Islamic Perspective On Human Rights

Allah has created all human beings in His own spirit and He has made all human beings equal. All human beings are equal and there is and should not be any distinction based on physical or other differences that are not in the control of human beings. Therefore, it is wrong and unethical to discriminate based on gender, race, color, creed, nationality or any other physical attributes. Therefore, all Muslims are brothers because they worship the same God and learn Quran. Since Islam does not distinguish between human beings and states, an Islamic state can be established in any region. Islam does not restrict human rights nor does it restrict them to the boundaries of an Islamic state. Islam presents universal human rights that can be applied to all humanity irrespective of the geographic location. Allah says in the Holy Quran, "O believers, be you securers of justice, witnesses for God. Let no detestation for a people move you not to be equitable; be equitable- that is nearer to the God-fearing." (5:8) Murder, Human Rights and Islam According to an Islamic perspective, the human blood is sacred and should not be spilled without a proper justification and reason. Anyone who murders another without a just and legal reason is despised in Islam. Killing a human being is like killing the entire mankind. It can also be derived from this statement that if you kill one individual, you will be punished for killing the entire mankind. Allah says in the Quran, "Whoso slays a soul not to retaliate for a soul slain, nor for corruption done in the land, should be as if he had slain mankind altogether." (5:32) Therefore, Islam is a religion that promotes human rights. Allah blesses those individuals who feed the poor, help the sick and cloth those who are cold. Islam and Women Rights Most non-believers believe that Islam is a strict religion when it comes to the rights of women. They also believe that Islam encourages the oppression of women and allows husbands and men to dominate and oppress their wives and women. However, this is not true. Islam does not allow men to oppress women, children and old people. It also has specific rights for the sick and the wounded. Islam urges men to respect the purity and honor of all women at all situations. It condemns the use of force on women. Islam urges men to protect their women, feed them and respect them. Islam and Other Human Rights Islam and Quran have also set principles that ensure the protection of other human rights. It condemns stealing, accusing others wrongfully and tyranny. This is evident from the following verses. " You who believe, do not let one make fun of another, do not defame on another, don not insult by using nicknames, don not backbite or speak ill of one another." (49:11-12) “Do not enter any house unless you have obtained the permission of the occupant.” (24:27) Conclusion Therefore, one cannot say that Islam is a religion that promotes terrorism and violence. Those who accuse Islam of being a violent religion should learn Quran and understand the Islamic teachings before enunciating such remarks about a pure, just and fair religion.