Islam defended human rights for male, female, young, old, irrespective of status, even the other creatures which inhabit earth, hundreds of years before the Magna Charta (1215) or the Declaration of Human Rights (1948). Here is a glimpse into some of the rights established and protected by Islam:
Human Rights
Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul (as legal retribution for murder) or for corruption (done) in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. (Qur’aan 5:32)
Whoever passes through one of our Musjids or markets with arrows should hold them at their heads to let no Muslim be wounded by him. (Bukhari)
Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise… (Bukhari, Ibn Majah)
Women’s Rights
You are advised to be good to women. (Bukhari)
In Islam, women are allowed to earn, own and spend money; they can testify and arbitrate; they can learn and teach; they can nurse and treat the ill. (Hidayah)
Children’s Rights
And do not kill your children. (Qur’aan 17:31)
Animal Rights
While taking the life of an animal for food, we are advised to cause the least amount of suffering: He who shows mercy even if he slaughters a bird, Allah will be merciful to him on the Day of Resurrection. (Kanzul Ummal)
