Traditional Indian Muslim Ulama on The Varied Dimensions of Human Rights

By Abdur Raheem Kidwai, New Age Islam 24 May 2024 Islam aur Insani Huquq (Islam and Human Rights) Edited by Afzal Misbahi Language: Urdu Ghazipur, India, Mah-i-Nur Publications, 2023. Pp.382, ISBN: 93-5980-620-X The issue of Human Rights has assumed greater prominence in our times. Those hostile to Islam often seeks to discredit both Islam and Muslim societies, charging them with their scant regard for Human Rights. It is most gratifying that this collection of 36 articles represents the deliberations of traditional Indian Muslim Ulema and scholars on the varied dimensions of Human Rights, reflecting as it does their admirable engagement with modernity. The editor, Afzal Misbahi, Assistant Professor of Urdu at Banaras Hindu University, India has done well to bring out this Volume, divided neatly into the following thematic sections, each containing several articles: Evolution of the concept of Human Rights, the Islamic stance on Human Rights, a comparison between the Islamic and Western concepts, right due to various sections of society, women’s rights in Islam, Islamic Law vis-à-vis Human Rights, and the perception of Human Rights in the four major Islamic schools of jurisprudence, namely, Hanafi, Maliki, Shafai and Hanbali. Among the many articles, the following ones stand out for their in-depth analysis and brilliant exposition of the Islamic stance: i) Nizamuddin Rizvi’s on the delineation of Human Rights in Hadith ii) Muhibbul Haq’s on the global scenario pertaining to Human Rights. iii) Ahmad Javed’s elucidation of the Prophet Muhammad’s stance on Human Rights as reflected in his Farewell Hajj sermon which stands out as the first pronouncement on egalitarian social justice, equality and cordial relations. iv) Ashhar Qadeer’s and Abrar Alam’s articles spelling out the rights of animals and other living beings in Islam. Equally instructive are the articles detailing obligations to neighbours, widows, orphans, parents, children, labourers, non-Muslims and the underprivileged strata. The section on women’s rights by three scholars accentuates the unmistakable note of gender justice permeating the Islamic directives for treating women. In view of the perceived plight of women in Muslim societies, these writings are highly welcome and much needed. More importantly, these life-enriching Islamic teachings should be earnestly implemented. Another area of concern, which is often neglected, is the fair treatment of non-Muslim minorities in Muslim countries. Our conduct on this count is regrettably discordant with what Islam asks us to practise. v) Akhtarul Wasey’s thought-provoking discussion on forging and maintaining warm social relations and developing better, nuanced communication and understanding with non-Muslims is highly commendable. He has sagaciously charted a road map and feasible practical suggestions for evolving rapport with non-Muslims while complying with the Islamic norms in this domain. vi) The worthy editor, Afzal Misbahi has sincerely exhorted Muslims to play a meaningful role in reinforcing amity, peace and happiness, which is an important Islamic ideal. His plea rests on the planks of the Quran and Sirah. As the editor of the Volume, Misbahi has done well to include the provisions in the four juristic schools on professing and practising Human Rights. This feature of the Volume not only displays the fecundity and diversity of Islamic jurisprudence, it also broadens the appeal of the work to readers. The inclusion of interviews with the representatives of Judaism and Christianity in India has also enhanced the value of the book, as it adds a comparative religion streak to the discourse on Human Rights. Afzal Misbahi deserves accolades for his editorial assiduity, breadth of coverage and catholicity of mind. This work would be read with much profit by all those interested in the study of the Islamic perspective on Human Rights. ---- Abdur Raheem Kidwai is a Professor of English at the Aligarh Muslim University, India and a Visiting Fellow, the School of English, University of Leicester, UK. He has published 22 books on Islam, the Quran, and English Literature. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/traditional-indian-ulama-dimensions-human-rights/d/132376 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism