Human Rights
By: Bilal Philips
(taken from his books and tapes)
Islam has been from its inception very
concerned with issues of human rights. Privacy, freedom,
dignity and equality are guaranteed in Islam. The holy Qur'an
states clearly:
"There is no compulsion in religion."
And there are no reliable reports to confirm
the old accusations that when the Muslim armies were expanding
into Asia, Africa and Europe the people were put to the sword
if they failed to convert to Islam. The best proof is that not
only did the Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians and Hindus in those
areas not perish or otherwise disappear, they actually
flourished as protected minority communities, and many
individuals rose to prominent positions in the arts, sciences,
even in government.
The lives, property and privacy of all
citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred, whether or
not the person is Muslim. Non-Muslims have freedom of worship
and the practice of their religions, including their own family
law and religious courts. They are obliged to pay a different
tax (Jizyah) instead of the Zakah, and the state is obligated
to provide both protection and government services. Before the
modern era it was extremely rare to find a state or government
anywhere in the world that was as solicitous of its minorities
and their civil rights as the Islamic states.
In no other religion did women receive such
a degree of legal and moral equality and personal respect.
Moreover, racism and tribalism are incompatible with Islam, for
the Qur'an speaks of human equality in the following terms:
"Mankind! We created you from a single soul,
male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you
may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in
God's sight is the greatest of you in piety."