Islam and Humanity | Human Rights | Concept of Humanity in Islam

What is the concept of Humanity in Islam

“All of us have equal rights. No one is better than other. No one is superior than other neither White over Black nor Black over white. The superiority is totally based on one thing and that is Taqwa (The Fear of God)”. (Muhammad SAW in His Last Sermon)

It would be odd to judge Islam under the concept of humanity. Because Humanity is the concept of Islam. In other words, if someone don’t believe Islam then he doesn’t know the concept of humanity. This can be explained in many ways. QuranByOnlineTutor is a platform where you can learn basic Islamic concepts from certified scholars. To learn basic Islamic principles click on the Register and start learning.

1. What is Islam

The term ‘Islam’ is from the Arabic language meaning wishing wellness for self and others as well. It focuses on worshiping one God, following the Five Pillars, and adhering to strict ethical, social, and legal guidelines.

2. What is Humanity

It refers to the gentle, kind qualities that define us, such as compassion, empathy, and love. In simple terms, it means caring for others, acting with kindness, and being a decent human being.

From the above-mentioned definitions, we can say that Islam is a book and Humanity is one of its beautiful topics.

3. What is the concept of Human slavery in Islam

Human slavery is traced back to Mesopotamians and practiced in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas (Wikipedia). But all this was before Islam. But after the rise of Islam in the above areas as well as all around the world, concept of human slavery began to vanish. So, what were the reasons that before Islam selling human being was at its peak and after emergence of the light of Islam people left this dirty trade. It was Islam who taught humanity and stoped people from such an inhuman act.

4. How Islam Taught Humanity

Islam announced rewards for those who free slaves and in many times tied them in a relation of brotherhood. It also discourages the concept of human slavery. This can be seen in many times from the life of prophet Muhammad SAW. He SAW also released many slaved persons from years after buying. A prominent example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ buying and then freeing a person is the story of Zayd ibn Harithah.

According to some historical reports, the total number of individuals the Prophet ﷺ personally emancipated reached approximately 63. Islam also taught people that all the human beings are equal.

5. Women Rights in Islam

It is also very clear how Islam treats women. Now a days one major objection that is alleged over Islam is that it restricts women (like wearing proper dress that covers body, etc). Basically, these are not restrictions to the women imposed by Islam but these are the morals that are taught to them so they may not get harm by any inhuman person. All these things are the requirements of women for their safety and to be respected (Explanation of AL-Quran). There are so many important principles for Women introduced by Islam. But very Important and relevant to our topic is
• Equal Rights In every aspect of life (like Education, Work, Property, Respect, Caring, loving, Eating, wearing even in all aspects of life) without any differences.

6. What is the importance of Animals in Islam ?

Now take a look on the teachings of Islam for animals. Humanity demands equal rights for animals as well. There are so many examples in teachings and the history of Islam when Prophet Muhammad SAW explained and proved by practicing. A very common and beautiful example is mentioned below, “Once, while Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was traveling with his companions, some of them found a nest and took two small baby birds. When the mother bird returned and found her chicks gone, she began to flutter her wings in deep distress and grief, circling over the men. When the Prophet ﷺ saw this, he immediately asked: "Who has hurt the feelings of this bird by taking its young?" He then commanded his companion(s) to return the babies to her at once.” The above mentioned example enlightens upon the kindness of prophet Muhammad SAW towards animals. He also warned that person from the wrath of Allah who overloads the weight carrying animals, beat them and don’t take care of them properly.

Conclusion

We can say that humanity is one of the basic topics of Islam. It is taught so many times in Islam about giving equal rights to others irrespective of color, creed or race. Not only to human beings but also for other living things including Plants and Animals. So Islam has practically proved that any inhuman act is unacceptable and Islam is the only religion that strictly and completely explains the concept of humanity. To learn basic Islamic principles from QuranByOnlineTutor click on the Register button and start learning.