Human Rights in Islam and Animal Rights 1

Human Rights in Islam and Animal Rights 1) 2) 3) 4) Prepared by : Aiman bin Abdul Rahman Muhammad Amirul bin Noor Hashimi Luqman bin Long Khairul Imran bin Jamaluddin Helmi

Origin and basis of human rights in Islam 1) Right to equality and equal protection of law. Declaration of the equality of mankind, trans-national, racial and economic. Prophet Muhammad s. a. w has stated about the equality of mankind, trans- national, racial and economic for more tahn 1400 years ago in his "Farewell Sermon" just before his demise. the most fundamental right of man-today being demanded by the man all over the world. 1) Right to equality and equal protection of law. No discriminations. "Righteous actions are the only mark of distinction and not wealth, birth, or status in life". Example : The second caliph Umar Faruq, refused to give any special status to a Syrian feudal lord, Jabala Ghassani even at the cost of his apoctasy.

2) Right to religious freedom Quranic commandment : Ø La ikhraha fi al-din (no coercion in the matter of religion) Example : 1) Between the muslims. 2) Between the non-muslims.

3) Right to life and its necessities. Explaination : Neither an individual would be allowed to take away the life of another individual except when the law permits. Example : All forms of man-slaughter, homicide, infanticide etc are regarded in Islam as heinous crimes. life necessities : - rights for their own charity. - rights for literacy and education. (men and women).

4) rights of personal liberty, mobility, and freedom of speech. Personal liberty : Illegal confinement, kidnapping and unlawful arrest were wholly prohibited by the law of Islam. Mobility : - For Allah, all lands are belong to Him and on His lands all human beings have an unfettered freedom of movement. - The modern concept of nationality, citizenship, and domicile, in whose name man's freedom of movement is curtailed, have no place in Islam. Freedom of speech : Never did Islam impose any restriction whatsoever on its followers freedom of speech and expression EXCEPT to keep them away from blasphemy

5) Right to justice and fair deal Quranic commandment : "And when you judge between persons judge with justice". Example: Ø there are no secret trials or proceedings in camera. Ø all trials have to be in the open court. Ø the accused must be given hearings and chance of defence Ø no punishment or award can be given EXCEPT on the basis of the proven facts.

6) Right to respect and privacy. The practice of insulting each other, sarcasm, defamation, and back- biting, all were wholly prohibited in Islam. Example : Ø ghibat (speaking ill of a person in his absence) is haram. Ø one should not poke his nose into others' personal affairs. Ø one is not allowed to bark confidential conversations. Ø and not to glance through what was being written for or by others.

7) rights to personal earnings and property Ø in Islam, every family member has the independent property rights. Ø there are no concept of "son's right in father's property by birth", "joint- family property" and "matrimonial property". Ø everybody must work at his own pleasure without any contract.

8) right to family life Islam protects the basic right of every human being-man and woman-to form a family.

Animal Rights in islam The Quran strongly enjoins muslims to treat animals with compassion and not to abuse them. The animals, together with all creatures, are believed to praise God, even if this praise is not expressed in human language.

Guidance of Prophet to regarding animal right. 1) Observing the feeding. Ø “When you travel in the rich soil, feed the animal its right. When you travel in the earth that is dead then fasten your travel” (Al-Bazzani).

2) No excessive force for the animal energy. From the companion Abdullah bin Ja'far radhiyallahu 'anhu, said: The Prophet S. A. W had to enter a garden of gardens belonging to Anshar for a necessity. Suddenly there is a camel. When the camel saw the Prophet S. A. W then he came and sat beside the Prophet S. A. W in tears. Prophet S. A. W said, "Who is the owner of this camel? " Then came the owner a young man from Anshar. Prophet S. A. W said, "Do not fear the Almighty Allah in (treating) an animal that Almighty Allah made you a have it! Indeed, this camel complained to me that you force it with a lot of work. (Abu Dawood).

3) Sharpen the knife that will be used to slaughter. The blunt and not sharp blades will be difficult to use for slaughtering animals. Hence, it will torture the animals. Ø Indeed, Allah S. W. T has determined to do good against everything. If you kill then be good in killing and when slaughtering be good in the way of slaughtering. Sharpen your knife & slaughter your animal quickly (Muslim).

4) Do not stamp with a heated iron on the face of the animal. Sahabah Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet S. A. W passed a donkey who stamped on his face, then he said: “Allah curse those who gave him the stamp. ”(Muslim) However, it is allowed on the other part of body.

5) Not making a living animal as a target in archery and other training. Ibn Umar radhiyallahu 'anhuma said: "The Messenger S. A. W cursed those who make one which have a soul as a target for the thrown. " (Muttafaqun ‘alaih).