Human rights in Islam
Islam has laid down universal and fundamental rights for humanity as a whole that should be observed and respected under all circumstances. These basic rights are associated with Islamic faith and belief because they are divinely ordained, thus, human rights in Islam are religious obligations, that is it is obligatory for every Muslim to protect and restore them if violated.
Life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred, whether a person is a Muslim or not. Islam also protects honor. So, in Islam, insulting others or making fun of them is not allowed. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), said: “Truly your blood, your property, and your honor are inviolable.”
Racism is not allowed in Islam
As for the Quran, it speaks of human equality in the following terms: ” O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Quran 49:13)
Islam rejects certain individuals or nations being favored because of their wealth, power, or race. God created human beings equal that is to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their faith and piety. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “O people! Your God is one and your forefather (Adam) is one. An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red person,[3] save for piety.”
Islam is a religion of justice
Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing….” (Quran 4:58)
And He has said: “… and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly..” (Quran 49:9)
We should even be just with those who we hate, as Allag says:
“…And let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety….” (Quran 5:8)
Prophet Muhammad said: “O People, beware of injustice,[5] for injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Judgment.”[6]
And those who have not gotten their rights (i.e. what they have a just claim to) in this life will receive them on the Day of Judgment, as the Prophet said: “On the Day of Judgment, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed)…”[7]
Women’s Rights
So many violations to human rights are committed against women in this world. Under the laws of Islam, women have the right to own property and businesses, engage in financial transactions, vote, receive inheritance, obtain an education, and participate in legal and political affairs. The fact that some Muslim societies do not always accord women all these liberties is an example of how human beings can fall short of fully implementing the Divine Will.
Both men and women have responsibilities towards their families and societies as is clear from the following verse: “The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise” (Quran, 9:71).
Allah Almighty promises in the Quran, “If any do deeds of righteousness – be they male or female – and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them” (4:124).
Edited by: Omar Saber
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Edited by: Omar Saber
