Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam
Introduction
The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam (إعلان القاهرة لحقوق الإنسان في الإسلام, Kahire İslam İnsan Hakları Beyannamesi), also referred to as the CDHRI, was issued by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in 1990. This pivotal declaration aims to serve as an Islamic framework for human rights, emphasizing that “fundamental rights and universal freedoms in Islam are an integral part” of the religion.
Context and Purpose
The Cairo Declaration emerged as a response to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), offering an Islamic perspective on human rights principles. The declaration underscores the importance of human rights within the context of Islamic law (Shariah), integrating religious principles with notions of human dignity and moral norms.
Key Provisions
Rule 24 is particularly significant, stating that all rights and freedoms stipulated in the declaration are subject to Shariah, emphasizing the religious and legal context within which these rights must be understood and applied. The declaration covers various aspects including:
- Equality and Dignity: Affirming the equality of humankind and the inherent dignity that Islam confers upon all human beings irrespective of their gender, race, language, or religion.
- Justice and Rule of Law: Recognizing the necessity of justice and rule of law while adhering to Islamic jurisprudence.
- Rights of Women and Children: Explicitly addressing the rights of women and children within the scope of Islamic teachings.
- Economic and Social Rights: Advocating for the provision of basic economic and social rights, including healthcare, education, and employment.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: إعلان القاهرة لحقوق الإنسان في الإسلام (I‘lan al-Qāhirah li-Ḥuqūq al-Insān fī al-Islām)
- Turkish: Kahire İslam İnsan Hakları Beyannamesi
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam and Human Rights: Tradition and Politics” by Ann Elizabeth Mayer.
- “The Islamic Law and the Challenges of Modernity” edited by Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad and Barbara Freyer Stowasser.
- “Human Rights in Islam and Refutation of the Misconceived Allegations Associated with these Rights” by Muhammad Zafrulla Khan.
Takeaways
- The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam represents an endeavor to contextualize and harmonize globally recognized human rights principles with Shariah.
- It provides insights into how Islam perceives basic human rights, integrating religious obligations and ethical conduct.
- Understanding this declaration is crucial for both scholars and practitioners involved in interfaith dialogue, human rights advocacy, and Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion
The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam serves as a vital document reflecting the aspirations of the Muslim world to formulate a human rights framework rooted in Islamic tradition. The declaration seeks to harmonize universal human rights principles with Islamic law, emphasizing the moral and legal imperatives within the faith. Its study provides valuable perspectives on the dynamic interaction between Islam and contemporary human rights discourse.
