The Significance of Human Rights in Islam

 

Human rights are essentially a set of statutory laws or rules that define the conduct and special features of the members of the human race and which are protected by a set of local and international laws that are an integral part of fundamental rights. In other words, the human rights which are recognized by the constitution of the state are called human rights.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and respect. The word human rights is one of the most talked about and widely used words in the world today. Although the issue of human rights is self-evident and inviolable, it has been the subject of controversy, conflict and disagreement since the dawn of civilization. On the one hand, there is a storm of controversy over the definition and boundaries of human rights, on the other hand, the powerful rulers continue to deprive and suppress the recognized rights of the people in the country. And the treatment of weak nations by strong nations has turned human rights into an object of ridicule these days.

It is known from history that the main foundation of human rights in Islam was laid by the proclamation of Madina Charter by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in 622 AD. The Madina Charter is said to be the world's first fully written constitution. The Charter contains a total of 47 articles in which the issues of human rights are first and foremost explicitly stated. Significant paragraphs state that all the signatories to the Charter will form a common nation and all communities will enjoy equal civil rights. All citizens will enjoy full religious freedom. No one can interfere in anyone's religion. The state will ensure the rights and security of the citizens. All forms of bloodshed, murder and rape are prohibited. If a person commits a personal crime, it will be considered as a personal crime. The criminal community cannot be blamed for that. Weak and helpless people should be helped to the best of their ability.

Islam is the last monotheistic religion. In Islam, the issue of universal human rights pervades all spheres and sections of life. Islam has given mankind the glorious right and dignity of excellence. By proclaiming the message of equality, friendship, unity and brotherhood to the people, it has declared the abolition of ethnic superiority, clan status, class discrimination and caste system. It taught one's subjects to be virtuous and just. Arab-non-Arab, black and white are all children of the same parents Hazrat Adam (AS) and Bibi Hawa (AS). There can be no difference in dignity between people. Mankind's right to dignity and respect as the best creature of creation, basic right to life such as food, clothing, shelter, education, medical, personal, family, social, political, economic, cultural and religious rights, protection of life and property, freedom of expression, Protest against injustice, unity, right to organized and equality, right to halal income, rights of orphans, poor, helpless women and children, rights of neighbors, rights of peasants and workers, rights of persons with disabilities, etc. has provided clear policies and guidelines for conservation. The provisions of Islamic Sharia have five main sections on human rights. Namely: protection of life, protection of wealth, protection of family, protection of knowledge and protection of religion. The main goal and main objective of Islam is the protection of humanity or the establishment of human rights. In verse 107 of Surah Ambiya, Allah the Almighty said to the Prophet (PBUH), "I have sent you to the world only as a mercy or blessing. In this case, Allah did not send the Prophet (PBUH) as a blessing only for Muslims, but for all mankind including non-Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, jinn, animals, birds, animals, plants, rivers and canals sent as a mercy for the created thing. It has been said in Bokhari Sharif that the best person is the one who serves the welfare of the people. Muslim pious is not mentioned here, people are mentioned, Muslims, non-Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians are said to serve all people.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the preacher of Islam. The issue of human rights has been described in detail in various places in the holy Qur'an revealed to him. The Prophet (PBUH) also spoke briefly but clearly about human rights in his Farewell Hajj speech. In this speech, the essence of Islam was briefly described. Muhammad (PBUH) gave the final direction on what Muslims should do to maintain the success of the entire Muslim nation. This historic discourse was not only a sermon, but also some important advice in clear language about what to do for human society. Loyalty to Allah, testimony to His sovereignty, unity of mankind, spiritual brotherhood, social freedom and democratic equality were some of the important issues in building this society. The speech emphasized on taqwa or devotion to duty and gave a stern warning against wickedness. The boundary between Ibadah and the duty towards Allah and towards the human race was drawn. In his speech, Muhammad (PBUH) said that one should beware of the devils who provide anarchy, rebellion and evil advice in the society and the state. In this speech, guidance was given to build a society free from exploitation by abolishing various forms of interest. In this speech, Muslims were given the responsibility to ensure the full security, dignity and rights of women. Special emphasis was placed on human kinship, especially on blood relations. Emphasis was placed on liberating people from social prejudices. In this historic speech of Muhammad (PBUH) the authority of Allah over all things in the heavens and the earth was ensured and man was given the responsibility of being the trustee of these things. Emphasis was placed on the law of succession as the rights of all were recognized in the ownership of Allah. Strict warnings were issued against depositors. Emphasis was placed on working for the security of human life, property and dignity. Islam was recognized as the ultimate religion of equality, freedom, justice, brotherhood and generosity and humanity.

Islam's message of peace is not limited to one's own religion. On the contrary, tolerance and sympathy towards other religions is very important. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of harmony and unity among people of different communities. Freedom and rights of other religions are important elements in the concept of Ummah. In this case, Islam has ensured the fair rights of all people. Husband-wife, children, parents, siblings, relatives-non-relatives, men and women, children-old, rich-poor, all human beings are equally entitled to human rights irrespective of race and religion. In order to protect the honor and dignity of the people, Allah has sent innumerable prophets and messengers, revealed many books; Gave the provisions of Sharia. The establishment of Islam means the establishment of universal human rights. It is the moral duty of all citizens capable of protecting the human rights of women and children, especially girls and the helpless elderly, and it is the religious duty of all Muslims.

Thus, there is no room for fragmentation in Islam. There is no chance of unjustly harming others for the benefit of one's own society. It has to be seen globally along with the society-state. Therefore, the concept of human rights in Islam has an unbroken and far-reaching significance. It involves the worldly welfare of man and the liberation of the hereafter. As a result, recognition of human rights is essential for a believer.


Md Zillur Rahaman is a Banker and Freelance Columnist