There are three types of freedom. The first is divine
freedom, which is one of the inherent attributes of the Creator for He is
unconstrained in His will, and no one can force Him to change His decree in any
matter whatsoever....
The second is the political freedom of Europeans, which
leaves the individual free to do whatsoever he desires as long as his action
does not harm his neighbour. This is natural freedom, and its greatest
expression is seen in the animal world. Observe these birds and notice with
what freedom they live. However much man may try, he can never be as free as an
animal, because the existence of order acts as an impediment to freedom.
The third freedom is that which is born of obedience to the
laws and ordinances of the Almighty. This is the freedom of the human world,
where man severs his affections from all things. When he does so, he becomes
immune to all hardship and sorrow. Wealth or material power will not deflect
him from moderation and fairness, neither will poverty or need inhibit him from
showing forth happiness and tranquillity. The more the conscience of man
develops, the more will his heart be free and his soul attain unto happiness.
In the religion of God, there is freedom of thought because God, alone,
controls the human conscience, but this freedom should not go beyond courtesy.
In the religion of God, there is no freedom of action outside the law of God.
Man may not transgress this law, even though no harm is inflicted on one's
neighbour. This is because the purpose of Divine law is the education of all --
others as well as oneself -- and, in the sight of God, the harm done to one
individual or to his neighbour is the same and is reprehensible in both cases.
Hearts must possess the fear of God. Man should endeavour to avoid that which is
abhorrent unto God. Therefore, the freedom that the laws of Europe offer to the
individual does not exist in the law of God. Freedom of thought should not
transgress the bounds of courtesy, and actions, likewise, should be governed by
the fear of God and the desire to seek His good pleasure.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet quoted by the Universal House of Justice in a letter dated
8 February 1998 written on its behalf to an individual believer)
