Author: M. Asim Ismail Zahi
The Wisdom and Philosophy of Qisas (Retribution) and Its Effects (part three)
Protection of Life and the Sanctity of Human Life in Islam:
The Dignity of Human Beings
Allah, the Exalted, has honored humankind. He created them Himself, granted them life, and commanded the angels to prostrate before them in reverence. He subjected all that is in the heavens and the layers of the earth for their benefit and made them His vicegerents on earth, so they might understand the secrets of nature. He endowed them with special powers and capabilities, enabling them to exercise authority on the earth and reach the highest level of material perfection and spiritual elevation. However, this goal cannot be realized unless all the elements, materials, and conditions necessary for growth and development are present, and unless they are granted their full and complete rights.
The first and foremost rights that Islam guarantees for every human being are as follows:
• The right to life,
• The right to property,
• The right to protect one’s honor,
• The right to freedom,
• The right to equality,
• The right to education.
These rights are necessary and indispensable for every human being, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or social status. They are intrinsic to the very essence of humanity.
Allah Almighty says: “وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُمْ مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَى كَثِيرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا” Translation: “We have certainly honored the children of Adam, carried them on the land and sea, provided them with good and pure sustenance, and favored them greatly over many of those We have created.” [1]
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said in his Farewell Sermon during his final pilgrimage: “أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّ دِمَاءَكُمْ وَأَمْوَالَكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ حَرَامٌ كَحُرْمَةِ يَوْمِكُمْ هَذَا، فِي شَهْرِكُمْ هَذَا، فِي بَلَدِكُمْ هَذَا… أَلَا هَلْ بَلَّغْتُ؟ اللَّهُمَّ فَاشْهَدْ” Translation: “O people! Verily, your blood, your wealth, and your honor are sacred and inviolable, just as the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, and in this city of yours. … Have I conveyed (the message)? O Allah, bear witness that I have conveyed Your message.” [2]
He also said: “كُلُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ حَرَامٌ، دَمُهُ وَمَالُهُ وَعِرْضُهُ” Translation: “Everything of a Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his property, and his honor.” [3]
Continues…
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[1]. Surah Al-Isra, Verse: 70.
[2]. Al-Muttaqi Al-Hindi, Ali bin Husam Al-Din, Kanz al-Ummal, vol. 5, p. 215, The Book of Hajj and Umrah, containing three chapters, rulings mentioned in the Farewell Pilgrimage from Al-Ikmal, Publisher: Mu’assasat al-Risalah – Beirut 1989 AD.
[3]. Al-Bayhaqi, Abu Bakr Ahmad bin Al-Hussein, Al-Sunan Al-Kubra and at the end Al-Jawhar Al-Naqi, vol. 6, p. 92, The Book of Usurpation, Chapter on the prohibition of usurpation and taking people’s money unjustly, Allah Almighty said, Hadith No.: 11827, First Edition: 1344 AH, Publisher: Majlis Da’irat al-Ma’arif al-Nizamiyyah located in Hyderabad, India.
