CONTRARY to the putrid portrayal of Islam by the West, human rights in Islam has always been a fundamental principle prescribed to its followers.
Human rights in Islam forms an integral part of the teachings and it is obligatory on all Muslims to respect and adhere to these basic principles mankind were born with.
The word Islam, the root of which is salam, connotes peace. Salam may also mean greeting one another with peace.
A Muslim is taught to submit to the oneness of God and to live in peace with the Creator, other people, the environment and oneself. Islam is a total system of living which encompasses a life led in peace and harmony
with all that God created, hence, respect for human rights and dignity.
The Quran says: “We have conferred dignity on the children of Adam and borne them over land and sea and provided for them sustenance out of the good things of life and favoured them far above most of our Creations.” (17:70) In Islam, human rights are God-given and are thus binding upon all believers.
As a divine gift it is for all to enjoy, respect and observe regardless of race, gender, creed or social status.
Before the advent of Islam, during the period of Jahiliyyah, it was a common practice of the Arabs to bury their newly born female children for fear of the child growing up and bringing disgrace to the family. The practice of infanticide was also common among the Arab tribes dwelling in the deserts because they considered a female child as less productive than the male.
This was clearly against the basic principles of human rights i.e. the right to life.
The Quran admonishes the pre-Islamic Arabs for killing their children out of fear of poverty or disgrace. The Quran says: “Hence, do not kill your children for fear of poverty, it is we who shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily, killing them is a great sin.” (17:31)
Islam respects an individual’s right to life and is against any form of oppression, injustice or exploitation.
Even during wars, Islam provided for the humane treatment of the wounded, the elderly, women, children, the disabled and prisoners of war, giving them care and protection against undue harassment, maltreatment or abuse.
In Malaysia, these universal human rights are provided for its citizens and have been incorporated in the Federal
Constitution and various enactments of law and legislation. An independent organisation, Suhakam, was formed in 1999 with the enactment of Act 597.
This Act provided for the establishment of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, to set out the powers and functions of the commission to protect and promote human rights and to provide for matters connected to the adherence or non-adherence to the universal principles of human rights.
Suhakam was given the task of helping to oversee any violation or non-conformance to the principles in a sincere effort by the Government to ensure a proper and functional platform to address them.
Suhakam also probes complaints regarding infringements of human rights. From the Islamic perspective, the enactment of such laws and the establishment of the commission are in line with the teachings of Islam.
The sovereign ruler of the land is rightfully entrusted to ensure the safety and security of each citizen and protect
the sovereignty of the land.
Muslims are duty-bound by Islam to observe these rules as long as the rules do not contravene or contradict the
principles of Islamic teachings as depicted in the Quran and Hadith.
It is, however, important to note that human rights and freedom are bound to the fact that they must be for the goodof a society.
Some Western ultra human rights activists believe we are violating some of these principles.
These accusations have yet to be proven. The Western concept of total freedom is in contrast to the cultures of the East and of Muslims who form the majority. In Malaysia, it is inappropriate to conform to the principles of human rights based on Western standards.
The local social, cultural and religious milieu, sensitivities, histories and experience have to be considered when addressing or assessing violations of the principles of human rights.
It is generally felt that adequate efforts have been made by the authorities to abide by and respect human rights in Malaysia – another proof of the success in integrating Islamic principles in building a better Malaysia.