Since the United Nations adopted the Charter of Human Rights in 1948, the weak and exploited people of the world have looked at the document with hope and relief. On the other hand, economically and militarily powerful Western nations under the leadership of the United States, have used the provisions of human rights as an instrument of exploitation in the Third World. While accusing developing countries of discrimination and lack of freedom, Westerners tolerate and support racism and right-wing extremist movements in their own countries.
Muslims should explain real Islamic principles and values to the people in the West where the media have been on a relentless rampage against Islam since Sept. 11. The media presents Islam as a religion that does not care for human rights.
Anybody with a superficial knowledge of Islam, however, knows that the protection of human rights is one of the cardinal points of Islam. In fact, the Qur’an offered the first charter of human rights in history. It guaranteed a man, regardless of his color or social status, the right to live safely without abridgements of his legitimate freedom and the justice to which he was entitled. Islam protects man’s rights to social and family life with equality and without discrimination.
The Qur’an says that the unjust killing of one man amounts to killing a whole community. It means that the protection of every human being is essential for social security and stability. Unjustified killings will end in the total annihilation of any society that allows them.
The Qur’an also warns those who are unjust and deny freedom to people of God’s severe punishment. It also approves the struggle to protect freedom as no one has the right to deprive a man of his freedom.
Islam declares in unequivocal terms that all are equal before the Islamic Shariah (law). Before God, no Arab is superior to a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab to an Arab, nor a white man to a black nor a black man to a white — except on one ground. And that is the piety in the heart of the believer. Every man has a right to a just verdict. Islamic law stresses the innocence of a man unless otherwise proved.
As for the right to defend against tyranny and oppression, God says that whoever transgresses against another man will face severe punishment from God. Islam totally bans physical torture. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "God will torture those who torture people in this world."
Regarding religious tolerance, the Islamic viewpoint is very clear. The Qur’an states plainly that a Muslim is not allowed to compel anyone to embrace Islam. On the other hand, he should respect their faith and live peacefully with them. Tolerance of other religions is a basic principle of Islam.
Islam also supports the right of an individual to protect his person, honor and good name. In the face of intolerable injustice and oppression, a Muslim can seek refuge in another place.
The Qur’an set out a charter of human rights many centuries before the Magna Carta, the French Revolution or the American constitution. The fact is that any group or individual who goes against these Islamic principles of human rights is outside Islam and has no right to be called a Muslim. A religion cannot be blamed for the acts of extremists who may have once been a part of it. These misguided groups and individuals are unfortunately found in all religions and in every country.
