What Remains of Human Rights Today?

Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER

Every year on December 10, we commemorate World Human Rights Day, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

This day symbolizes the struggle against inhumane and unjust racist systems upheld by laws that discriminate against people of different races and skin colors.

When injustice prevails, the violation of human rights becomes normalized and one of the easiest acts to commit. The many conflicts raging around the world today—ruining countless lives—are the direct result of injustice, often giving rise to the most abhorrent crimes.

Nelson Mandela once said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

The first true universal declaration of human rights was proclaimed and implemented 1400 years ago in the Holy Qur’an:

“Indeed, Allah commands justice, doing good, and giving to relatives; and forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and transgression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.”
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)

This Islamic model of human rights is especially notable for its precision, vision, and its relevance to modern times, and can be summarized as follows:

• Freedom for all people regardless of caste or color
• Sanctity of life, property, and wealth
• Equality of all races
• The justice of Almighty Allah and the law
• Rights and responsibilities for both men and women
• No exploitation or monopolization — the rich should not get richer while the poor get poorer
• The rights of others must be protected and fulfilled

“And your body has a right over you…”

The body’s first and foremost right is to consume only that which is permissible (Halal) and wholesome (Tayyib), according to the guiding principles of Halal and Haram as accepted by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). Neglecting a Halal and Tayyib diet is a violation of a fundamental right of the body and thus becomes an act of injustice.

Let this Human Rights Day begin by being just to ourselves and our bodies — by eating only that which is Halal and Tayyib. By doing so, fulfilling the rest of our responsibilities as Muslims becomes naturally easier.

The past is a guidepost, not a hitching post.