April 2016: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 2

Human Rights

Cont’d from page 1

[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

Right to freedom of religion: Each and every person can observe any religion they choose.

[2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

(subtitle: Absolute Freedom of Religion) [18:29] Proclaim: “This is the truth from your Lord,” then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve …

Right to justice:  The Quran stresses the right to seek justice and the duty to perform it. Justice is at the core of Submission (Islam) and we must act justly with all – relatives, orphans, the poor, believers and non–believers.

[4:58] GOD commands you to give back anything the people have entrusted to you. If you judge among the people, you shall judge equitably. The best enlightenment indeed is what GOD recommends for you. GOD is Hearer, Seer. [4:105] We have sent down to you the scripture, truthfully, in order to judge among the people in accordance with what GOD has shown you. You shall not side with the betrayers. [4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe GOD, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, GOD takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

Right to protest against injustice and oppression: We can protest against all forms of tyranny.

 

[2:191] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid), unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers.

Right to places of worship: All people can seek security as a basic right. God teaches us to uphold the truth and regard others (4:36).

[22:40] They were evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, “Our Lord is GOD.” If it were not for GOD's supporting of some people against others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and masjids―where the name of GOD is commemorated frequently―would have been destroyed. Absolutely, GOD supports those who support Him. GOD is Powerful, Almighty.

Right to marriage: The ability to choose a spouse (and not be forced) is a basic right. We understand from 4:24 that mutual attraction (and dowry) are required for marriage.

Right to privacy: God teaches us etiquette including household and personal privacy.

[24:27] O you who believe, do not enter homes other than yours without permission from their inhabitants, and without greeting them. This is better for you, that you may take heed.

Right to freedom of expression: With freedom of religion comes the right to express one’s beliefs (2:256, 10:99, 88:21-22) or discuss and debate freely. Thisdoes not mean we have license to mock, curse or preach hatred towards other faiths or use bad language (4:148, 6:108). Ridiculing, slandering and backbiting are condemned (49:11-12, 68:10-11, 104:1).

[6:108] Do not curse the idols they set up beside GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done.

Rights of women: Women have rights just like men. They should be treated with respect.

[16:97] Anyone who works righteousness, male or female, while believing, we will surely grant them a happy life in this world,

and we will surely pay them their full recompense (on the Day of Judgment) for their righteous works. (See also 4:7, 19; 3:195.)

Rights of parents:

[17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, “Uff” (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably.

Rights of orphans:

[4:6] You shall test the orphans when they reach puberty. As soon as you find them mature enough, give them their property. Do not consume it extravagantly in a hurry, before they grow up. The rich guardian shall not charge any wage, but the poor guardian may charge equitably. When you give them their properties, you shall have witnesses. GOD suffices as Reckoner. [17:34] You shall not touch the orphans' money except for their own good, until they reach maturity. You shall fulfill your covenants, for a covenant is a great responsibility.

Right to education: We should pursue knowledge for the good of our souls (29:43, 30:22, 35:28).

[39:9] Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord? Say, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” Only those who possess intelligence will take heed. [20:114] Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, “My Lord, increase my knowledge.”

Right to inheritance:

[4:33] For each of you, we have designated shares from the inheritance left by the parents and the relatives. Also those related to you through marriage, you shall give them their due share. GOD witnesses all things.

Rights of the poor:The destitute have their rights preserved through God’s system of charity.

[51:19] A portion of their money was set aside for the beggar and the needy.

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