Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights
By V.A. Mohamad Ashrof, New Age Islam
22 April 2025
Preamble
This Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights affirms the sacred principles of justice (‘Adl), compassion (Rahmah), and wisdom (Hikmah) as the foundation of human rights, rooted in the Quranic recognition of inherent human dignity (17:70, 49:13). It upholds the divine mandate for equality, freedom, and moral responsibility, and calls for the establishment of justice (4:135, 16:90), protection of human dignity, and rejection of coercion in matters of faith (2:256, 18:29).
As stewards of the Earth (2:30, 6:165), humanity is entrusted with upholding ethical governance, fostering peace, and ensuring justice for all, regardless of creed or identity (49:13, 4:1). This declaration harmonizes the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 with Quranic principles, rejecting frameworks that rely on historically conditioned jurisprudence at odds with universal rights. Guided by reformist and humanist Islamic scholarship, it advances a dynamic, compassionate interpretation of the Quran, protecting human rights, condemning violence (4:75, 5:32), and championing unity through justice and wisdom (16:125, 6:108).
This declaration rejects rigid medieval interpretations of Shariah, particularly those enforcing apostasy and blasphemy laws, as contradicting the Quran's defence of freedom of conscience and expression. It upholds freedom, justice, and compassion as divine imperatives (2:256, 4:135, 17:70), and calls for a global commitment to human brotherhood and dignity (49:13, 4:1), fulfilling Islam's enduring commitment to human dignity, freedom, and equality for all.
Article 1: Dignity and Equality
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, honored by their Creator (17:70). As members of one human family, originating from a single soul (4:1, 49:13), they are endowed with reason and conscience, calling them to act toward one another in a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood.
Article 2: Freedom from Discrimination
This declaration underscores the fundamental principle that all individuals are inherently entitled to universal rights and freedoms, without distinction or discrimination based on factors like race, colour, sex, language, religion, or social status (49:13, 16:90). Human diversity is a manifestation of divine wisdom, intended to foster mutual recognition and understanding, and any form of exclusion or prejudice contradicts this spiritual intent (49:13, 30:22, 4:1). Everyone has the right to express their opinions freely, without censorship or punishment, as long as such expression does not incite violence or hatred, reflecting Quranic values of promoting understanding and peaceful dialogue (16:125, 41:33-34, 29:46).
Article 3: Right to Life, Liberty, and Security
The sanctity of human life is a foundational principle, affirming every individual's inherent right to life, liberty, and personal security. Unjustly taking a life is equated with an offense against all of humanity, and any form of violence or coercion contradicts divine compassion (5:32). Protection against oppression and aggression is a moral imperative (4:75, 17:33). No person shall be subjected to violence, coercion, torture, or cruel treatment. Unjust killing is forbidden, and capital punishment requires ultra-strict evidence (5:32, 6:151, 2:179). Safeguarding these fundamental rights is both an ethical obligation and a reflection of higher justice.
Article 4: Freedom from Slavery
Islamic teachings unequivocally condemn slavery and servitude in all forms, emphasizing the sanctity of human dignity. The Qur’an explicitly prohibits oppression and exploitation (16:90), affirming that such practices violate the intrinsic worth bestowed upon humanity by God (17:70). Historically, Islam promoted the gradual abolition of slavery through moral and legal reforms, encouraging emancipation as a virtuous act (90:12-13, 2:177, 4:92). The theological principle that all human beings possess inherent dignity (17:70) fundamentally contradicts the dehumanizing nature of chattel slavery, reinforcing Islam’s stance against its perpetuation. Thus, the faith’s hermeneutical tradition underscores a clear ethical imperative: slavery is irreconcilable with divine justice and human rights.
Article 5: Freedom from Torture
The Quranic principles of justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity prohibit torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, emphasizing the sanctity of every individual (16:90, 17:70). Such acts are morally reprehensible and fundamentally opposed to the Quran's ethical framework, which upholds mercy and justice as paramount values (7:33, 42:40). Any form of degrading treatment violates divine will, contradicting the inherent dignity bestowed upon humanity.
Article 6: Recognition Before the Law
The right to recognition as a person before the law (4:135) is a fundamental principle, emphasizing equal treatment under divine justice (16:90). This entitlement to justice holds individuals accountable for their deeds (6:164, 53:38), applying universally regardless of location.
Article 7: Equality Before the Law
All individuals are equal before the law, entitled to equal protection without discrimination (4:135). Justice demands impartiality, requiring upholding the law even against oneself or loved ones (4:135, 5:8, 16:90).
Article 8: Right to Remedy
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by competent national tribunals for violations of fundamental rights, grounded in the divine command to establish justice (4:135, 4:58, 5:42, 16:90). Additionally, all individuals have the right to a fair share of resources, protection from exploitation, and access to basic needs, reflecting Quranic values of social justice and compassion (59:7, 2:177, 107:1-3, 2:215). Furthermore, individuals have the right to freedom of assembly, with collective action for justice being protected (42:38, 3:104).
Furthermore, individuals have the right to freedom of assembly, with collective action for justice being protected (42:38, 3:104).
Article 9: Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile (5:32), as deprivation of liberty requires due process and justification, upholding principles of justice and fairness (4:135, 17:33), in line with divine equity (4:75).
Article 10: Right to Fair Trial
Everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in determining their rights and obligations or any criminal charges (4:135, 5:8, 4:58), reflecting principles of fairness and divine justice (16:90).
Article 11: Presumption of Innocence
Everyone charged with a penal offense has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a fair and public trial with necessary defense guarantees (4:135, 24:4, 49:6). Additionally, no one shall be held guilty for an act that wasn't a penal offense at the time it was committed, upholding principles of justice and non-retroactivity. Individuals bear responsibility for their own actions (6:164).
Article 12: Privacy and Reputation
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with their privacy, family, home, or correspondence, nor to attacks on their honour and reputation (17:70, 24:27, 49:12). Everyone's dignity is sacred (49:13), and the law should protect against such interferences or attacks (49:11).
Article 13: Freedom of Movement
Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within their state, as well as the right to leave and return to their country (4:1, 67:15, 29:20). Any restrictions on this right must be based on just cause and due process, aligning with principles of justice (16:90).
Article 14: Right to Asylum
Everyone has the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries (4:75, 9:6, 17:70). This right reflects divine compassion and protection for the vulnerable. However, it doesn't apply to cases of non-political crimes or acts contrary to justice principles.
Article 15: Right to Nationality
Everyone has the right to a nationality and to belong to a community, as part of their dignity (49:13, 17:70). No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their nationality or denied the right to change it, with any deprivation aligning with principles of justice.
Article 16: Right to Marriage and Family
Men and women of full age have the right to marry and found a family based on mutual consent (4:1, 4:21). Marriage is a bond of mutual respect (49:13), tranquility, and affection (30:21), with spouses having mutual rights and responsibilities (2:228, 4:19, 9:71, 2:233) and striving for kindness and consultation. The family, as the fundamental unit of society, is entitled to protection (17:23-24).
Article 17: Right to Property
Everyone has the right to own property, either alone or with others, and should acquire wealth lawfully (2:188, 4:29) and use it responsibly. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their property, upholding principles of justice (4:135, 16:90), with specific rights and rules governing inheritance (4:7, 4:11-12).
Article 18: Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, which includes choosing, holding, changing, or leaving a religion or belief, and manifesting their religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance without coercion. The Quran supports this freedom, rejecting compulsion in faith (2:256, 18:29, 10:99, 109:6), and emphasizing personal accountability to God (17:70). Medieval apostasy and blasphemy laws lack a Quranic basis, contradicting the Quran's stance on mercy, justice, and free will (5:32, 16:90, 2:256). These laws arose from political and cultural contexts, not Quranic mandates. Islamic humanist scholars argue that they reflect outdated exegesis, misaligned with the Quran's universal ethical framework. This declaration centers human dignity and autonomy, aligning with the Quran's timeless message (17:70, 49:13).
Article 19: Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including seeking, receiving, and imparting information and ideas through any media, regardless of frontiers. However, this right should not be used to spread slander, defamation, incitement to hatred or violence, or deliberate falsehood (49:11-12, 24:19, 3:104). Instead, dialogue should be conducted wisely and respectfully (16:125), with patience, reasoned argument, or turning away being the Quranic approach to responding to ignorance or offense (6:108, 25:63). Blasphemy laws contradict Quranic values of freedom and wisdom (2:256, 18:29), and peaceful speech is considered sacred (18:29, 4:140). Additionally, every individual has the right to seek knowledge, think critically, and be educated, reflecting Quranic emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom (96:1-5, 39:9, 20:114).
Article 20: Freedom of Assembly and Association
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, which enables collective action that fosters human brotherhood (4:1, 49:13). This freedom includes the right to cooperate in virtue and piety (5:2, 8:73) and engage in consultation (42:38). Importantly, no one may be compelled to belong to an association, reflecting the principle of non-compulsion (2:256).
