Human Rights in Islam

By: Shafiul Haque Balrampuri
A DELL Student: Darul Uloom Deoband

Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms to which every human being is entitled. They aim to establish equality, justice, and peace in society and throughout the world. Islam regards these rights as divinely granted and essential for maintaining justice. It provides a comprehensive system of human rights that safeguards the dignity, equality, and justice of every individual.

The Holy Qur’an, the primary source of Islamic teachings, declares: “O mankind! Indeed, We have created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”
(Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)»

This verse clearly establishes the equality of all human beings, regardless of their race, nationality, or social status.

The Hadith further demonstrates the principles of kindness, justice, mercy, and compassion. During his Farewell Sermon, the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said:  “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a non-Arab over an Arab, nor of a white person over a black person, nor of a black person over a white person, except through piety.” (Al-Bayhaqi, Hadith: 1667)»

This Hadith highlights one of the fundamental principles of human rights in Islam: all people are equal, and true superiority lies only in righteousness. Thus, human rights in Islam are of divine origin. They are granted by Allah Almighty and are not created by human beings.

Among the most fundamental rights in Islam is the right to life. Human life is sacred and inviolable. Islam strictly prohibits the unjust killing of any innocent person. Allah Almighty says: «”And do not kill the soul which Allah has made sacred, except with legal right.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:33)»

Similarly, the Prophet (saws) warned Muslims to avoid the seven destructive sins, one of which is unlawfully taking a life that Allah has declared sacred. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 6857)

Equality and Justice
Islam teaches that all people are equal before Allah. No one is superior to another because of race, colour, language, wealth, or social status. Rather, true honour is based on piety and righteousness. Allah says: “Indeed, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)»

Islam also commands absolute justice. Muslims are instructed to deal fairly with everyone, even if justice is against themselves, their relatives, or their own interests.

Freedom of Belief and Expression
Islam recognises freedom of belief and allows people to express their views. However, freedom of expression must always remain within the limits of morality, truth, and respect for others.

Property Rights
Islam grants every individual the right to own property, including women. It was among the first legal systems to guarantee women the right to inherit property, and numerous verses of the Glorious Qur’an clearly establish their inheritance rights.

The Right to Education
Islam strongly encourages the pursuit of knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” (Al-Jami’ al-Saghir, Hadith: 5246)»

The word Muslim includes both men and women. Therefore, acquiring beneficial knowledge is a religious obligation upon every Muslim according to his or her ability.

Women’s Rights
Islam protects the dignity and honour of women. It strictly prohibits insulting, slandering, humiliating, or oppressing them. It also grants women rights to inheritance, education, property ownership, and respectful treatment.

Children’s Rights
Islam gives children numerous rights. Parents are responsible for providing them with proper care, education, moral upbringing, and affection.

Abu al-Layth al-Samarqandi (RA) narrates in Tanbih al-Ghafilin that a man once brought his son to Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and complained that the boy was disobedient. Umar (RA) asked the son, “Do you not fear Allah by being disobedient to your father?”
The son replied, “O Leader of the Believers! Does a son not also have rights over his father?”
Umar answered, “Yes. Among his rights are:
1. The father should choose a righteous and honourable mother for him.
2. He should give him a good and respectable name.
3. He should teach him the Book of Allah (the Qur’an).”

The son then said, “By Allah! My father fulfilled none of these rights. He did not choose a righteous mother for me. He gave me the name Ju’al (a dung beetle), and he never taught me even a single verse of the Qur’an.”

Umar (RA) then turned to the father and said: “You complain that your son has been disobedient to you, whereas you wronged him before he ever became disobedient to you.” (Tanbih al-Ghafilin, Urdu edition, Vol. 1, p. 192)

This incident beautifully illustrates that Islam places responsibilities upon parents before it demands obedience from children.

Parents’ Rights
Just as children have rights, parents also enjoy many rights, including respect, obedience, kindness, and compassionate treatment.

Allah Almighty commands: “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:24)»

The Rights of Neighbours and Society
Islam also emphasises the rights of neighbours and society. Muslims are instructed to treat neighbours with kindness, assist them in times of need, protect them from harm, and maintain good relations with them.

The Rights of Non-Muslims
Islam teaches Muslims to deal with non-Muslims with justice, kindness, and respect. If a neighbour is a non-Muslim, Muslims are instructed to treat him or her with compassion, protect his or her life, property, and honour, and live together peacefully and harmoniously.

Importance of Human Rights
Human rights occupy a central position in Islam because they establish justice and contribute to a fair, peaceful, and balanced society. They reduce oppression, prevent conflicts, promote mutual trust, and strengthen social harmony.

On the other hand, violating human rights leads to injustice, oppression, social unrest, and the breakdown of peace and stability.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Islam presents a complete, balanced, and universal system of human rights that encompasses every segment of society. These rights are granted to all human beings without discrimination based on race, colour, nationality, or social status. A true Muslim respects and upholds these rights, thereby promoting justice, dignity, compassion, and lasting peace in society.