Does Islam Uphold Contemporary Human Rights?
Answered by Shaykh Bassem Itani
Question
Are there Islamic teachings that support the protection of human rights in the contemporary context?
Answer
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his Family, and all his Companions.
The Relevance of Islam to Human Rights
Yes, indeed, Islamic teachings strongly support human rights in the contemporary context. This is because Islam is the final divine revelation sent by Allah to the last of the prophets and messengers, Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Allah (Most High) says:
“Muḥammad is not the father of any of your men, but is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. And Allah has (perfect) knowledge of all things.” [Quran, 33:40]
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said:
“I am the last (brick) in the building (of prophethood), and I am the Seal of the Prophets.” [Bukhari]
The finality of Islam implies its eternal relevance until the Day of Judgment. It encompasses comprehensive guidance for individuals and societies, addressing both general and specific rights.
Human Rights in Islamic Sacred Law
Islamic Sacred Law (Shari‘a) has provided extensive rulings spanning worship, transactions, family law, and beyond, for over fourteen centuries. Its timeless universality continues to yield progressive and globally relevant jurisprudence. Allah (Most High) says:
“We have sent you (O Prophet) only as a mercy for the whole world.” [Quran, 21:107]
The Sacred Law contains many enduring principles that affirm human rights within the framework of disciplined Islamic jurisprudence. These rights include, but are not limited to:
- The right to life.
- The right to freedom.
- The right to equality.
- The right to justice.
- The right to a fair trial.
- The right to protect private property.
- The rights of spouses and the right to build a family.
- The right to education and upbringing.
- The right to work and social security.
In 1401 AH (1980 CE), the first codification of Sacred Law principles related to human rights was initiated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC, formerly the Organization of the Islamic Conference). This resulted in the publication of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, comprising 25 articles outlining human rights according to Islam. The last two articles (Articles 24 and 25) stipulate that all rights and freedoms in this declaration are subject to Sacred Law rulings, and the Islamic Sacred Law is the sole reference for interpreting its provisions. [See: Zuhayli, Huquq al-Insan fi al-Islam]
An Example of Equality in Rights and Duties
To illustrate how Islamic teachings support human rights in contemporary times, consider the principle of equality before the law. A hadith narrated by ‘Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) relates:
“The Quraysh were concerned about the case of the Makhzumi woman who had stolen. They said: ‘Who will speak to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) about her?’ They suggested: ‘None would dare to do so except ‘Usama Ibn Zayd, the beloved of the Messenger of Allah.’ So ‘Usama spoke to him, and the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘Are you interceding to violate one of the limits set by Allah?’ He then stood and addressed the people, saying: ‘What destroyed the nations before you was that when a noble person among them stole, they would let them go, but when a weak person stole, they would apply the penalty. By Allah, if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would cut off her hand.’” [Bukhari]
This noble text demonstrates absolute equality in applying legal penalties, regardless of whether the individual is an ordinary person or the daughter of a prominent leader. It is the pinnacle of human rights protection.
Conclusion
Islam has emphasized human rights since its inception. Explicit texts from the Quran and the Sunna highlight these great rights, which serve as evidence that the Quran and the Sunna are divinely inspired guidance for all creation. They are the illuminating beacon leading humanity toward moral and intellectual excellence.
[Shaykh] Bassem Itani
Shaykh Dr. Bassem Hussayn Itani was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1965. He earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies in 2005. Among his mentors were Shaykh Muhammad Taha Sukkar, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, Shaykh Mulla Abdul ‘Alim al-Zinki, Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri, Shaykh Abdul Razzaq al-Halabi, Shaykh Dr. Mustafa Dib al-Bugha, Shaykh Dr. Wahba al-Zuhayli, Dr. Muhammad al-Zuhayli, and others, may Allah have mercy on them all.
Shaykh Itani has a rich background in both academic and administrative fields. He has held significant positions in many governmental and non-governmental institutions in Lebanon and abroad. This includes his role as a member of the Academic Committee at SeekersGuidance and a senior teacher with the free online global seminary.
From 2020 to 2021, he served as the Dean of the College of Da‘wa – University for Islamic Studies (Lebanon) – Postgraduate Studies. He was the Director of Dar Iqra for Islamic Sciences from 1998 to 2018. Shaykh Itani is a well-versed teacher in several academic subjects, including Fiqh, Usul, Aqida, and Tafsir. He has supervised and examined numerous Master’s and Doctoral theses at various universities and colleges in Lebanon.
His contributions to Islamic sciences are also evident in his writings and research. His notable works include “The Relied-upon Statements of Imam Zufar in the Hanafi School,” “Collective Ijtihad: The Sublimity of Thought in the 21st Century,” and “Custom and its Impact in Islamic Jurisprudence.” Shaykh Itani has actively participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars, both in Lebanon and internationally. He is linguistically adept, excelling in Arabic, proficient in French, and comfortably conversant in English.