Article 21: Right to Participate in Government
Everyone has the right to participate in the governance of their country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives, based on the principle of consultation (Shura) (42:38, 3:159). This participation includes equal access to public service. Governance should be exercised justly (4:58, 16:90), prioritizing the well-being (Maslaha) of the community and reflecting the principles of justice (16:90).
Article 22: Right to Social Security
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and economic, social, and cultural rights indispensable for their dignity and the free development of their personality (17:70). Realizing these rights requires national effort and international cooperation, taking into account each state's organization and resources. Compassion supports the vulnerable (4:75), and society has a collective duty to care for the needy (9:60, 51:19, 70:24-25).
Article 23: Right to Work
Everyone has the right to work, free choice of employment, just and favorable conditions of work, including fair wages (implicit in fair dealing 83:1-3, 26:183), and protection against unemployment. Labor deserves dignity (17:70) and honest labor is valued (62:10). Everyone has the right to equal pay for equal work without discrimination and to just and favorable remuneration that ensures an existence worthy of human dignity for themselves and their family (17:70). Additionally, everyone has the right to form and join trade unions for the protection of their interests, derived from the freedom of association.
Article 24: Right to Rest and Leisure
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay (17:70). Life requires balance (28:77), reflecting divine care (49:13), and this balance includes time for rest, reflection, family, and worship (62:9-10).
Article 25: Right to Adequate Standard of Living
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, and necessary social services (4:75, 51:19, 70:24-25, 90:11-16). Compassion demands support for the needy (17:70). Special care and assistance are due to motherhood and childhood (2:233), and all children are entitled to the same social protection, regardless of any distinction.
Article 26: Right to Education
Everyone has the right to education, which shall be directed to the full development of the human personality, strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and cultivating wisdom (2:269, 17:70). The pursuit of knowledge is encouraged and foundational (96:1-5, 20:114). Education should promote understanding, tolerance, and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, fostering brotherhood (49:13). Elementary education should be free and compulsory, while access to higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
Article 27: Right to Cultural Life
Everyone has the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, enjoy the arts, and share in scientific advancement and its benefits, honouring human dignity (17:70, 4:1). Appreciating God's creation includes valuing cultural diversity (49:13, 30:22, 5:48) and human ingenuity. Additionally, everyone has the right to protection of the moral and material interests resulting from their scientific, literary, or artistic productions, safeguarding against unfair gain or theft (2:188, 83:1-3).
Article 28: Right to Social and International Order
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order where rights and freedoms can be fully realized, striving for justice, peace, cooperation, and fulfilling trusts on national and global levels, reflecting the divine imperative of global justice (16:90, 49:9, 5:2, 4:58, 4:135). Everyone has duties to the community that enable the free development of their personality, recognizing that rights come with responsibilities (2:83, 17:23-24). While exercising their rights and freedoms, everyone is subject to limitations determined by law to secure respect for others' rights, meet moral and public order requirements, and promote general welfare (Maslaha) in a just and compassionate society. These limitations must align with the Declaration's principles, including non-compulsion in faith (2:256) and inherent dignity (17:70).
Article 29: Duties to Community
Everyone has duties to the community, which enables the free and full development of their personality, and recognizes that community thrives through mutual respect (49:13, 4:1). Rights come with responsibilities (2:83, 17:23-24). In exercising their rights and freedoms, everyone is subject to limitations determined by law to secure respect for others' rights, meet moral and public order requirements, and promote general welfare (Maslaha) in a just and compassionate society. These limitations must align with the Declaration's principles, including non-compulsion in faith (2:256) and inherent dignity (17:70).
Article 30: Protection of Rights
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying any right for States, groups, or persons to engage in activities or acts aimed at destroying the rights and freedoms set forth herein (5:32). All interpretations must align with core Quranic principles of justice (`Adl), compassion (Rahmah), wisdom (Hikmah), human dignity (Karamah), and non-compulsion in matters of faith (La ikraha fi al-din) (2:256, 17:70, 16:90). Interpretations rooted in specific historical contexts that contradict these universal principles require critical re-evaluation and reform, as rights are safeguarded by divine justice (16:90).
Appendix: Quranic Verses Quoted in the Document
(Translations from M.A.S. Abdel Haleem, The Qur’an: A New Translation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. Verses arranged in ascending order by Chapter number.)
