Human Rights in Islam (part 1 of 3): Rights for all of Humankind

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Description: Power and politics in human rights.

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Articles Current Issues Human Rights

By Aisha Stacey (© 2009 IslamReligion.com)
Published on 29 Jun 2009
Last modified on 24 Mar 2019
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Human_Rights_in_Islam_(part_1_of_3)_001.jpg Just what exactly are human rights? Is it just the rightto life? Alternatively, is it the right to freedom, liberty, and justice? Dohuman rights include having the right to security, and a safe haven? Since theend of World War 2, Western international politics appears to have focused onsecuring human rights; however, the reality is that the line between securingsuch rights and maintaining state sovereignty has become blurred. The growingpower and politics involved in human rights advocacy tends to favor Western ideals,but these are not necessarily universal ideals. Many would claim that the humanrights doctrine has become an accessory to spread Western moral imperialism.

While nobody denies that there are certain inalienablehuman rights, just what those rights are is often subject to fierce debate. Whilesome cultures focus on individual rights and freedoms, others are moreconcerned with rights that ensure the survival of communities. The world ispopulated by diverse nations and tribes so it makes sense that laws anddeclarations made by human beings are not going to be universally accepted nomatter how morally upstanding they are.

God says in the Quran:

“O mankind, indeed We havecreated you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you mayknow one another.” (Quran 49:13)

From this, we see that interaction between nations isnormal and desirable. However, it is part of the nature of humankind to bejealous and at times self-serving. Islam takes into account these vagaries ofhuman nature, and therefore looks to the supreme Creator for guidance. Human rightsand responsibilities are enshrined in Islam; they are the foundation for the Sharia(Jurisprudential law).

There is no doubt that around the world, abuses of humanrights are being perpetrated, often in the name of religion and sadly sometimesin the name of Islam. However, it is important to recognise that just becausea country is known as Islamic, this does not mean that it automatically followsthe laws sent down by God. It is also important to realise that not allMuslims understand and follow their religion. Culture often dictates action. Ofcourse, the same can be said of all religions. Throughout history, humankindhas used the name of God to justify unspeakable acts.

The planet earth stumbled into the 21^stcentury beset by wars, famines and great social unrest, therefore today’s catchphrases espouse the supposed remedy; freedom, democracy, and reconciliation. Human rights have understandably become paramount. Governments, non Governmentorganizations, and religious and charity groups have all spoken about equalityand inalienable rights. The United Nations was formed to stand as a beacon of hopefor understanding and joint initiatives but in actuality it is a toothlesstiger, unable to reach agreement on most resolutions and unable to enforce theresolutions that do pass.

More than 1400 years ago, God sent down the Quran, abook of guidance for all of humankind. He also chose Muhammad as the final Prophet;he was the human being capable of leading humankind into a new era oftolerance, respect, and justice. The words of Quran and the authentictraditions of Prophet Muhammad contain rights and responsibilities granted byGod to humankind. They are not subject to the whims and desires of men orwomen and they do not change as borders or governments shift and settle,sometimes unrelentingly.

The United Nations proclaimed the Declaration of Human Rightsin 1948. It set out, in 30 articles, the fundamental rights to be universallyprotected and described them as, designed to promote, “universal respect forand observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms[1]”. TheUnited Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights went on to describethese rights as inherent to all human beings regardless of sex, race, creed, orcolour and declared them indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated. In thefollowing 60 years other declarations, treaties, and committees have come intoexistence, all focusing their efforts on ensuring the rights of various groupswithin varied societies.

The tenants of Islam include a basic set of rulesdesigned to protect individual rights and freedoms, however the rights of individualsare not permitted to infringe upon the rights of communities. Islam is adoctrine concerned with respect, tolerance, justice, and equality and theIslamic concepts of freedom and human rights are imbedded in the faith in theOne God. If humankind is to live in peace and security, he or she must obeythe commands of God..

Muslims believe that God is the sole Creator and Sustainerof humankind and the universe. He has given each human being dignity andhonour and the human rights and privileges we enjoy are granted by Him. Therights granted by God are designed for everybody. One person is not moreworthy of protection than another is. Each person is entitled to sustenance, shelter,and security and if some people are denied their God given rights, it is theresponsibility of the rest of humankind to restore those rights.

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God, be justwitnesses, and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear God. Verily, God is well acquaintedwith what you do.” (Quran 5:8)

Power and authority narratives have become entrenched inhuman rights advocacy. Legislation and unenforceable treaties cannot protectthe downtrodden and oppressed. However, Islam proclaims that God treats allhuman beings equally and true human rights can only be achieved by obedience toHim. In the following series of articles, we will examine the 30 articles ofthe Declaration of Human Rights and compare them to the Islamic standpoint andthe reality of life in the 21^st century.

Footnotes:

[1](http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/)

Human Rights in Islam (part 2 of 3): Articles 1, 2 & 3