The concept of freedom and its permissible domains have sparked significant debate among Muslim intellectuals. Mohsen Kadivar, a contemporary Iranian philosopher, endeavors to demonstrate the compatibility of Islam with the notion of freedom. Kadivar distinguishes between “essential Islam” and “historical Islam.” He posits that historical Islam is characterized by rigid, immutable rules, whereas essential Islam is founded on principles of rationality and spirituality. According to Kadivar, essential Islam not only aligns with many modern freedoms but also introduces a novel form of freedom—spiritual freedom.

This raises the question: Is there a distinction between these two forms of freedom? By examining the issue of free sexual relations as a civil liberty, this article argues that Kadivar’s conceptualization of spiritual freedom effectively negates modern freedoms. Kadivar prioritizes spiritual freedom, defined as adherence to religious commitments, over modern civil liberties. Consequently, he ultimately endorses human will and autonomy only within the boundaries of religious doctrine, failing to offer a new resolution to the discourse on the relationship between Islam and freedom.