Human rights has always been an issue since forever. Even though we now live in the modern era, equality of human rights seems to be far away. Many violation to human rights are still happening here are there, conflicts arising, innocent people death every other day. Not to mention the hunger in a poor country, uneducated children due to financial issue and many more.
Thus, makes the importance of human rights in Islam and life in general very high. There are still problems to be fix. The ideal world we are all dreaming about is still in the making, without knowing where will the result out. The change should be initiated from individuals, then community, and society, and a bigger-scaled institution
Here are the explanation about the importance of human rights in Islam:
1. Provide Equality for Human Being
Allah SWT created us in diversion. The world is divided by race and ethnicity. However, it doesn’t make certain races higher that the other. We are all created equally. Also read Importance of Revelation in Islam
“People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should recognize one another. In God’s eyes, the most honored of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware.” (49:13)
2. Virtue of a Humanity
Dignity is a fundamental right for human being. It’s a virtue of humanity and part of the human right itself. Somebody must respect each other by not violating their right as a human. Also read Benefits of Being Silent in Islam
“We have honored the children of Adam and carried them by land and sea; We have provided good sustenance for them and favored them specially above many of those We have created.” (17:70)
3. Provide Rights for Women
Not only racial issue, gender inequality is still exist until today. Women are often underestimated due to his sexual identity alone. Women rights are needed to eradicate the violation and abusive behavior toward women. Also read Virtues of Charity in Islam
“If any do deeds of righteousness – be they male or female – and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.” (4:124)
4. Responsibility in Life
Human rights gives us responsibilities to the family, society, and humanity at the larger scale. It sets us rule not do certain things and how should we treat other human being. Also read How To Deal With Unfair Parents In Islam
“The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.” (9:71)
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5. Protecting the Human’s Life
“Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause.” (17:33)
Genocide happened in the past. But turns out there are many ways to violate the right of a human to live. Abortion can be an excellent example. Human right prevent any form of assassination to happen. Also read Reasons Your Duas Are not Answered
“…if anyone kills a person – unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land – it is as if he kills all mankind while if any saves a life it is as if he saves the lives of all mankind.” (5:32)
6. Freedom to Choose the Religion
Every one has the full right to choose to which religion he puts his belief into. And this right are protected and remain as one of the basic life to be fulfilled. Also read Pillars of Islam
7. Right for Justice
Everyone is equal in front of the law, so that they have the exactly same right to fight for their own justice.
“You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of God: God is well aware of all that you do.” (5:8)
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Some Basic Human Rights
Speaking of human rights, there are plenty of the. But among those many rights, here are some that is most important:
- Right for Life
Right for living is one of the most basic right for human. It is given when someone is still four months old inside the womb. Thus, a woman who perform illegal abortion considered as violating the human right.
- Right for Food and Shelter
Every human should live a good life since each of them have the right for it. Mothers, children, elders, unemployed, disabled, and more have the rights for food and shelter even when they are unable to earn money on their own.
- Right to Work and Earn Money
In order to make a proper living, someone may work according to their specialty and earn money. But as a worker, they have their own rights to be fulfilled by the employee, including not forced to do certain work beyond their capability.
- Right for Education
As suggested by the United Nations, education is a right for everyone. Primary school should be made free so that everyone receive formal education. Government should provide young people with higher education as well.
- Right to Speak
Regardless of their race and ethnicity, every people has right to speak. Even when they are poor and powerless, it doesn’t make them having less right to speak.
From the explanation above, it is clear that the importance of human rights affected the peace and way of living in the world. Let us all be someone who always try to become a better Muslim and fulfilling the rights of others.