Human Rights in Islam Part One
By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam
Abstract:
This article explains that Islam strongly supports human rights, freedom of thought, belief and conscience. Some powerful groups wrongly claim that Islam is against human rights, but this idea is based on prejudice and political propaganda. In reality, Islam gives great importance to human dignity and the protection of basic rights for all people, regardless of religion. One of the most important rights in Islam is the right to life. The Qur’an clearly states that killing one innocent person is like killing all humanity, while saving one life is like saving all humanity. Islam strictly forbids taking a life without a just reason and considers it a very serious crime. The teachings of Islam encourage peace, justice and respect for every human being. The article also highlights that wars and political interests often ignore human rights. Therefore, Islam calls for peace, dialogue and protection of life so that humanity can live safely and with dignity.
Main Points:
1- Islam strongly supports human rights, freedom of belief, and dignity for all people in society.
2- The Qur’an declares killing one innocent person is equal to killing the whole of humanity.
3- Saving a single human life is considered equal to saving all humanity.
4- Islam forbids unjust killing and protects the right to life for every human being.
5- Peace, justice and respect for human dignity are essential principles in Islamic teachings.
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Islam not only believes in human rights, freedom of thought, freedom of belief and conscience, but it strongly supports them. However, some powerful groups whose hands are stained with the blood of innocent people claim that Islam is against human rights and religious freedom. In reality, this claim is only propaganda, a political narrative, and based on prejudice and hostility.
It is therefore necessary to present the clear evidence that Islam supports human rights. This is not the first article on this subject. Many books and articles have already been written in different languages of the world. Those who object know very well that Islam is not against basic human rights. Yet they continue to blame Islam. When they criticise Islam, they forget their own history and civilisation. Humanity must think seriously about this.
It should also be clarified that no religion denies the protection of human rights. However, some powers who call themselves superpowers do not hesitate to sacrifice human rights for their political interests. Today, the so-called champions of human rights have once again pushed the world towards destruction. The present situation is very dangerous. War always harms humanity. Therefore, peace, dialogue and negotiation have always been considered necessary for solving problems.
The concept of human rights presented by Islam makes no distinction between religions. Islam provides protection equally to all people and communities. One of the most important rights in Islam is the right to life. Islam wants every citizen to have protection of life, no matter which religion they follow. When this idea spreads, respect for human dignity will grow in society, which is a basic need for all of us.
The first and most important human right is the right to live. Only when a person’s life is protected can they enjoy other rights. Taking an innocent life is a very serious crime. Worldly laws do not allow killing someone without reason. Likewise, all religions clearly forbid killing an innocent person.
The Holy Qur’an says:
مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْـرِ نَفْسٍ اَوْ فَسَادٍ فِى الْاَرْضِ فَكَاَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَـمِيْعًاۖ وَمَنْ اَحْيَاهَا فَكَاَنَّمَآ اَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَـمِيْعًا ۚ( المائدہ: 32)
“Whoever kills a person unjustly — unless in legal retribution or for spreading corruption in the land — it is as if he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all mankind.”
This verse shows the great value of human life. Killing one innocent person is like killing all humanity, and saving one life is like saving all humanity. The verse does not limit this ruling to Muslims only; it applies to all human beings. If someone is killed unjustly, Islam gives the family of the victim the right to seek justice.
Maulana Maududi writes that the survival of humanity depends on respect for human life. A person who kills unjustly proves that he has no respect or compassion for others. Such a person becomes an enemy of humanity. On the other hand, the one who helps save life supports the survival of humankind.
In another place, the Qur’an says:
قُلْ تَعَالَوْا اَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ اَلَّا تُشْرِكُوْا بِهٖ شَيْئًا ۖ وَّبِالْوَالِـدَيْنِ اِحْسَانًا ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا اَوْلَادَكُمْ مِّنْ اِمْلَاقٍ ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَاِيَّاهُـمْ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْـهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِىْ حَرَّمَ اللّـٰهُ اِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ ۚ ذٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهٖ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ۔ ( الانعام: 151)
“Come, I will recite what your Lord has forbidden for you: do not associate anything with Him; be good to your parents; do not kill your children because of poverty — We provide for you and for them; do not approach immoral acts, openly or secretly; and do not kill a soul which Allah has made sacred, except by right.”
This verse again protects the right to life. There is no restriction here; the command is general for all people. Taking a life without just cause is a grave sin.
Islam clearly teaches humanity that the protection of human rights and the right to live belong to every person. Everyone has the right to live and to live peacefully. No one should take another person’s life unjustly.
However, today we see thousands of innocent children, women and elderly people being killed, while humanity watches silently. Those responsible are sometimes even called messengers of peace.
We must seriously decide which principles truly benefit humanity. Any wise person will say that true welfare lies in peace and protection of human rights. Yet human rights are often ignored, and even international laws and religious teachings are violated.
Therefore, it is important to understand that Islam strongly supports the protection of human rights. It teaches its followers not to harm anyone without reason and not to cause physical or financial damage to any innocent person.
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Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an Islamic scholar, author, and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/human-rights-in-islam-part-one/d/139124
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