Islam Creator of the Modern Age
4. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
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different from ordinary human beings; that, in fact,
kings were possessed of divine attributes. In that
way, the common people remained their subjects,
while they themselves enjoyed the status not just of
great lords, but of divinities.
It was such polytheistic, or superstitious beliefs,
which had barred the way to freedom of thought. It
was taken for granted that the judgement of the
king was the only possible judgement and that it
must, therefore, be right. No one was privileged to
form independent opinions, and if others were
allowed to speak, it was only to corroborate the
royal views. It was such restrictive practices based
on erroneous beliefs, which were responsible for the
stifling of freedom of thought in ancient times.
With the advent of Islam in the seventh century,
however, it was declared for the benefit of mankind
that all greatness was the exclusive prerogative of
God, and that in the eyes of God, all human beings
were equal. The Prophet Muhammad, may peace be
upon him, declared not once, but on many
occasions and in different ways that all were alike,
all were brothers.
