Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights (UIDHR)
Definition
The Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights (UIDHR) is an Islamic counterpart to the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It was prepared by the Islamic Council affiliated with the Muslim World League and ratified in 1981. The UIDHR was subsequently presented to UNESCO.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الإعلان الإسلامي العالمي لحقوق الإنسان (al-I’lān al-Islāmī al-‘Ālamī li-Huqūq al-Insān)
- Turkish: İslam Evrensel İnsan Hakları Beyannamesi
Historical Context
The UIDHR was crafted in response to the need for a human rights declaration that aligns with traditional Islamic principles. The document emphasizes the universality of human rights within an Islamic legal framework and expresses the inherent dignity afforded to every individual by Islamic teachings.
Core Provisions
The UIDHR outlines a broad spectrum of human rights, including but not limited to:
- Criminal Justice: Asserts fair treatment and due process for accused individuals.
- Marriage and Family: Defines rights and responsibilities within marriage, emphasizing mutual respect and consent.
- Inheritance: Regulates inheritance in accordance with Islamic law, ensuring equitable distribution of an estate.
- Divorce: Provides guidelines for the humane and just dissolution of marriage.
- Economic Activities: Ensures the economic rights of individuals, including the prohibition of exploitative practices.
- Freedom of Religion: Upholds the right to practice one’s religion freely, in line with traditional Islamic tenets.
Significance in Islamic Law
The UIDHR draws from Sharia (شَرِيعَة), the moral and legal framework derived from the Qur’an and Hadith. It aims to integrate universal human rights principles with the cultural and religious context of Muslim-majority societies.
Further Studies
To gain a deeper understanding of the UIDHR and its implications, the following texts are recommended:
- “Islamic Human Rights and International Law” by Mashood A. Baderin
- “The Concept of Human Rights in Judaism, Christianity and Islam” edited by Hans-Georg Ziebertz and Gordan Stadtmüller
- “Islam and Human Rights: Tradition and Politics” by Ann Elizabeth Mayer
Key Takeaways
- The UIDHR serves as an Islamic rearticulation of the broader principles contained in the UN’s UDHR.
- It seeks to harmonize universal human rights with traditional Islamic law.
- Highlights the importance of context-sensitive interpretations of human rights.
Conclusion
The Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights is a significant document that aims to uphold human dignity and justice through an Islamic lens. It reflects the intersection of universal human rights concepts with the ethical and legal principles of Islam, asserting that respecting these rights is intrinsic to Muslim ethical and legal systems.
