Islam and Human Rights: A Comparative Analysis of Western and Islamic Perspectives "اسلام اور انسانی حقوق: مغربی اور اسلامی نقطہ نظر کا تقابلی جائزہ" Section Articles

Abstract

The concept of human rights is fundamental to the understanding of human dignity and social justice, yet its interpretation varies significantly across cultures and civilizations. This article delves into a comparative analysis of Islamic and Western perspectives on human rights, emphasizing their unique philosophical and religious foundations. The Western approach to human rights is primarily grounded in individual liberty, secularism, and universal principles of equality, emerging from historical movements such as the Enlightenment and the development of democratic societies. On the other hand, the Islamic perspective integrates human rights within the framework of divine commandments as articulated in the Quran and Sunnah, prioritizing collective welfare alongside individual responsibilities. This analysis begins by exploring the historical evolution of human rights in both paradigms. In the West, the formulation of rights such as freedom of speech, gender equality, and religious liberty stems from a secular worldview. Key documents like the Magna Carta, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and various constitutional frameworks have defined the contours of Western human rights discourse. In contrast, the Islamic tradition draws its principles from sacred texts, with a focus on fulfilling duties toward God, society, and oneself. This divine-centric perspective underscores accountability before Allah as the cornerstone of human rights and justice. The study highlights key areas of comparison, including women’s rights, freedom of expression, and religious liberty. In the Western context, women’s rights have evolved through suffrage movements and feminist advocacy, focusing on gender equality and personal autonomy.By providing a nuanced analysis of these two frameworks, this study aims to foster a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between Islamic and Western conceptions of human rights. It underscores the importance of appreciating diverse perspectives to address global challenges related to justice, equality, and coexistence.

Keywords- Human Rights, Islam, Western Perspective, Quran, Sunnah, Women's Rights, Religious Liberty, Freedom of Expression, Comparative Analysis, Social Justice.