The concept of human rights protects basic human needs and dignity. These principles outline a world where all human beings have equal status and are treated equally. However, it is very important to understand the true origin of this concept.
In the western world, human rights are promoted as a modern idea, but the fact is that Islam presented these principles and encouraged them to be followed fourteen hundred years ago. Islam declared man to be the best of all creatures and recognized his honor and respect as a fundamental right.
The last sermon of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is said to be the primary and comprehensive document of human rights. On the occasion of Hajj Al-Wada, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Your blood, your wealth and your honor are forbidden to each other, just like this day, this month and this place are sacred.” These words are human rights. provide the basis for a comprehensive principle of This message was not only for Muslims but for the entire humanity which conveys the message of human dignity, equality and justice.
Islam also gave rights to women, children, slaves and minorities that were unimaginable in any system of that time. Before Islam, women were treated as inferior in society, but the Quran clearly declared that women and men have equal rights. Children’s rights were also given priority. The way of freedom was opened for the slaves and they were instructed to treat them kindly. The minorities were given complete religious freedom and the protection of their rights was entrusted to the Muslims.
Today, the West tries to prove itself as a leader in terms of human rights, but this is just a show. Human rights, which are beaten at the global level, seem to be reserved only for those who are in some way against Islam or have anti-Islamic views. The biggest proof of this is atrocities in regions like Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar.
Muslims are being targeted in all these places, but human rights activists are silent on these atrocities. The situation in Gaza and Palestine is the biggest example of this. The world’s silence on the Israeli bombardment and human rights violations is a tragic reality. Children, women and the elderly are victims of persecution, their houses are being demolished, their lands are being seized, but the international humanitarian Human rights organizations and Western countries are ignoring their responsibilities.
Aren’t Palestinians human? Don’t they have rights? This question exposes the ambivalent attitude of the international community. Similarly, decades of Indian atrocities in Kashmir also tell the story of the failure of the international human rights system. Millions of Kashmiris are imprisoned in their homes, their children are abducted, women are violated and youth are shot, but human rights advocates are silent on these atrocities.
This attitude reveals the fact that the concepts of human rights in the Western world are actually subordinated to political and ideological interests. Human rights laws and institutions seem to be activated only where Western interests are threatened or have an opportunity to promote their ideologies. The silence on the atrocities against Muslims around the world under the banner of human rights is a clear example of the double standards of the Western world.
Islamic history is full of shining examples of human rights that are a challenge for today’s claimants. There are numerous cases of justice towards non-Muslims during the golden age of Khilafah-e-Rashida. When the second caliph Hazrat Umar bin Khattab (RA) saw an old Jew who was begging, he said, “It is not fair that we took jizya from you in your youth and left you destitute in your old age.” immediately ordered that he be supported from the treasury so that he could live his old age comfortably. This incident makes it clear that human rights in Islam are not limited to any religion or race.
Today, the international community must reconsider the principles of justice. True protection of human rights is possible only when these rights are equal for all irrespective of religion, race, color or culture. When the Western world talks about human rights, it is a great injustice to separate Islam and Muslims.
The requirement of justice is that when human rights are mentioned, all human beings should be included in them and voice should be raised without discrimination against oppression and oppression. Islamic countries should also create unity and harmony in their ranks and human rights. Adopt a unified and strong stance for conservation so that they gain stability. Until the Muslim Ummah recognizes its position and strengthens its voice, the Western world will continue to play the game of its interests in the name of human rights.
We should take the International Human Rights Day as an opportunity to work for the welfare of humanity in accordance with Islamic teachings. We have to teach our generations how Islam has taught human beings the principles of honor, dignity and justice. .
The message of the International Human Rights Day is that the world must move away from double standards towards true justice and equality. Unless the principles of human rights are applied equally to all human beings, it will remain only a lifeless slogan. The comprehensive and perfect system of rights that Islam gave to humanity fourteen hundred years ago is still a source of guidance for the world today. This is the path that not only provides true freedom and dignity to humanity, but through it, it is also possible to establish peace and justice at the global level.
