” Human Right “Well before contemporary pronouncements, Islam had a complete system of human rights. They are not products of social development or politics, but direct from the words of divine revelation. They are eternal, universal, and independent of the nature of governments or societies changing. By grounding rights in the Quran and Sunnah, Islam brings stability, justice, and dignity to everybody.
In Human Rights in Islam, Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo delves deep into these divine principles. He asserts that human rights in Islam are not just recommendations they are commands. They are the orders of Allah, intended to be enforced by all believers. This basis guarantees that the rights are not enforced selectively, but assured for all equally.
Sanctity of Life and Property
One of the key rights Islam prevents is the right to the sanctity of life. The Quran strongly condemns unjust killing and likens it to the slaying of the entire human race. No one can kill another individual except for a lawful reason, and even during warfare, there are certain strict rules that must be obeyed. Islam also prohibits injury to civilians, women, children, or the elderly during war.Similarly, the right of property is at the fore. One’s wealth cannot be appropriated forcibly. Islam imposes justice in contracts, forbids theft and deception, and encourages charity as a self-initiated deed of righteousness. Zarabozo demonstrates how these rights establish economic stability and build confidence in society, so that injustice and tyranny are not acceptable.
Freedom of Belief and Expression
Islam provides freedom of belief, even for non-believers who do not embrace the faith. The Quran rightly declares, “There is no compulsion in religion.” This implies that every person has the right to believe or disbelieve at their own choice and without force or coercion. During Islamic history, Jewish and Christian communities and others resided peacefully under Muslim governments.Zarabozo brings to light the way Islamic communities maintained this liberty. Islam calls men to truth but does not insist on belief under coercion. He clarifies the difference between belief and public unrest, stating that Islam honors conversation, dissension, and mental debate as long as it doesn’t damage social concord or prompt violence.
Equality and Justice for All
Justice is central to Islam’s human rights system. The Quran tells believers to stand up for justice, even if it means doing so against themselves or their own loved ones. Islam doesn’t distinguish between the strong and the weak when it comes to moral or legal responsibility. Everyone is held accountable, and partiality is prohibited.
Zarabozo demonstrates this with anecdotes from the life of the Prophet Muhammadﷺ. Whether in dealing with friends, strangers, or enemies, the Prophetﷺ was fair and just. In Islam, race, family, riches, or gender cannot be used as a criterion for special treatment. Such equality is not only taught but ingrained deeply into Islamic law.
Women’s Rights in Islam
Unlike widespread myths, Islam was the revolutionary force for advancing women’s rights. Far ahead of the West in establishing the legal identity of women, Islam awarded women the right to property ownership, the right to education, the right of choice in spouse, and inheritance of wealth. These were revolutionary changes in the era of jahiliyyah (ignorance).Zarabozo responds to the criticism of Islamic laws concerning women and explains the wisdom in them. He demonstrates how the Quran respects women as equal spiritual creatures and points out the achievements of prominent women in Islamic history. Islam does not rob women of their femininity or place unjust demands upon them. It safeguards their dignity, security, and place in society.
Rights of Non-Muslims
Islam instructs Muslims to be fair, generous, also respectful towards non-Muslims. Non-Muslims who reside in Muslim countries are referred to as dhimmis, and their life, property, also faith are to be safeguarded by the state. Such protection was mandatory and a part of the law, not voluntary, also violence on non-Muslims was regarded as a great sin.Zarabozo provides historical facts from the early Islamic caliphates. Non-Muslims not only existed securely but also occupied leadership roles in government also commerce. This section refutes contemporary arguments that Islam oppresses religious minorities. In fact, it formed a pluralistic society where individuals of various religions existed harmoniously and had legal rights.
Social Justice and Public Welfare
Islam requires compassion for the needy orphans, poor people, the elderly, and the disabled. Public welfare in Islam is not charity it is justice. Zakat ensures that wealth is redistributed to the poor and that the state takes care that no one remains hungry or homeless. This results in a powerful safety net.
Zarabozo addresses how the Prophet ﷺ and his successors carried out these policies. Caliphs used to patrol the streets by night to ensure the people. This sense of responsibility and empathy is in total contrast to many current systems that ostracize the weak. Islam couples social justice with belief, thus making it religious obligation rather than civic one.
Islam vs. Secular Rights Systems
Perhaps the most significant contrast Zarabozo draws is that between the divinely ordained structure of Islam and the secular, dynamic nature of contemporary human rights. He contends that human legislation is frequently the product of cultural prejudice, political opportunism, or economic considerations. Consequently, they are unreliable and at times even unfair.Islam, on the other hand, gives a consistent moral compass. Its decisions are rooted in divine revelation and kept throughout time. They do not accommodate trends or ideologies. While global laws may make oppression legal under the name of freedom, Islamic law keeps balance, dignity, and moral acuity for the entirety of humankind.
Role of the Islamic State
The book also discusses the role of an Islamic government in protecting rights. Rulers are not exempt from the law in Islam; they are answerable to the people and to Allah. The state has to implement justice, safeguard citizens, and keep away from corruption. A tyrant ruler is considered a violator of trust and an enemy of the people.
Zarabozo stresses that the Islamic state is not present to dominate the lives of people. But to facilitate justice, security, and worship. Its legitimacy lies in the fact that it will restore the rights given by Allah. This model of governance is extremely ethical, transparent, and human-oriented contrary to most authoritarian systems present today.
Relevance in Modern Times
While the world continues to wrangle over what human rights are and who has the privilege of deciding, Zarabozo’s book provides an ageless alternative. Islamic rights are not trendy, politically motivated, or lobbied. They anchor on morality, intent, and divine mandate. This reliability is what provides them with enduring utility and unparalleled integrity.
With sound arguments, careful analysis, and rich historical background. Human Rights in Islam is not just a book it is a model for seekers of justice. Zarabozo extends an invitation to Muslims and non-Muslims to examine how Islam provides rights not as slogans, but as responsibilities with tangible power.
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