2:30: "(Remember) when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am putting a successor on earth.’ They said, ‘How can You put someone there who will cause damage and bloodshed, when we celebrate Your praise and proclaim Your holiness?’ but He said, ‘I know things you do not.’"
2:83: "Remember when We took a pledge from the Children of Israel: ‘Worship none but God; be good to your parents and kindred, to orphans and the needy; speak kindly to people; keep up the prayer; and pay the prescribed alms.’ But then you turned away– except for a few of you– and paid no heed."
2:177: "Goodness does not consist in turning your face towards East or West. The truly good are those who believe in God and the Last Day, in the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give away some of their wealth, however much they cherish it, to their relatives, to orphans, the needy, travellers and beggars, and to liberate slaves; those who keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms; who keep pledges whenever they make them; who are steadfast in misfortune, adversity, and times of danger. These are the ones who are true, and it is they who are aware of God."
2:179: "There is life for you in retribution, you who understand, so that you may guard yourselves against evil."
2:188: "Do not consume your property wrongfully, nor use it to bribe judges, intending sinfully and knowingly to consume parts of other people’s property."
2:215: "They ask you (Prophet) what they should give. Say, ‘Whatever wealth you give should be for parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and the traveller, and whatever good you do, God is well aware of it.’"
2:228: "Divorced women shall wait for three menstrual cycles; it is not lawful for them, if they believe in God and the Last Day, to hide what God has created in their wombs: their husbands have the better right to take them back during this period, provided they wish to reconcile.
2:233: "Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the nursing period. The father shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing according to what is recognized to be fair. No soul is charged with more than it can bear: a mother should not be made to suffer on account of her child, nor a father on account of his child.
2:256: "There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error, so whoever rejects false gods and believes in God has grasped the firmest hand-hold, one that will never break. God is all hearing and all knowing."
2:269: "He gives wisdom to whoever He will. Whoever is given wisdom has truly been given much good, but only those with insight bear this in mind."
3:104: "Be a community that calls for what is good, urges what is right, and forbids what is wrong: those who do this are the successful ones."
3:159: "By an act of mercy from God, you (Prophet) were gentle in your dealings with them– had you been harsh, or hard-hearted, they would have dispersed and left you– so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Consult with them about matters, then, when you have decided on a course of action, put your trust in God: God loves those who put their trust in Him."
4:1: "People, be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them spread countless men and women far and wide; be mindful of God, in whose name you make requests of one another. Beware of severing the ties of kinship: God is always watching over you."
4:7: "Men shall have a share in what parents and close relatives leave, and women shall have a share in what parents and close relatives leave, whether it be little or much: this is ordained by God."
4:11: "Concerning your children, God commands you that a son should have the equivalent share of two daughters. If there are only daughters, two or more should share two-thirds of the inheritance, if one, she should have half. Parents inherit a sixth each if the deceased leaves children; if he leaves no children and his parents are his sole heirs, his mother has a third, unless he has siblings, in which case she has a sixth. (This is) after payment of any debts or legacies.
4:12: "In what your wives leave, you are entitled to half if they have no children, but if they leave children, you are entitled to a quarter, after payment of any debts or legacies.
4:19: "You who believe, it is not lawful for you to inherit women against their will, nor should you treat your wives harshly, hoping to take back some of the bride-gift you gave them, unless they are guilty of something clearly outrageous. Live with them in accordance with what is fair and kind: if you dislike them, it may well be that you dislike something in which God has put much good."
4:21: "How could you take it when you have lain with each other, and they have taken a solemn pledge from you?"
4:29: "You who believe, do not wrongfully consume each other’s wealth but trade by mutual consent. Do not kill each other, for God is merciful to you."
4:58: "God commands you (people) to return things entrusted to you to their rightful owners, and, when you judge between people, to judge with fairness. God’s instructions to you are excellent: He hears and sees all."
4:75: "Why should you not fight in God’s cause and for those oppressed men, women, and children who cry out, ‘Lord, rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors! By Your grace, give us a protector and give us a helper!’?"
4:92: "Never should a believer kill another believer, unless by mistake. If anyone kills a believer by mistake he must free a believing slave and pay compensation to the victim’s relatives, unless they remit it as an act of charity.
4:135: "You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both. Refrain from following your own desire, so that you can act justly– if you distort or neglect justice, God is fully aware of what you do."
