Date: 24-May-2010

 

Inter Department Essay Competition on Islam, Human Rights and Rights of Minorities

 

 

Islam is the perfect religion which offers entire humanity a comprehensive vista on every sphere of life. It not only nourishes to perfection of man’s spiritual self but also guides him on moral behavior. These guiding principles are aimed at efficiently building a responsible society where the rights of all the individuals are safeguarded, regardless of their faith and belief. This structure of Islamic society, based on fundamental human rights, provides a legitimate place for every individual to live amicably and tolerantly.

 

The concept of human rights has evolved through ages, from British Magna Carta to the United Nations “the universal declaration of the human rights”. How ever Islam has laid down these fundamental rights 1400 years ago. The   term human rights means that all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent natural rights of which when they enter a society they are entitled without any discrimination. These are the fundamental rights which all humans possess regardless of caste, creed and color. These include cultural, socio-economic, political right of life, equality, freedom of speech, religion, movement and education etc. Islam, being the religion of peace and tolerance has its teachings designed to protect and strengthen the rights of the people not only living in the geographical limits of its state but also globally. These human rights are to be observed and respected under all circumstances, be it peace or war.

The first and foremost right of every human is the right of life. Human blood is sacred and can not be spilled without justification. The Holy Quran says:

 

Whosoever kills a human being without (any reason) man slaughter, or corruption on earth, it is as though he had killed all mankind ... (Al- Quran)

 

The teachings of Islam guide a believer in his dealings with other individuals in the society. There is no superiority or inequality on the basis of class or wealth. Every person is given fair and fast justice. Charity and brotherhood is the essence of the society. It is the prime obligation of an Islamic state to provide its citizens with the basic needs of life. The poor is provided with food, cloth and shelter. The chastity of woman is protected and honored. The old are respected and the children loved. The neighbors are respected and well-treated.  Every individual is bound to abide by these rights as they are conferred upon by Allah Almighty and no one has the power to abrogate them but Allah. This obligation builds a prosperous and welfare society secured by the laws of fundamental human rights without any discrimination. This has been exemplified by the Prophet (S.A.W) in one of his sayings:

 

"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-Hadit)

 

Minorities also enjoy all the basic human rights in an Islamic society. There is no difference between a Muslim and a non-Muslim in respect of justice, security, honor, freedom of belief and religion. The status of the non-Muslim is the same in the eyes of law. The Quranic injunction “There is no coercion in religion” negates the element of coercion and oppression in religious matters and forms the basis for protection of rights of minorities. At another place, Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “(So) for you is your religion and for me is my religion”

 

Minorities are entitled to protection of privacy and personal life. Their blood is as sacred as that of a true believer. Let alone the rights of living, Islam has categorically prohibited its followers from disgracing or mutilating the corpses of the enemies. The importance and sanctity of rights Islam gives to minorities can be further gauged by the saying of Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about Dhimmis (the non-Muslim citizens of a Muslim state)

 

"O who kills a man under covenant (dhimmis) will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise."  (Al-Hadit)

 

Concluding it can be said that Islam has established a society based on equality, justice and human rights. A system which has nipped the evil of all distinctions based on religion, color, race, language or nationality in the bud. It espouses values of universal brotherhood and tolerance, ensuring mutual and peaceful coexistence of its followers and the people around them. This makes Islam the religion of love and peace. Following which one can make this entire world a better place for the entire human race.