Human Rights – a Conceptual Thinking

Uncertainty is dangerous as you may violate someone else’s or any living things right. So there is a limit for everything in this universe.

Tolerance and forgiveness are very important rights to all. And is very weak in us humans. Allah tells us in a Hadith Qudsi (sacred narration of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh): “O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you” (Al-Tirmidhi). Subhan’Allah (Glory be to Allah) there is no limit to Allah’s forgiveness, even though our mistakes are numerous. As we fight for our rights we forget about the divine laws of Allah. If we are to remember or learn these laws we will protect others’ rights as it is ours. And also we will have mutual respect, and friendship amongst all people and groups.

The importance of rights as it is known from some teachings is as narrated by Mu'adh bin Jabal: I was a companion rider of the Prophet (pbuh) on a donkey called 'Ufair. The Prophet (pbuh) asked, "O Mu'adh! Do you know what Allah's right on His slaves are, and what the right of His slaves on Him is?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He said, "Allah's right on His slaves is that they should worship Him (Alone) and should not worship any besides Him. And slave's right on Allah is that He should not punish him who worships none besides Him." I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Should I not inform the people of this good news?" He said, "Do not inform them of it, lest they should depend on it (absolutely)." (Human Rights Image from: http://leadership-council.org/) 

To promote the sovereignty, unity, security, integrity and dignity of the country is also a right to all members in a society. The country that is not taken care of by its people will not be taken care of by anyone else. Its religion, culture, language and heritage are not only the property of the present people, but are the property of the future generations. Everyone have right to honor and protect the mentioned for the future.

Further comparing human rights and democracy of a country, many people interprets that democracy is human rights. But democracy simply means equality of rights within humanity. This was introduced 1400 years ago by the Prophet Mohamed (pbuh), and later followed on by the great leaders.

Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) was the pioneer of modern civilization to form a state based upon the Islamic democratic system, the system which was incorporated in the West as late as 19th and 20th centuries. He was the greatest democratic administrator whose example is unparalleled not only in the history of Islam, but also in the history of modern civilization. A vast part of the Middle East, Persian Empire and Byzantium, was conquered during the ten years of his "Khilafat" (Caliphate) which he consolidated into a state governed by Islam i.e. laws. "As an administrator," says Prof. K. Ali (2012), "he remained a model for all great Muslim rulers during the whole Islamic history". Another famous historian, Amir Ali (2004) said: "During the thirty years that the Republic lasted, the policy derived its character chiefly from Umar both during his lifetime and after his death."

The constitution of Islamic caliphate during the time of Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) was based entirely on the Islamic democratic system. All matters were decided after consultation with the "Shura" (The Council of Advisors) the details of which would be given in the following pages. He remarked, "It is essential for a "Khalifah" to consult his "Shura". Once he said: "I do not desire that you may follow anything that arises from my caprice". Hadrat Umar had clearly stated on various occasions that he should be obeyed as long as he was obeying Allah and the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wassallam).

Muslims and non-Muslims were treated alike. Although the Arab peninsula was declared to be purely an Islamic State, his attitude towards the non-Muslims was very tolerant. He allowed the Jews and the Christians, living in the Peninsula, to stay there if they so wished and nobody would interfere in their religious affairs. To those who would like to migrate he ensured safe journey up to the borders. Hadrat Umar (Raziallah Anho) also gave compensation for their properties and other facilities.

As it is the origin of the real democracy and the equality of human rights, we are also responsible to practice those rights in the proper and absolute ways. The Chapter 2, Article 67 - Responsibilities and Duties, of the Constitution of Maldives states that “the exercise and enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms is inseparable from the performance of responsibilities and duties”, and it is the responsibility of every citizen in the Maldives to respect these duties.

Islam has always considered the human resource as the most significant in society and the economic system. So to contribute to the well-being and advancement of the community is in the people’s hand. A human being who is productive and useful to society obtains the right of being a representative of Allah in this world.