Human Rights
What are Human Rights in Islam?
Haqooq-el-Ibad in Islam refers to the rights of people or the rights of others. It is about how we should treat other human beings fairly and kindly, with respect and justice. The term “Haqooq” means “rights,” and “Ibad” refers to “servants” or “people.” So, Haqooq-el-Ibad means the rights of the people.
Key Points About Haqooq-el-Ibad:
- Respect for Others: Islam teaches that we should respect and honor the rights of all human beings. This includes kindness, fairness, and compassion.
- Avoiding Harm: We should avoid causing harm to others, whether through our actions, words, or behavior. Hurting someone’s feelings, cheating, or causing physical harm is against Islam.
- Fulfill Promises: If you make a promise, keep it. Islam emphasizes that a person’s word and commitments should be trustworthy.
- Helping Those in Need: Islam encourages helping others, especially the poor, needy, orphans, and those who are suffering.
- Justice and Fairness: Everyone has the right to be treated justly and fairly. We must avoid injustice, oppression, and bias.
- Honesty and Integrity: Being truthful in our interactions is a key part of Haqooq-el-Ibad. Lying, backbiting, or slandering others is not acceptable.
- No Backbiting or Gossiping: Talking negatively about someone behind their back is forbidden. It is important to protect others’ dignity.
- Forgiveness and Patience: If someone wrongs you, Islam encourages forgiveness. Holding grudges or seeking revenge is discouraged, and instead, patience and forgiveness are highly valued.
- Respecting Parents: One of the most important rights is the right of parents. Islam teaches to treat parents with the highest respect, kindness, and care.
- Observing Social Etiquette: This includes greeting people with peace, being courteous, and maintaining good manners in everyday life.
Example in the Quran:
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83) – Allah commands people to worship Him alone and be good to their parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, and neighbors.
Example in the Hadith:
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The rights of one Muslim over another are six. When you meet him, greet him with peace. When he invites you, accept the invitation. When he seeks your advice, give it to him. When he sneezes and praises Allah, say ‘Yarhamuk Allah’ (may Allah have mercy on you). When he is sick, visit him. When he dies, follow his funeral.”
(Sahih Muslim)
In summary, Haqooq-el-Ibad is about respecting others, helping those in need, being fair and just, and fulfilling the rights of the people around us. It’s a very important part of a Muslim’s life and behavior.
Quran & Hadith References
References from the Quran
- Respecting and Honoring Parents
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship upon hardship, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.”
(Surah Luqman, 31:14)
This verse emphasizes that children should be grateful to both their parents, as they have cared for them through hardships.
- Obeying Parents (Except in Disobedience to Allah)
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. In pain upon pain did his mother bear him. And his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.”
(Surah Luqman, 31:14)
“But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.”
(Surah Luqman, 31:15)
This shows that while children must obey their parents, obedience is only valid if it aligns with the teachings of Allah.
- Kindness to Parents
“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:24)
This verse calls for humility, kindness, and mercy towards parents, especially when they grow old.
- Making Dua (Prayers) for Parents
“My Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.”
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:41)
This verse encourages us to pray for our parents, asking Allah to forgive them.
References from Hadith
- The Importance of Respecting Parents
“Your mother, your mother, your mother, then your father.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith emphasizes that a mother’s rights take precedence over a father’s, and they should be given special respect.
- Obeying Parents
“A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I wish to participate in Jihad.’ The Prophet (PBUH) asked him, ‘Do you have a mother?’ The man replied, ‘Yes.’ The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Then stay with her, for verily Paradise lies at her feet.'”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This Hadith shows the high regard for a mother’s rights, even over actions like Jihad, which are considered important in Islam.
- Taking Care of Parents
“The pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the father, and the anger of Allah is in the anger of the father.”
(Sunan Tirmidhi)
This Hadith highlights that making parents happy brings Allah’s pleasure, and making them angry is linked to Allah’s anger.
- Never Harm Your Parents
“A person asked the Prophet (PBUH), ‘What are the rights of my parents over me?’ The Prophet (PBUH) replied, ‘Your mother has a right over you that is greater than your father’s.'”
(Sahih Bukhari)
This Hadith shows the importance of fulfilling a mother’s rights, which are considered greater than those of the father.
- Dua for Parents
“May Allah have mercy on them as they raised me when I was young.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
This is part of the Hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) teaches children to pray for their parents, seeking Allah’s mercy for them.
Summary of the Rights of Parents in Islam:
- Respect and Obedience: Respect and obey your parents, unless they ask you to do something against Allah’s commands.
- Gratitude and Care: Be grateful for all the sacrifices your parents made, especially your mother, and take care of them, particularly when they are old.
- Making Dua for Them: Even after your parents pass away, continue to make prayers for their forgiveness and mercy from Allah.
- Avoid Harm: Never harm or be rude to your parents. Speak to them with kindness and humility.
These teachings emphasize the significant role parents play in Islam, and how treating them well leads to Allah’s pleasure and blessings.
