between politics and ethics. Classical thinkers considered freedom as the basis of a virtuous life, social order, and ethical responsibility; individual freedom was defined within the context of the interrelationship between the state and society. Within this framework, the concepts of "obedience," "justice," and "order" have played a central role. Today's discussions of freedom, however, are focused more on individual rights and political freedom; however, the moral dimension of the classical legacy remains relevant. The thesis makes an original contribution to the literature by holistically addressing the concept of freedom, encompassing its metaphysical, moral, and political aspects. Furthermore, it carries the potential to develop a value-based perspective on modern theories of freedom and current issues, drawing on classical Islamic thought. In conclusion, Islamic philosophers' understanding of freedom offers a profound approach that balances individual freedom with social responsibility and ethical principles, providing a rich intellectual foundation for modern discussions of freedom.