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Just what exactly are human rights? Is it just the right
to life? Alternatively, is it the right to freedom, liberty, and justice? Do
human rights include having the right to security, and a safe haven? Since the
end of World War 2, Western international politics appears to have focused on
securing human rights; however, the reality is that the line between securing
such rights and maintaining state sovereignty has become blurred. The growing
power and politics involved in human rights advocacy tends to favor Western ideals,
but these are not necessarily universal ideals. Many would claim that the human
rights doctrine has become an accessory to spread Western moral imperialism.
While nobody denies that there are certain inalienable
human rights, just what those rights are is often subject to fierce debate. While
some cultures focus on individual rights and freedoms, others are more
concerned with rights that ensure the survival of communities. The world is
populated by diverse nations and tribes so it makes sense that laws and
declarations made by human beings are not going to be universally accepted no
matter how morally upstanding they are.
God says in the Quran:
“O mankind, indeed We have
created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may
know one another.” (Quran 49:13)
From this, we see that interaction between nations is
normal and desirable. However, it is part of the nature of humankind to be
jealous and at times self-serving. Islam takes into account these vagaries of
human nature, and therefore looks to the supreme Creator for guidance. Human rights
and responsibilities are enshrined in Islam; they are the foundation for the Sharia
(Jurisprudential law).
There is no doubt that around the world, abuses of human
rights are being perpetrated, often in the name of religion and sadly sometimes
in the name of Islam. However, it is important to recognise that just because
a country is known as Islamic, this does not mean that it automatically follows
the laws sent down by God. It is also important to realise that not all
Muslims understand and follow their religion. Culture often dictates action. Of
course, the same can be said of all religions. Throughout history, humankind
has used the name of God to justify unspeakable acts.
The planet earth stumbled into the 21st
century beset by wars, famines and great social unrest, therefore today’s catch
phrases espouse the supposed remedy; freedom, democracy, and reconciliation.
Human rights have understandably become paramount. Governments, non Government
organizations, and religious and charity groups have all spoken about equality
and inalienable rights. The United Nations was formed to stand as a beacon of hope
for understanding and joint initiatives but in actuality it is a toothless
tiger, unable to reach agreement on most resolutions and unable to enforce the
resolutions that do pass.
More than 1400 years ago, God sent down the Quran, a
book of guidance for all of humankind. He also chose Muhammad as the final Prophet;
he was the human being capable of leading humankind into a new era of
tolerance, respect, and justice. The words of Quran and the authentic
traditions of Prophet Muhammad contain rights and responsibilities granted by
God to humankind. They are not subject to the whims and desires of men or
women and they do not change as borders or governments shift and settle,
sometimes unrelentingly.
The United Nations proclaimed the Declaration of Human Rights
in 1948. It set out, in 30 articles, the fundamental rights to be universally
protected and described them as, designed to promote, “universal respect for
and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms[1]”. The
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights went on to describe
these rights as inherent to all human beings regardless of sex, race, creed, or
colour and declared them indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated. In the
following 60 years other declarations, treaties, and committees have come into
existence, all focusing their efforts on ensuring the rights of various groups
within varied societies.
The tenants of Islam include a basic set of rules
designed to protect individual rights and freedoms, however the rights of individuals
are not permitted to infringe upon the rights of communities. Islam is a
doctrine concerned with respect, tolerance, justice, and equality and the
Islamic concepts of freedom and human rights are imbedded in the faith in the
One God. If humankind is to live in peace and security, he or she must obey
the commands of God..
Muslims believe that God is the sole Creator and Sustainer
of humankind and the universe. He has given each human being dignity and
honour and the human rights and privileges we enjoy are granted by Him. The
rights granted by God are designed for everybody. One person is not more
worthy of protection than another is. Each person is entitled to sustenance, shelter,
and security and if some people are denied their God given rights, it is the
responsibility of the rest of humankind to restore those rights.
“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God, be just
witnesses, and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice.
Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear God. Verily, God is well acquainted
with what you do.” (Quran 5:8)
Power and authority narratives have become entrenched in
human rights advocacy. Legislation and unenforceable treaties cannot protect
the downtrodden and oppressed. However, Islam proclaims that God treats all
human beings equally and true human rights can only be achieved by obedience to
Him. In the following series of articles, we will examine the 30 articles of
the Declaration of Human Rights and compare them to the Islamic standpoint and
the reality of life in the 21st century.
Footnotes:
[1]
(http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/)