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08 January 2015
By Aishah Stacey
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 WW2, 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 tend 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 Qur'an: "O mankind,
indeed We have created you from male and female and
made you peoples and tribes that you may know one
another." (Qur'an, 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
recognize 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 realize 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 1,400 years ago, God sent
down the Qur'an, a book of guidance for all of
humankind. He also chose Muhammad (peace be upon him)
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 Qur'an and the
authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) 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 (UNHCR)
went on to describe these rights as inherent to all
human beings regardless of sex, race, creed, or color
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 honor 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." (Qur'an, 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. |
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