Investigating the Evolution of the Concept of Freedom and Discretion in the Western Thought and that of Islam

Freedom and authority are the two essential and inherent needs of mankind. These two concepts are fundamental and complex, yet important in the history of religions, and there has been a great deal of controversy among scholars about their meanings. The present study addressees the central question of whether or not these two concepts are synonymous in terms of philosophical and epistemological view points, and the course of historical evolution. That is, the researcher seeks to answer the following questions: Is Man autonomous? Does he have absolute autonomy or have obligations to fulfill too (determinism)? Are his obligations incompatible with his free will?
The research method in this study is based on library research and takes an analytical and descriptive approach. This study is novel in that it includes a critique of the common reading of freedom and authority, the philosophical synonymy, and the delineation of the boundaries of these two concepts which have caused a great deal of schism among scholars, especially in the new discourse.