THE ‘ERA OF FREEDOM’

they immediately demand the closure of liquor stores before engaging in trade. They assert that they will not take advantage of the freedom of trade until all such unIslamic activities are prohibited. The Hudaybiyyah Treaty serves as an example in this context. It was a 10-year peace agreement, and the Prophet sought to ensure that the opposing party would honour the peace clause during that period, refraining from attacking him or his allied tribes. Therefore, he first committed not attacking the opposing side or its allied tribes. Despite being on the path of justice according to God’s testimony, while the other party was on the path of injustice, the Prophet obtained this right from the other party only by agreeing to grant it to them. Another aspect to consider is that since freedom is available to everyone, it will inevitably result in some individuals misusing it. For instance, there will be those who unnecessarily criticize Islam or publish books that Muslims find insulting to their faith. However, Muslims should place their trust in the invincible truth of Islam rather than relying solely on the legal system. Why should trivial matters cause fear when Islam itself stands as an absolute truth? If Muslims were aware of the invincible truth of Islam, they would effectively counter the arguments of their opponents with stronger and more compelling reasoning. They would respond to arguments with powerful counterarguments. However, in contemporary times, Muslims tend to take great pride in the cultural aspects of their religion while