I am free (or liberated) and I am free to do what I want! [Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen responds]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) was asked about the statement of a person who says:

”I am free (or liberated)”

Answer

If a liberated/free man says this and intends by it freedom from slavery to the creation, then yes he is free from slavery to the creation. However, if he intends by this that he is liberated/ freed from servitude to Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic), then indeed he has erred in his understanding of servitude and he does not understand the meaning of freedom/liberation; because servitude to other than Allaah is bondage. As for the servitude of a person to Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic), then this is real freedom; because if he does not humble himself to Allaah, he will humble himself to other than Allaah. So he deceives himself when he says that he is free/liberated, meaning: he is liberated from obedience to Allaah and does not fulfil (such obedience to Him).

[Source: Al-Manaahiy al-Lafdhiyyah: page: 117]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) was asked about the statement of a disobedient person, who when met with disapproval (due to sins committed he would say):

”I am free with regards to what I carry out of my own actions.”

Answer

This is an error; we say: You are not free to disobey Allaah, rather if you disobey Allaah, then indeed you have violated the slavery which you claim to be upon of obedience, humility and submission to Allaah;  and you have entered into the bondage of Shaytaan and desires.

[Source: A-Manaahiy Al-Lafdhiyyah: Page: 117]