HUMAN RIGHTS IN

ISLAM

Prepared by: Abdul Hafeez Mohammed

Osman

Introduction

As away of life, Islam has laid down the

fundamental basics of the human life, and drew
the barriers between all creatures in this world.
The man is the only creature among all the
creatures has been entrusted by the God to hold
the responsibility of managing the universe. For
performing the same He equipped him with brain,
and in order to define his duties and rights
obviously, Allah has sent his messengers (Peace
and mercy be upon them) to all mankind to show
them the righteous way.

The Main Features for

Human Rights in Islam

1-It has been granted by God.

2-No legislative assembly in the world, or any
government on earth has the right or authority to make
any amendment or change it.

3-Its not like philosophical concepts, which have no

sanctions behind them.

4-No one has the right to abrogate them or withdraw

them.

5-They are a part and parcel of the Islamic Faith.

BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

IN ISLAM:

1- Right to Life:

The fundamental basic right conferred by God to

the human is the right to life: Whosoever kills a
human being without (any reason like)
manslaughter, or corruption on earth, it is as
though he had killed
all mankind ... (5:32)

2. The Right to the Safety of Life:

"And whoever saves a life it is as though he had

saved the lives of all
mankind" (5:32).

3. Respect for the Chastity of Women:

Woman chastity is respected and protected
by Islam under all circumstances regardless
religion, race, colour or nationality,
whenever she found.

The words of the Holy Quran are: Dont

approach (the bounds) of adultery (17:32).

4. The Right to Basic Necessities of Life:

Islam as a way of life has also touched the

economic right of the human. The Holy Quran
states that: And in their wealth there is
acknowledged right for needy and
destitute. (51:19).

5- Individual Right to Freedom:

A-Islam has forbidden capturing a freeman, to

make him a slave or to sell him in slavery.

B-Islam tried to solve the problem of slaves that

were in Arabia by encouraging the people in
different ways to set their slaves free, such as in
the case of accidental homicide.

C-Muslims were ordered that in expiation of some

of their sins they should set their slaves free.

D- Islam prohibits the imprisonment of any

individual before his guilt has been proven before a
public court.

6- The Right to Justice:

The right to justice is consider as the most valuable

right in Islam, as the Holy Quran instructed that
Dont let your hatred of people incite you to
aggression (5:2).

However, justice which Islam claims is not limited

to the citizens of specific Muslims countries, or
people of their own tribe, nation or race, but its
meant for all the human beings all over the world.

Moreover, Islam required Muslims to be just not

only with their friend, but even with their enemies.
O You who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as
witnesses to Allah, even though it be against
yourselves, or your parents or your kin.

7- Equality of Human Beings:

Islam considers equality between human as important and

significant principle. The Almighty God has laid down in the
Holy Quran: O mankind, We have created you from male
and female, and We set you as nations and tribes so that you
may recognize each other. (49:13).

"Indeed, the noblest among you before God are the most
heedful of you" (49:13).

This has been exemplified by the Prophet in one of his

sayings thus:
"No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a
non-Arab
have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man
have any
superiority over a black man, or the black man any
superiority over the
white man. You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was
created
from clay" (al-Bayhaqi and al-Bazzaz).

8. Protection of Honor:

The Quran doesnt allow ones personal

honor to be abused: O You who believe,
dont let one set of people make fun of
another set. Do not defame one another
dont insult by using nicknames. Dont
backbite or spear ill one another. (49: 11121).

9- The Right to protest against Tyranny:

This is mentioned clearly in the Quran: God

does not love evil talk in public unless it is
by some one who has been injured thereby.