The Day of Independence

13 Asma 163 B.E. – September 1, 2006

Today is Istiqlal, the day of Independence. This is an interesting spiritual attribute. The spiritual attribute of independence refers to being independent of all else but God. When we are talking about this concept from a spiritual point of view there are many connotations that we do not usually consider.

An individual can reflect this attribute by investigating reality for himself or herself. We investigate reality when we ask questions and we need to ask questions about everything in our lives. We accept the practice of asking questions about scientific theory, but we often do not consider questions the religious concepts or our own opinions. Do we know why we hold the beliefs and opinion we have? Do we know what we think about ourselves and why?

Another interesting thing about the spiritual attribute of independence, it does not preclude obedience to God. However, we do need to know why we chose to obey God’s laws. This is a part of being independent of all else save God.