Western and Islamic perspective of human rights

Introduction
Human rights, inherent in all people, have existed long before any legal proclamations were made.
These moral claims ensure equal rights for everyone and protect individuals from severe political, legal,
and social abuses. The concept of human rights encompasses fundamental freedoms belonging to every
person from birth to death, grounded in shared values such as dignity, fairness, equality, respect, and
independence. These rights are not only protected by law but are also essential for a civilized and
dignified existence, promoting peace, harmony, and personal fulfillment.

Islamic Perspective of Human Rights

Champion of Human Rights
Islam, as an eternal religion of humanity, has been a pioneer in advocating human rights and liberties,
providing an ideal code of human rights fourteen centuries ago. These rights aim to honor and dignify
humanity, eliminate exploitation, oppression, and injustice, and are integral to the overall Islamic order.
It is obligatory for Muslim governments and society to implement these rights.

In the light of the Holy Quran, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) issued a comprehensive package of
human rights, ending blood feuds and enmities, ensuring lawfulness, and protecting life, liberty, and
property for all, including non-Muslims. The last sermon of the Prophet is considered the "charter of
human rights."

1. **Right to Life**
- Human life is sacred and inviolable, and every effort shall be made to protect it, regardless of religion,
caste, or sex.

2. **Right to Freedom**
- Every person is born free with the inalienable right to liberty, encompassing physical, cultural,
economic, and political freedom, including freedom of religion, thought, expression, and movement.

3. **Right to Protection Against Torture**

- No one shall be subjected to torture, degradation, or threats, and no one can be forced to confess or
consent to actions against their interests.

4. **Right to Own Property**

- All citizens have the right to own property without discrimination, and property may only be
expropriated in the public interest with fair compensation.

5. **Right to Social Security**

- Every person has the right to food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care, especially those
who cannot care for themselves due to disability.
6. **Right to Education**
- Everyone is entitled to education according to their natural capabilities, with free choice of
profession and career, and opportunities for personal development.

Western Perspective of Human Rights

Universal and Inalienable Rights
Human rights in the Western concept are inherent claims and entitlements of all human beings, without
distinction. These rights, which are universal and inalienable, evolved over centuries of struggle and
were legalized after global efforts following World War II.

UNO as Protector of Human Rights

The United Nations, established in 1945, aims to promote respect for human rights without
discrimination. The UN Charter was the first international mechanism incorporating human rights,
making their promotion and protection a collective obligation of states. The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted in 1948, with legal force provided by two covenants forming the
International Bill of Rights (IBR).

Key Points of UDHR

1. **Liberty and Equality**
- Birthrights of all human beings.

2. **Non-Discrimination**
- Rights are for everyone without distinction of color, sex, birth, religion, or opinion

3. **Right to Life, Security, and Property**

- Everyone has these fundamental rights.

4. **Freedom of Opinion, Expression, and Religion**

- Essential freedoms for all individuals.

5. **Right to Education**
- Education shall be free, at least at the primary level.

6. **Right to Adequate Standard of Living**

- Including food, clothing, shelter, and medical care for health and well-being.

Conclusion
The journey of human rights, from their inherent existence to formal recognition in various legal
documents, underscores their universal, inalienable, and interrelated nature. Despite historical
violations, such as slavery, the Holocaust, and apartheid, the evolution of human rights, particularly
through significant milestones like the Magna Carta, the Glorious Revolution, and the World Wars, has
led to the establishment of international frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR). Today, international and national organizations continue to uphold and protect these rights,
ensuring that every individual can lead a life of dignity, fairness, and equality. The comprehensive legal
and moral framework provided by human rights remains crucial for fostering balanced personalities and
improving the quality of life for all.