Human rights in Islamic law

Abstract

Undeniably, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Charter adopted by the United Nations in December, 1948 is a great step forward in the history of United Nations in respect human rights issue. However, the rights enumerated therein characterized by deficiencies in conceptualization, flaws in formulation and injustices in application. Being subject to political agendas, economic pressure and culturally biased viewpoints, they often serve the interests of certain organizations and powerful special interest groups. As such, they carry the residues of colonialism and imperialism. This isclear from the ongoing suppression and atrocities inflicted on poor and weak nations without any effective measures being taken by these organizations for their defense and protection. Double standard is applied when it comes to the violation of human rights. Weak states are vigorously pursued whereas powerful are blatantly exempted from prosecution. Islam as a divine and universal guidance lies a comprehensive framework of values that embodies universal human rights which isfree of bias and deal with the abuser of the human rights equally regardless the race, religion and color factors, henceprovides a universal criterion for human rights. Therefore, this study attempts to analyze the issue of human rights from an Islamic perspective in the light of the pwposes of the law and delineate the mechanism for their protection. Usingboth descriptive and analytical methods the research concludes that Islam provides a comprehensive and practical mechanism for protection of human rights which is just and of universal application, hence is the pioneer of human rights. © Medwell Joumals, 2012.