4:140: "He has already revealed to you in the Scripture that when you hear God’s revelations being denied or ridiculed, you should not sit with those people unless they engage in different conversation; otherwise, you will become like them. God will gather all the hypocrites and the disbelievers together into Hell."
5:2: "Do not let the hatred of others who have barred you from the Sacred Mosque lead you into aggression: (instead,) help one another to do what is right and good; do not help one another towards sin and hostility. Be mindful of God, for His punishment is severe."
5:8: "You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of God: God is well aware of all that you do."
5:32: "That is why We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone kills a person– unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land– it is as if he kills all mankind, while if any saves a life it is as if he saves the lives of all mankind. Our messengers came to them with clear signs, but many of them continued to commit excesses in the land."
5:42: "They listen eagerly to lies and consume what is unlawful. If they come to you [Prophet] for judgement, you can either judge between them or decline—if you decline, they will not harm you in any way, but if you do judge, judge justly between them: God loves the just."
5:48: "We have sent down the Scripture to you [Prophet] with the Truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it, and with final authority over them: so judge between them according to what God has sent down. Do not follow their whims, which deviate from the Truth that has come to you. We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If God had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to God and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about."
6:108: "(Believers), do not insult those they call upon besides God, lest they, in their hostility and ignorance, insult God. We have made every community’s deeds appealing to them. Then they will return to their Lord, and He will inform them of what they used to do."
6:151: "Say, ‘Come! I will tell you what your Lord has really forbidden you: do not associate others 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 indecency, open or secret; do not take a life, which God has made sacred, except by right. This is what He commands you to do, so that you may use your reason."
6:164: "Say, ‘Should I seek a lord other than God, when He is the Lord of all things?’ Every soul is responsible for its own actions; no soul will bear the burden of another. You will all return to your Lord in the end, and He will tell you the truth about your differences."
6:165: "It is He who made you successors on the earth and raised some of you above others in rank, to test you through what He gives you. (Prophet), your Lord is swift in punishment, yet He is also most forgiving and merciful."
7:33: "Say (Prophet), ‘My Lord forbids only indecencies, open or secret, sinfulness, unjust aggression, associating things with God He has sent no authority for, and saying things about God without knowledge.’"
8:73: "Those who disbelieve support one another. If you do not do the same, there will be persecution in the land and great corruption."
9:6: "If any of the idolaters should seek your protection (Prophet), grant it to him so that he may hear the word of God, then take him to his place of safety. That is because they are people who do not know."
9:60: "Alms are meant only for the poor, the needy, those who administer them, those whose hearts need winning over, to free slaves and help those in debt, for God’s cause, and for travellers in need. This is ordained by God; God is all knowing and wise."
9:71: "The believers, both men and women, support each other; they order what is right and forbid what is wrong; they keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms; they obey God and His Messenger. God will give His mercy to such people: God is almighty and wise."
10:99: "If your Lord had pleased, all those on earth would have believed, all of them. Will you (Prophet) then compel people against their will to believe?"
16:90: "God commands justice, kindness, and giving to close relatives, and He forbids indecency, wickedness, and oppression. He instructs you, so that you may take heed."
16:125: "(Prophet), call (people) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good teaching. Argue with them in the most courteous way, for your Lord knows best who has strayed from His way and who is rightly guided."
17:23: "Your Lord has commanded that you should worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say no word that shows impatience with them, and do not be harsh with them, but speak to them respectfully."
17:24: "And lower your wing in humility towards them in kindness and say, ‘Lord, have mercy on them, just as they cared for me when I was little.’"
17:33: "Do not take life, which God has made sacred, except by right. If anyone is killed unjustly, We have granted the right of retribution to his heir, but let him not exceed the limits in taking life. He is helped (by the law)."
17:70: "We have honoured the children of Adam and carried them by land and sea; We have provided good sustenance for them and favoured them specially above many of those We have created."
18:29: "Say, ‘The truth is from your Lord: let anyone who wishes believe it, and let anyone who wishes disbelieve it.’ We have prepared a Fire for the wrongdoers that will envelop them like the walls of a tent. When they cry for help, they will be given water like molten metal, scalding their faces. What a terrible drink! What a painful resting place!"
20:114: "High exalted be God, the true King! (Prophet), do not rush to recite the Quran before its revelation is fully complete to you, but say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge!’"
24:4: "Those who make accusations against chaste women and fail to produce four witnesses– flog them with eighty stripes, and never accept their testimony afterwards: they are the corrupt ones–"
24:19: "Those who like ugly rumours to spread about the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter: God knows and you do not."
24:27: "Believers, do not enter other people’s houses until you have asked permission to do so and greeted those inside. That is best for you: perhaps you will bear this in mind."
25:63: "The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk humbly on the earth, and who, when the foolish address them, reply, ‘Peace’;"
26:183: "Do not defraud people of their possessions; do not cause corruption in the land;"
28:77: "Seek the life to come by means of what God has granted you, but do not neglect your share of this world. Be good to others as God has been good to you, and do not strive to corrupt the land, for God does not love those who corrupt."
29:20: "Say, ‘Travel throughout the land and see how He brings life into being: God has power over all things.’"
29:46: "Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best way– unless they behave unjustly– and say, ‘We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you; our God and your God is one and the same; we are devoted to Him.’"
30:21: "And one of His signs is that He created spouses from among yourselves for you to live with in tranquillity: He ordained love and kindness between you. There truly are signs in this for those who reflect."
30:22: "Another of His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours. There truly are signs in this for those who know."
39:9: "Is someone who is devout in the hours of the night, prostrating and standing in prayer, mindful of the Hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord, like someone who is not? Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those who have understanding will take heed."
41:33: "Who speaks better than someone who calls people to God, does good, and says, ‘I am among those devoted to Him’?"
41:34: "Good and evil cannot be equal. (Prophet), repel evil with what is better and your enemy will become as close as an old and valued friend,"
42:38: "those who respond to their Lord, keep up the prayer, conduct their affairs by mutual consultation.
42:40: "The reward of an injury is an injury equal to it; but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from God; He loves not the wrongdoers."
49:6: "You who believe, if a troublemaker brings you news, check it first, in case you wrong others unwittingly and later regret what you have done,"
49:9: "If two groups of believers fight, you (believers) should try to reconcile them; if one of them is transgressing against the other, fight the transgressors until they submit to God’s command. If they submit, make a just reconciliation between them: be fair– God loves those who are fair."
49:11: "You who believe, no men should ever mock other men– they may be better than them– nor should women mock other women– they may be better than them. Do not defame one another, nor call one another by offensive names. How bad it is to be called a mischief-maker after accepting faith! Those who do not repent of this behaviour are evildoers."
49:12: "You who believe, avoid making too many assumptions– some assumptions are sinful– and do not spy on one another or speak ill of people behind their backs: would any of you like to eat the flesh of your dead brother? No, you would hate it. So be mindful of God: God is ever forgiving and merciful."
49:13: "People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into nations and tribes so that you should get to know one another. In God’s eyes, the most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware."
51:19: "and in their wealth the needy and the deprived had a due share."
53:38: "that no soul shall bear the burden of another;"
59:7: "Whatever gains God has turned over to His Messenger from the inhabitants of the villages belong to God, the Messenger, close relatives, orphans, the needy, and travellers, so that they do not become concentrated in the hands of the rich among you. Take whatever the Messenger gives you, and abstain from whatever he forbids you. Be mindful of God: God is severe in punishment."
62:9-10: "You who believe, when the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation, hurry towards the reminder of God and leave off your trading– that is better for you, if only you knew–then when the prayer has ended, disperse in the land and seek out God’s bounty. Remember God often so that you may prosper."
67:15: "It is He who has made the earth manageable for you– travel its regions; eat His provision– and to Him you will be resurrected."
70:24-25: "Those in whose wealth there is a recognized right for the needy and the deprived;"
83:1-3: "Woe to those who give short measure, who demand full measure when they receive from others but short-change them when they measure or weigh for them."
90:11-16: "Yet he has not attempted the steep path. What will explain to you what the steep path is? It is the freeing of a slave, or feeding, on a day of hunger, an orphaned relative or a poor person in distress,"
96:1-5: "Read! In the name of your Lord who created: He created man from a clinging form. Read! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One who taught by the pen taught man what he did not know."
107:1-3: "(Prophet), have you seen the one who denies the Judgement? He is the one who pushes aside the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy."
109:6: "You have your religion and I have mine."
------
V.A. Mohamad Ashrof is an independent Indian scholar specializing in Islamic humanism. With a deep commitment to advancing Quranic hermeneutics that prioritize human well-being, peace, and progress, his work aims to foster a just society, encourage critical thinking, and promote inclusive discourse and peaceful coexistence. He is dedicated to creating pathways for meaningful social change and intellectual growth through his scholarship.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-human-rights/universal-islamic-declaration-human-rights/d/135257
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism