Issues of Human Rights in Islam

The Qur’an is the Divine Constitution that has enshrined a number of fundamental rights for the peaceful living of all human beings. In Islam, there is two types of rights: one is Haqqullah, which is related to the rights of Allah upon mankind, and the other one is Haqqul Ibaad, related to the rights of humans upon each other. Haqqullah includes complete allegiance to Almighty Allah and worshiping none but Him with all sincerity and devotion, as prescribed in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Haqqul Ibaad includes the rights of one to another, individually and collectively. Both of these rights are duty-bound for every Muslim.

Allah (SWT) has the discretion to forgive the sins of His servants for violating His rights through His profound mercy and forgiveness, but He does not forgive the violators of human rights, if not forgiven by the victims themselves. The rights of one to another are inviolable. Every creation of Allah is to be treated fairly and in the best manner, otherwise, one will be held accountable. Violation of human rights and maltreatment of Allah’s creations are serious offenses that devour all of a person’s good deeds and lead him/her to hell. So, everyone needs to be much more cautious against the violation of human rights. The following Hadith shows how one will be a loser in the hereafter for violating human rights:

The Prophet (ﷺ) once asked his followers, “Do you know who a bankrupt person is?” They said a bankrupt is a person who does not have any wealth. But he explained the bankruptcy in another way: ‘The bankrupt of my Ummah is a person who comes on the Day of Judgement with many rewards like: prayer, fasting, Zakat, etc. but if he/she causes harm to someone on false allegations, abuses another one, curses some other, misappropriates the money of somebody else, splits the blood of someone, then he/she ends up giving them recompense from his/her good deeds, and when all good deeds are exhausted and becomes unable to pay them back, then the creditors will start giving some of their sins to him/her and finally, this person totally ends up in Hell fire.’ (Sahih Muslim). He further said: ‘On the Day of Judgement, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed).’

According to Haqqul Ebad, every individual has certain rights that others must acknowledge and respect. These rights encompass various aspects of human interaction, including relationships within the family, community, society, and even between individuals and the state. The concept emphasizes the importance of upholding social justice, kindness, and ethical behavior in all interactions.

Examples of Haqqul Ebad include:

• The right to life: Islam regards the preservation of human life as a fundamental right. Taking someone’s life unjustly is considered a grave sin.
• The right to property: Every Individual has the right to own and protect their property. Theft and encroachment upon others’ possessions are considered violations of this right.
• The right to privacy: All People have the right to privacy in their personal affairs, homes, and communication. Invasion of privacy, spying, or unauthorized disclosure of personal information is against the principles of Haqqul Ebad.
• The right to justice: Everyone has the right to a fair and impartial judicial system. Discrimination, corruption, and unfair treatment undermine this right.
• The right to dignity and respect: Each person should be treated with respect, regardless of their race, gender, social status, or background. Humiliation, discrimination, and abuse are contrary to the principles of Haqqul Ebad.
• The right to religious freedom: Islam recognizes the freedom to practice one’s religion and holds that no one should be coerced or forced to adopt a particular belief.
• The right to a just and compassionate society: Individuals have the responsibility to work towards establishing a just and compassionate society where the needs of the less fortunate are met, and social welfare is prioritized.

By fulfilling the rights of others and practicing good conduct, Muslims strive to uphold the principles of Haqqul Ebad and create harmonious relationships based on justice, empathy, and righteousness.

The Qur’an clearly defines different issues of human rights as mentioned below:

 

Rights to Equality & Justice

“……. do not let enmity (hatred) of a nation provoke you to be unjust, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God.” (5:8)

Allah (SWT) urges humans to be just in all situations. All are equal in the sight of Allah (SWT), the only distinguishing factors between humans are righteousness and piety. Therefore, Islam has denounced racial supremacy and unjust discrimination, both of which are incompatible with the concept of equality. In Islam equality and justice go together. In the final Hajj Sermon of the Prophet (ﷺ) he said: ‘No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man have any superiority over a black man, or the black man any superiority over the white man. You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from soil.’ He further said: ‘On the Day of Judgement one’s skin tone and gender are insignificant.’ He went on, ‘Verily Allah does not look to your outward forms and your wealth but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.’ (Sahih Muslim). Islam requires that Muslims possess uprightness and deal justly with all humanity, irrespective of their race, color, ethnicity, and religion, and also whether they are friends or foes.

The verses on this topic are given below:

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ اِنَّا خَلَقْنٰکُمْ مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ وَاُنْثٰی وَجَعَلْنٰکُمْ شُعُوْبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوْا ؕ  اِنَّ اَکْرَمَکُمْ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ اَتْقٰکُمْ ؕ  اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلِیْمٌ خَبِیْرٌ ۝

“O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you races and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous one. Allah is All-Knowing, Well-Informed.” (49:13)

وَلِكُلِّ اُمَّةٍ رَّسُوْلٌ فَاِذَا جَآءَ رَسُوْلُهُمْ قُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ بِالْقِسْطِ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُوْنَ۝

“Every community has a messenger. When their messenger has come, Judgement will be passed between them with fairness, and they will not be wronged.” (10:47)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا کُوْنُوْا قَوّٰمِیْنَ لِلّٰهِ شُهَدَآءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۫ وَلَا یَجْرِمَنَّکُمْ شَنَاٰنُ قَوْمٍ عَلٰۤی اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْا ؕ اِعْدِلُوْا ۟ هُوَ اَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوٰی ۫ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ خَبِیْرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ ۝

“O you who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let enmity (hatred) of a nation provoke you to be unjust, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of Allah: Indeed, Allah is well aware of all that you do” (5:8).

قُلْ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا رَبُّنَا ثُمَّ يَفْتَحُ بَيْنَنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَهُوَ الْفَتَّاحُ الْعَلِيْمُ۝

“Say, Our Lord will bring us together; then He will judge between us equitably. He is certainly the Best Judge – the All-Knowing.” (34:26)

وَنَضَعُ الْمَوَازِيْنَ الْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ الْقِيٰمَةِ فَلَا تُظْلَمُ نَفْسٌ شَيْـًٔا وَّاِنْ كَانَ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ اَتَيْنَا بِهَا ^ط وَكَفٰى بِنَا حٰسِبِيْنَ۝

“We will set up the scales of justice for the Day of Qiyamah, so that no soul will suffer the least injustice. And even if it (deed) be the weight of a mustard-seed, We will bring it up. Sufficient are We as Reckoners.” (21:47)

وَ تَعَاوَنُوْا عَلَی الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوٰی ۪ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوْا عَلَی الْاِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۪ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ شَدِیْدُ الْعِقَابِ۝

“……… And cooperate with one another in virtuous conduct and conscience, and do not cooperate with one another in sin and hostility…….” (5:2)

کُنْتُمْ خَیْرَ اُمَّۃٍ اُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ ؕ

“You are the best of the nations’ ever raised up for mankind because you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in Allah……….” (3:110)

 

Right to Security of Life

Security of life is one of the most essential rights enshrined in the Holy Qur’an. Allah (SWT) has made life sacred, and it is completely forbidden to take away one’s life without any justified reason and without due process of law. The following verses have ensured the right to security of life:

وَ لَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِیْ حَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ اِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ ؕ

“Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause” (17:33).

 اَنَّہٗ مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًۢا بِغَیْرِ نَفْسٍ اَوْ فَسَادٍ فِی الْاَرْضِ فَكَاَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِیْعًا ؕ وَمَنْ اَحْیَاهَا فَكَاَنَّمَاۤ اَحْیَا النَّاسَ جَمِیْعًا ؕ.۝

“…if anyone kills a person – unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land – it is as if he kills all mankind while if any saves a life it is as if he saves the lives of all mankind” (5:32).

وَمَنْ یَّقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَآؤُہٗ جَهَنَّمُ خٰلِدًا فِیْهَا وَغَضِبَ اللّٰهُ عَلَیْهِ وَلَعَنَہٗ وَاَعَدَّ لَہٗ عَذَابًا عَظِیْمًا۝

“Whoever kills a believer deliberately, the penalty for him is Hell, where he will remain forever. And Allah will be angry with him, and will curse him, and will prepare for him a terrible punishment.” (4:93)

 وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْۤا اَنْفُسَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِکُمْ رَحِیْمًا ۝ وَمَنْ یَّفْعَلْ ذٰلِكَ عُدْوَانًا وَظُلْمًا فَسَوْفَ نُصْلِیْهِ نَارًا ؕ وَكَانَ ذٰلِكَ عَلَی اللّٰهِ یَسِیْرًا ۝

“(O you who believe!) ……… And do not kill yourselves, for Allah is Merciful towards you. Whoever does that, out of hostility and wrongdoing, We will cast him into a Fire. And that would be easy for Allah.” (4:29 – 30)

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْٓا اَوْلٰدَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ اِمْلٰقٍ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَاِيْاكُمْ اِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْـًٔا كَبِيْرًا۝

“Kill not your children for fear of poverty: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.” (17:31)

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللهُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ۝

“Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. To its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits……….” (2:286)

اِنَّ اللهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ النَّاسَ شَيْـًٔا وَّلٰكِنَّ النَّاسَ اَنْفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُوْنَ۝

“Allah does not wrong the people in the least, but the people wrong themselves.” (10:44)

 

Right to Security of Property

The Holy Qur’an recognizes the right to possess, acquire, buy and sell property by legitimate means without jeopardizing rights of others. Forcibly or illegally grabbing and possessing the property of another is strictly prohibited in Islam. Verses on this topic are quoted below:

وَ اِذَا تَوَلّٰی سَعٰی فِی الْاَرْضِ لِیُفْسِدَ فِیْهَا وَیُہْلِكَ الْحَرْثَ وَالنَّسْلَ ؕ   وَاللّٰهُ لَا یُحِبُّ الْفَسَادَ۝ وَاِذَا قِیْلَ لَهُ اتَّقِ اللّٰهَ اَخَذَتْهُ الْعِزَّۃُ بِالْاِثْمِ فَحَسْبُہٗ جَهَنَّمُ ؕ وَلَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ ۝

“When he gains power, he strives to spread corruption on earth, destroying properties and lives. Allah does not like corruption. And when he is told, ‘Beware of Allah,’ his pride leads him to more sin. Hell is enough for him — a dreadful abode.” (2:205 – 206)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَاْکُلُوْۤا اَمْوَالَکُمْ بَیْنَکُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ تَکُوْنَ تِجَارَۃً عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِّنْکُمْ ۟ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْۤا اَنْفُسَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِکُمْ رَحِیْمًا۝

“O Believers!  Do not consume each other’s wealth illicitly, but make deal by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves, for Allah is Merciful towards you.” (4:29)

فَاِذَا قُضِیَتِ الصَّلٰوۃُ فَانْتَشِرُوْا فِی الْاَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوْا مِنْ فَضْلِ اللّٰهِ وَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰهَ كَثِیْرًا لَّعَلَّکُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ ۝

“Then, when the prayer is concluded, disperse through the land, and seek Allah’s bounty (for livelihood), and remember Allah much, so that you may prosper.” (62:10)

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ یَاْکُلُوْنَ اَمْوَالَ الْیَتٰمٰی ظُلْمًا اِنَّمَا یَاْکُلُوْنَ فِیْ بُطُوْنِهِمْ نَارًا ؕ وَسَیَصْلَوْنَ سَعِیْرًا۝

“Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire and they will soon enter into the blaze.” (4:10)

 

Right to Religious Freedom

Allah (SWT) has given free will to every human and allowed them to either accept or reject the faith that He has recommended for humanity according to their own choice. So, Islam has granted freedom of belief to people of different faiths as they like. Such freedom of belief and worship is related to the observance of religious rituals, following religious practices, traditions, and teachings, and running religious institutions and places of worship. Islam encourages Muslims to preach the message of Allah (SWT) in a peaceful and decent manner, and prohibits them from coercing or forcing followers of other religions to alter their religious belief against their will. The Qur’an awakens humanity’s wisdom and understanding to realize the rationality of true religion. The following verses are linked to this topic:

مَنِ اهْتَدٰی فَاِنَّمَا یَہْتَدِیْ لِنَفْسِہ ۚ  وَمَنْ ضَلَّ فَاِنَّمَا یَضِلُّ عَلَیْهَا ؕ  وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَۃٌ وِّزْرَ اُخْرٰیؕ

“Whoever chooses to follow the right path, follows it but for his own good; and whoever goes astray, but goes to his own loss; and no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear another’s burden. …….” (17:15).

وَقُلِ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَّبِّكُمْ فَمَنْ شَآءَ فَلْيُؤْمِنْ وَمَنْ شَآءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ ۝

“And (O Prophet) say, ‘The truth is from your Lord; so, let him who pleases believe and let him who pleases disbelieve’.” (18:29).

لَا اِكْرَاهَ فِى الدِّينِ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَىِّ ۝

“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error………….” (2:256)

لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ۝

“To you be your religion, and to me my religion.” (109:6)

نَّحْنُ اَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُوْلُوْنَ وَمَاۤ اَنْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ بِجَبَّارٍ فَذَكِّرْ بِالْقُرْاٰنِ مَنْ يَّخَافُ وَعِيْدِ۝

“We know best what they say, and you are not one to force them (to accept Islam). ……..” (50:45)

 اللهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ لَنَاۤ اَعْمٰلُنَا وَلَكُمْ اَعْمٰلُكُمْ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمُ اللهُ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا وَاِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيْرُ۝

“Say (O Prophet): …… Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) Final Goal’.” (42:15)

وَ لَوْ لَا دَفْعُ اللّٰهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِیَعٌ وَصَلَوٰتٌ وَمَسٰجِدُ یُذْكَرُ فِیْهَا اسْمُ اللّٰهِ كَثِیْرًا ؕ وَلَیَنْصُرَنَّ اللّٰهُ مَنْ یَّنْصُرُہٗ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَقَوِیٌّ عَزِیْزٌ ۝……

“……… Did not Allah check one group of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly assist those who assist his (cause); – for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will).” (22:40)

لِکُلِّ اُمَّۃٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنْسَکًا هُمْ نَاسِکُوْهُ فَلَا یُنَازِعُنَّكَ فِی الْاَمْرِ وَادْعُ اِلٰی رَبِّكَ ؕ اِنَّكَ لَعَلٰی هُدًی مُّسْتَقِیْمٍ ۝ وَاِنْ جٰدَلُوْكَ فَقُلِ اللّٰهُ اَعْلَمُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ۝ اَللّٰهُ یَحْکُمُ بَیْنَکُمْ یَوْمَ الْقِیٰمَۃِ فِیْمَا کُنْتُمْ فِیْهِ تَخْتَلِفُوْنَ ۝

“To every People have We prescribed rites and rituals which they must follow: let them not then dispute with you on the matter, but do you invite (them) towards your Lord: for you are assuredly on the Right Path. If they do wrangle with you, say, ‘(Allah) knows best what it is you are doing. (Allah) will judge between you on the Day of Judgement concerning the matters in which you differ’.” (22:67 – 69)

 لِکُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنْکُمْ شِرْعَۃً وَمِنْهَاجًا ؕ وَلَوْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ لَجَعَلَکُمْ اُمَّۃً وَّاحِدَۃً وَّلٰكِنْ لِّیَبْلُوَکُمْ فِیْ مَاۤ اٰتٰىکُمْ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَیْرٰتِ ؕ اِلَی اللّٰهِ مَرْجِعُکُمْ جَمِیْعًا فَیُنَبِّئُکُمْ بِمَا کُنْتُمْ فِیْهِ تَخْتَلِفُوْنَ ۝…….

“…….. For each of you We gave a ‘Shariah’ (law) and a set path. Had Allah willed, He could have made you a single nation, but He tests you through what He has given you. So, vie in righteousness. To Allah is your return, all of you; then He will inform you of what you had disputed.” (5:48)

وَلِكُلٍّ دَرَجٰتٌ مِّمَّا عَمِلُوْا وَلِيُوَفِّيَهُمْ اَعْمٰلَهُمْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُوْنَ۝

“And all will be ranked according to the deeds which they (have done), and in order that (Allah) may recompense their deeds, and no injustice be done to them.” (46:19)

وَلَا تَسُبُّوْا الَّذِيْنَ يَدْعُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللهِ فَيَسُبُّوْا اللهَ عَدْوًۢا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍۗ ۝

“Do not condemn those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance. …….” (6:108)

 

Rights of Parents

In Islam, parents’ dignity has been elevated to a high level. Allah (SWT) has commanded everyone to treat parents most generously and respectfully, and to look after them with utmost care at their old age. Parents should be honored and treated well in every aspect, even if they are atheists. It is not permissible to become rude with them or disobey them on any matter, if that doesn’t go against any fundamental norms of Islam. Though the dignity of the father as head of the family is above all, at the same time, Islam has raised the status of the mother three degrees above that of the father with respect to good behavior and placed children’s paradise at her feet. Concerning the rights of parents, the following verses are quoted:

وَوَصَّیْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَیْهِ ۚ حَمَلَتْهُ اُمُّہٗ وَهْنًا عَلٰی وَهْنٍ وَّفِصٰلُہٗ فِیْ عَامَیْنِ اَنِ اشْکُرْ لِیْ وَلِوَالِدَیْكَ ؕ اِلَیَّ الْمَصِیْرُ ۝ وَاِنْ جَاهَدٰكَ عَلٰۤی اَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِیْ مَا لَیْسَ لَكَ بِہٖ عِلْمٌ ۙ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِی الدُّنْیَا مَعْرُوْفًا ۫ وَاتَّبِعْ سَبِیْلَ مَنْ اَنَابَ اِلَیَّ ۚ ثُمَّ اِلَیَّ مَرْجِعُکُمْ فَاُنَبِّئُکُمْ بِمَا کُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُوْنَ ۝

“I have instructed man to treat his parents well. His mother suffers him after suffering and gives birth to his womb. His milk is weaned for two years, (ordering) to be grateful to Me and your parents. If your parents insist you to ascribe a partner with Me, of which you have no knowledge, then you will not obey them. But in this worldly life live with them honestly. Whoever turns to Me will follow his path. Then to Us is your return. Then I will inform you of what you did.” (31:14 – 15)

وَقَضٰی رَبُّكَ اَلَّا تَعْبُدُوْۤا اِلَّاۤ اِیَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَیْنِ اِحْسَانًا ؕ اِمَّا یَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ اَحَدُهُمَاۤ اَوْ كِلٰهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَّهُمَاۤ اُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِیْمًا ۝ وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَۃِ وَقُلْ رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّیٰنِیْ صَغِیْرًا ۝

“Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be good to your parents. If either of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them ‘uf’ (a word of annoyance), nor reprimand them, but say to them kind words. And lower to them the wings of humility out of mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was a child.” (17:23 – 24)

وَوَصَّیْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَیْهِ حُسْنًا ؕ وَّاِنْ جَاهَدٰكَ لِتُشْرِكَ بِیْ مَا لَیْسَ لَكَ بِہٖ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ؕ  اِلَیَّ مَرْجِعُکُمْ فَاُنَبِّئُکُمْ بِمَا کُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُوْنَ ۝

“We have advised the human being to be good to his parents. But if they urge you to associate with Me something you have no knowledge of, do not obey them. To Me is your return; and then I will inform you of what you used to do.” (29:8)

وَوَصَّیْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَیْهِ ۚ حَمَلَتْهُ اُمُّہٗ وَهْنًا عَلٰی وَهْنٍ وَفِصٰلُہٗ فِیْ عَامَیْنِ اَنِ اشْکُرْ لِیْ وَلِوَالِدَیْكَ ؕ اِلَیَّ الْمَصِیْرُ ۝ وَاِنْ

“And We have enjoined man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and his weaning took two years: (hear the command), ‘Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) destination’.” (31:14)

وَوَصَّیْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَیْهِ اِحْسٰنًا ؕ حَمَلَتْهُ اُمُّہٗ کُرْہًا وَّوَضَعَتْهُ کُرْہًا ؕ وَحَمْلُہٗ وَفِصٰلُہٗ  ثَلٰثُوْنَ شَہْرًا ؕ حَتّٰۤی اِذَا بَلَغَ اَشُدَّہٗ وَبَلَغَ اَرْبَعِیْنَ سَنَۃً ۙ قَالَ رَبِّ اَوْزِعْنِیْۤ اَنْ اَشْکُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِیْۤ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیَّ وَعَلٰی وَالِدَیَّ وَاَنْ اَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضٰهُ وَاَصْلِحْ لِیْ فِیْ ذُرِّیَّتِیْ ۚؕ اِنِّیْ تُبْتُ اِلَیْكَ وَاِنِّیْ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِیْنَ ۝

“We have enjoined man to treat his parents with kindness. His mother carried him with difficulty and delivered him with difficulty. His bearing and weaning take thirty months. Until, when he has attained his maturity, and has reached the age of forty, he says, “O my Lord, grant me ability to appreciate the blessings You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do good deeds that are pleasing to You. And make my children righteous. Verily I have sincerely repented to You, and I am of those who have surrendered to You.” (46:15)

 

Rights of Orphans

Allah (SWT) and His Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) have expressed concern and compassion for orphans’ vulnerability, care, and welfare. It is an important religious duty on the part of orphans’ guardians to look after them with the utmost care and affection and to properly manage assets that their parents left before their deaths until they reach the age of maturity. It is absolutely prohibited to misuse or misappropriate an orphan’s wealth. The Qur’an cautions 23 times about safeguarding orphans and their wealth. The Prophet (ﷺ) said of the immense reward of caring for orphans, “The caretaker of the orphan will enter paradise together (with me) like this, raising his forefinger and middle finger jointly, leaving no space in between.” (Sahih Bukhari).

The verses of the Qur’an on the above topic are cited below:

 وَیَسْـَٔلُوْنَكَ عَنِ الْیَتٰمٰی ؕ قُلْ اِصْلَاحٌ لَّهُمْ خَیْرٌ ؕ وَاِنْ تُخَالِطُوْهُمْ فَاِخْوَانُکُمْ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ یَعْلَمُ الْمُفْسِدَ مِنَ الْمُصْلِحِ ؕ وَلَوْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ لَاَعْنَتَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ ۝……..

“………. And they ask you about orphans. Say, ‘Improvement of their lot is best. And if you intermix their cost of living with yours, then think they are your brethren.” Indeed, Allah knows the dishonest from the honest (whose purpose is honest or dishonest). Had Allah willed, He could have overburdened you. Allah is Mighty and Wise.” (2:220)

وَاٰتُوا الْیَتٰمٰۤی اَمْوَالَهُمْ وَلَا تَتَبَدَّلُوا الْخَبِیْثَ بِالطَّیِّبِ ۪ وَلَا تَاْکُلُوْۤا اَمْوَالَهُمْ اِلٰۤی اَمْوَالِکُمْ ؕ اِنَّہٗ كَانَ حُوْبًا كَبِیْرًا ۝

“And give to the orphans their property, and do not substitute worthless (things) for (their) good (ones) and do not devour their property (as an addition) to your own property; this is surely a great sin.” (4:2)

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ یَاْکُلُوْنَ اَمْوَالَ الْیَتٰمٰی ظُلْمًا اِنَّمَا یَاْکُلُوْنَ فِیْ بُطُوْنِهِمْ نَارًا ؕ وَسَیَصْلَوْنَ سَعِیْرًا۝

“Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire and they will soon enter into the blaze.” (4:10)

وَ لَا تَقْرَبُوْا مَالَ الْیَتِیْمِ اِلَّا بِالَّتِیْ هِیَ اَحْسَنُ حَتّٰی یَبْلُغَ اَشُدَّہٗ ۪ وَاَوْفُوْا بِالْعَہْدِ ۚ اِنَّ الْعَہْدَ كَانَ مَسْـُٔوْلًا ۝

“And do not go near the orphan’s property, except with the best of intentions, until he has reached his maturity. And honor your pledge, certainly every pledge of yours involves responsibility and accountability.” (17:34)

وَابْتَلُوا الْیَتٰمٰی حَتّٰۤی اِذَا بَلَغُوا النِّكَاحَ ۚ فَاِنْ اٰنَسْتُمْ مِّنْهُمْ رُشْدًا فَادْفَعُوْۤا اِلَیْهِمْ اَمْوَالَهُمْ ۚ وَلَا تَاْکُلُوْهَاۤ اِسْرَافًا وَبِدَارًا اَنْ یَّکْبَرُوْا ؕ وَمَنْ كَانَ غَنِیًّا فَلْیَسْتَعْفِفْ ۚ وَمَنْ كَانَ فَقِیْرًا فَلْیَاْکُلْ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ؕ فَاِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ اِلَیْهِمْ اَمْوَالَهُمْ فَاَشْهِدُوْا عَلَیْهِمْ ؕ وَكَفٰی بِاللّٰهِ حَسِیْبًا۝

“Keep special attention to the orphans until they reach the age of marriage. If you find their maturity of mind enough, hand over their properties to them. And do not consume it extravagantly or hastily before they grow up. The rich shall abstain from charging any remuneration, but the poor may charge fairly. When you hand over their properties to them, keep witnesses. Allah suffices as a Reckoner.” (4:6)

وَلَا تَقْرَبُوْا مَالَ الْیَتِیْمِ اِلَّا بِالَّتِیْ هِیَ اَحْسَنُ حَتّٰی یَبْلُغَ اَشُدَّہٗ ۚ وَاَوْفُوا الْكَیْلَ وَالْمِیْزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ وَاِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوْا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبٰی ۚ وَبِعَہْدِ اللّٰهِ اَوْفُوْا ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ وَصّٰکُمْ بِہٖ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَذَكَرُوْنَ ۝

“And do not come near the property of the orphan, except with the best intentions, until he reaches maturity. And give full weight and full measure, equitably. We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity. And when you speak, be fair, even if it concerns a close relative. And fulfill your covenant with Allah. All this He has enjoined upon you, so that you may take heed.” (6:152)

 

Rights of Distressed People: Relatives, Neighbors, Poor, Wayfarers

Islam acknowledges the right to the basic needs of life for poor relatives, aides, slaves, neighbors, and needy people irrespective of religious, racial, and ethnic discrimination. Anyone deprived of basic necessities is entitled to receive help from individual or state sources. The rights and mutual responsibilities as enshrined in the Qur’an and Hadith have tremendous potential for individual and social reform. Allah (SWT) has mandated the rights of these people to be addressed fairly. So, it is the responsibility of every Muslim who has sufficient resources to give from their wealth in order to eradicate poverty from society. During the Prophet’s (ﷺ) time, the Zakat fund was established to meet the basic needs of the poor.

The Qur’anic verses on the above topic are cited below.

وَ فِیْۤ اَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ لِّلسَّآئِلِ وَالْمَحْرُوْمِ۝

“And in their wealth and possessions has the right of the beggars and deprived (the needy one who can’t ask because of shyness)”. (51:19)

فَاٰتِ ذَاالْقُرْبٰی حَقَّہٗ وَالْمِسْكِیْنَ وَابْنَ‌السَّبِیْلِ ؕ ذٰلِكَ خَیْرٌ لِّلَّذِیْنَ یُرِیْدُوْنَ وَجْهَ اللّٰهِ ۫ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ ۝

“So, give what is due to relatives and kin, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek the Countenance of Allah, and it is they who will succeed.” (30:38)

وَاٰتِ ذَاالْقُرْبٰی حَقَّہٗ وَالْمِسْكِیْنَ وَابْنَ السَّبِیْلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِیْرًا ۝ اِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِیْنَ كَانُوْۤا اِخْوَانَ الشَّیٰطِیْنِ ؕ وَكَانَ الشَّیْطٰنُ لِرَبِّہٖ كَفُوْرًا ۝ وَاِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ابْتِغَآءَ رَحْمَۃٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكَ تَرْجُوْهَا فَقُلْ لَّهُمْ قَوْلًا مَّیْسُوْرًا

“And give the relative his rights, and the poor, and the wayfarer, and do not squander wastefully. The extravagant are brethren of the Satan, and the Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord. But if you are to avert them, seek mercy from your Lord which you hope for, then say to them words of consolation.” (17:26 – 28)

یَسْـَٔلُوْنَكَ مَا ذَا یُنْفِقُوْنَ ۬ؕ قُلْ مَاۤ اَنْفَقْتُمْ مِّنْ خَیْرٍ فَلِلْوَالِدَیْنِ وَالْاَقْرَبِیْنَ وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَابْنِ‌السَّبِیْلِ ؕ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِہٖ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Whatever charity you give is for the parents, and the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and the wayfarer. Whatever good you do, Allah is indeed aware of it.” (2:215)

وَاعْبُدُوا اللّٰهَ وَلَا تُشْرِکُوْا بِہٖ شَیْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَیْنِ اِحْسَانًا وَبِذِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَالْجَارِ ذِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنْۢبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِیْلِ ۙ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یُحِبُّ مَنْ كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُوْرَا ۝

“Worship Allah, and ascribe no partners to Him, and be good to the parents, and the relatives, and the orphans, and the poor, and the neighbor next door, and the distant neighbor, and the close associate, and the traveler, and your slaves. Allah does not love the arrogant showoff.” (4:36)

لَیْسَ الْبِرَّ اَنْ تُوَلُّوْا وُجُوْهَکُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَالْمَلٰٓئِكَۃِ وَالْكِتٰبِ وَالنَّبِیّٖنَ ۚ وَاٰتَی الْمَالَ عَلٰی حُبِّہٖ ذَوِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنَ وَابْنَ السَّبِیْلِ ۙ وَالسَّآئِلِیْنَ وَفِی الرِّقَابِ ۚ وَاَقَامَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتَی الزَّکٰوۃَ ۚ وَالْمُوْفُوْنَ بِعَہْدِهِمْ اِذَا عٰهَدُوْا ۚ وَالصّٰبِرِیْنَ فِی الْبَاْسَآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَحِیْنَ الْبَاْسِ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ الَّذِیْنَ صَدَقُوْا ؕ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُوْنَ ۝

“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards east or west; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your wealth, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the righteous.” (2:177)

اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَاْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْاِحْسَانِ وَاِیْتَآیِٔ ذِی الْقُرْبٰی وَیَنْهٰی عَنِ الْفَحْشَآءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ وَالْبَغْیِ ۚ یَعِظُکُمْ  لَعَلَّکُمْ  تَذَكَرُوْنَ ۝

“Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and generosity to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and transgression: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.” (16:90)

 وَاُولُوا الْاَرْحَامِ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلٰی بِبَعْضٍ فِیْ كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ وَالْمُهٰجِرِیْنَ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ تَفْعَلُوْۤا اِلٰۤی اَوْلِیٰٓئِکُمْ مَّعْرُوْفًا ؕ كَانَ ذٰلِكَ فِی الْكِتٰبِ مَسْطُوْرًا ۝…….

“…………… And according to Allah’s Book blood-relatives are closer to one another (in inheritance) than the believers or the emigrants, but if you wish you may do good to your friends. That is inscribed in the Book.” (33:6)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا قُوْۤا اَنْفُسَکُمْ وَاَهْلِیْکُمْ نَارًا وَقُوْدُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَۃُ عَلَیْهَا مَلٰٓئِكَۃٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا یَعْصُوْنَ اللّٰهَ مَاۤ اَمَرَهُمْ وَیَفْعَلُوْنَ مَا یُؤْمَرُوْنَ ۝

“O Believers!  Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire, whose fuel will be people and stones. Over it there are Angels (engaged), (who are) fierce and severe (by nature). They never disobey Allah in anything He commands them, and they carry out whatever they are commanded.” (66:6)

وَ لْیَخْشَ الَّذِیْنَ لَوْ تَرَکُوْا مِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ ذُرِّیَّۃً ضِعٰفًا خَافُوْا عَلَیْهِمْ ۪ فَلْیَتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَلْیَقُوْلُوْا قَوْلًا سَدِیْدًا ۝

“Those who are concerned about the fate of their weak children, in case they leave them behind, should fear Allah, and speak appropriate words.” (4:9)

وَیَسْتَفْتُوْنَكَ فِی النِّسَآءِ ؕ قُلِ اللّٰهُ یُفْتِیْکُمْ فِیْهِنَّ ۙ وَمَا یُتْلٰی عَلَیْکُمْ فِی الْكِتٰبِ فِیْ یَتٰمَی النِّسَآءِ الّٰتِیْ لَاتُؤْ تُوْنَهُنَّ مَا کُتِبَ لَهُنَّ وَتَرْغَبُوْنَ اَنْ تَنْكِحُوْهُنَّ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِیْنَ مِنَ الْوِلْدَانِ ۙ وَاَنْ تَقُوْمُوْا لِلْیَتٰمٰی بِالْقِسْطِ ؕ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِہٖ عَلِیْمًا۝

“They ask you for a decision about women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling about them, and so does what is stated to you in the Book about widowed women from whom you withhold what is decreed for them, yet you desire to marry them, and about helpless children: that you should treat the orphans fairly.’ Whatever good you do, Allah knows it.” (4:127)

……كَلَّا بَلْ لَّا تُکْرِمُوْنَ الْیَتِیْمَ ۝ وَلَا تَحٰٓضُّوْنَ عَلٰی طَعَامِ الْمِسْكِیْنِ ۝ وَتَاْکُلُوْنَ التُّرَاثَ اَکْلًا لَّمًّا۝ وَ تُحِبُّوْنَ الْمَالَ حُبًّا جَمًّا ۝ كَلَّاۤ

“Not at all. But you do not honor the orphan. And you do not urge the feeding of the poor. And you devour property of the deceased with all greed. And you love wealth enormously. It shouldn’t…….” (89:17 – 21)

فَاَمَّا الْیَتِیْمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ ۝ وَاَمَّا السَّآئِلَ فَلَا تَنْهَرْ ۝ وَاَمَّا بِنِعْمَۃِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ ۝

“Therefore, do not be harsh to the orphan. Nor rebuff the one who solicits. But proclaim the blessings of your Lord.” (93:9 – 11)

اَرَءَیْتَ الَّذِیْ یُكَذِّبُ بِالدِّیْنِ ۝ فَذٰلِكَ الَّذِیْ یَدُعُّ الْیَتِیْمَ ۝ وَلَا یَحُضُّ عَلٰی طَعَامِ الْمِسْكِیْنِ ۝

“Have you seen him who denies the religion? It is he who drives out the orphan. And does not encourage the feeding of the poor.” (107:1 – 3)

اَلَّذِیْنَ یُنْفِقُوْنَ اَمْوَالَهُمْ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ثُمَّ لَا یُتْبِعُوْنَ مَاۤ اَنْفَقُوْا مَنًّا وَلَاۤ اَذًی ۙ لَّهُمْ اَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَیْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ یَحْزَنُوْنَ ۝ قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوْفٌ وَمَغْفِرَۃٌ خَیْرٌ مِّنْ صَدَقَۃٍ یَّتْبَعُهَاۤ اَذًی ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَنِیٌّ حَلِیْمٌ ۝

“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, and then do not follow up what they spent with reminders of their generosity or with insults, will have their reward with their Lord – they have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve. Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by stinging. Allah is Rich and Clement.” (2:262 – 263)

لِلْفُقَرَآءِ الَّذِیْنَ اُحْصِرُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ لَا یَسْتَطِیْعُوْنَ ضَرْبًا فِی الْاَرْضِ ۫ یَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ اَغْنِیَآءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ ۚ تَعْرِفُهُمْ بِسِیْمٰهُمْ ۚ لَا یَسْـَٔلُوْنَ النَّاسَ اِلْحَافًا ؕ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِہٖ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“It is for the poor; those who are occupied in the path of Allah, and unable to travel in the land for livelihood. The unaware would think them rich, due to their dignity. You will recognize them by their characteristics. They do not ask from people insistently. Whatever charity you give, Allah is aware of it.” (2:273)

وَ اِنْ كَانَ ذُوْ عُسْرَۃٍ فَنَظِرَۃٌ اِلٰی مَیْسَرَۃٍ ؕ وَاَنْ تَصَدَّقُوْا خَیْرٌ لَّکُمْ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ۝

“But if he (the debtor) is in hardship, then grant him respite until a time of ease. But if you were to write it off as an act of charity, that would be better for you, if you only knew.” (2:280)

وَاِذْ اَخَذْنَا مِیْثَاقَ بَنِیْۤ اِسْرَآءِیْلَ لَا تَعْبُدُوْنَ اِلَّا اللّٰهَ وَبِالْوَالِدَیْنِ اِحْسَانًا وَّذِی ‌الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَقُوْلُوْا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا وَّاَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ ؕ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّیْتُمْ اِلَّا قَلِیْلًا مِّنْکُمْ وَاَنْتُمْ مُّعْرِضُوْنَ ۝

“We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: ‘Worship none but Allah; and be good to parents, and relatives, and orphans, and the needy; and speak nicely to people; and pray regularly and give alms.’ Then you turned away, except for a few, and you are the renouncers.” (2:83)

وَلَا یَاْتَلِ اُولُوا الْفَضْلِ مِنْکُمْ وَالسَّعَۃِ اَنْ یُّؤْتُوْۤا اُولِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنَ وَالْمُهٰجِرِیْنَ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ۪ۖ وَلْیَعْفُوْا وَلْیَصْفَحُوْا ؕ اَلَا تُحِبُّوْنَ اَنْ یَّغْفِرَ اللّٰهُ لَکُمْ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَفُوْرٌ  رَّحِیْمٌ

“Those of you who have affluence and means should not refuse to give anything to the relatives, and the needy, and the emigrants for the sake of Allah. And let them pardon and let them overlook their faults. Do you not love for Allah to pardon you? Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (24:22)

……مَاۤ اَفَآءَ اللّٰهُ عَلٰی رَسُوْلِہٖ مِنْ اَهْلِ الْقُرٰی فَلِلّٰهِ وَلِلرَّسُوْلِ وَ لِذِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَابْنِ السَّبِیْلِ ۙ كَیْ لَا یَکُوْنَ دُوْلَۃًۢ بَیْنَ الْاَغْنِیَآءِ مِنْکُمْ

“Whatever Allah gave to His Messenger from the inhabitants of the villages belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to the relatives, and to the orphans, and to the poor, and to the wayfarer; so that it may not be accumulated solely among the wealthy among you. ………..” (59:7)

وَ مَاۤ اَدْرٰىكَ مَا الْعَقَبَۃُ ۝ فَکُّ رَقَبَۃٍ ۝ اَوْ اِطْعٰمٌ فِیْ یَوْمٍ ذِیْ مَسْغَبَۃٍ ۝ یَّتِیْمًا ذَا مَقْرَبَۃٍ۝ اَوْ مِسْكِیْنًا ذَا مَتْرَبَۃٍ ۝ ثُمَّ كَانَ مِنَ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْمَرْحَمَۃِ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ اَصْحٰبُ الْمَیْمَنَۃِ ۝

“And what will explain to you what the path that is steep? The freeing of a slave, Or the feeding on a day of famine – orphaned kin, Or a destitute in the dust. Then he becomes of those who believe, and advise one another to patience, and advise one another to kindness.  These are the people of the right (good luck).” (90:12 – 18)

اِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُکُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللّٰهِ لَا نُرِیْدُ مِنْکُمْ جَزَآءً   وَّ لَا  شُکُوْرًا ۝

“We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: we desire no recompense from you, nor thanks.” (76:9)

 

Rights of Husband and Wives

Allah (SWT) designed man and woman to be complementary and supportive of one another. Human life becomes meaningful, wholesome, and happy with the combined efforts of both husband and wife. Both have rights over one another, and the Qur’an has clearly mentioned their rights to make their marital life harmonious and peaceful. Both of them have their own roles and responsibilities as well as mutual efforts and commitments to live a happy and cordial family life. Islam also gives full justice to wives whose husbands have divorced them.

The verses on this topic are quoted below:

….هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّكُمْ وَاَنْتُمْ لِبَاسٌ….

“……… They (wives) are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them……..” (2:187)

اَلرِّجَالُ قَوّٰمُوْنَ عَلَی النِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلٰی بَعْضٍ وَبِمَاۤ اَنْفَقُوْا مِنْ اَمْوَالِهِمْ ؕ

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, as Allah has given some of them a characteristic over others, and because they spend out of their wealth……..” (4:34)

وَ لَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِیْ عَلَیْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ  وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَیْهِنَّ دَرَجَۃٌ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ۝

“……….. And women have rights similar to their obligations, according to what is fair. But men have a degree over them. Allah is Mighty and Wise.” (2:228)

وَ لَکُمْ نِصْفُ مَا تَرَكَ اَزْوَاجُکُمْ اِنْ لَّمْ یَکُنْ لَّهُنَّ وَلَدٌ ۚ فَاِنْ كَانَ لَهُنَّ وَلَدٌ فَلَکُمُ الرُّبُعُ مِمَّا تَرَکْنَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ وَصِیَّۃٍ یُّوْصِیْنَ بِهَاۤ اَوْ دَیْنٍ ؕ وَلَهُنَّ الرُّبُعُ مِمَّا تَرَکْتُمْ اِنْ لَّمْ یَکُنْ لَّکُمْ وَلَدٌ ۚ فَاِنْ كَانَ لَکُمْ وَلَدٌ فَلَهُنَّ الثُّمُنُ مِمَّا تَرَکْتُمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِ وَصِیَّۃٍ تُوْصُوْنَ بِهَاۤ اَوْ دَیْنٍ ؕ۝

“You get one-half of what your wives leave behind, if they had no children. If they had children, you get one-fourth of what they leave. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts. They get one-fourth of what you leave behind, if you have no children. If you have children, they get one-eighth of what you leave. After fulfilling any bequest and paying off debts………….” (4:12)

وَ اٰتُوا النِّسَآءَ صَدُقٰتِهِنَّ نِحْلَۃً ؕ     فَاِنْ طِبْنَ لَکُمْ عَنْ شَیْءٍ مِّنْهُ نَفْسًا فَکُلُوْهُ هَنِیْٓــًٔا مَّرِیْٓــًٔا ۝

“Give women their dowries graciously. But if they willingly forego some of it, then consume it with enjoyment and pleasure.” (4:4)

يٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا نَكَحْتُمُ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ ثُمَّ طَلَّقْتُمُوْهُنَّ مِنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ تَمَسُّوْهُنَّ فَمَا لَکُمْ عَلَیْهِنَّ مِنْ عِدَّۃٍ تَعْتَدُّوْنَهَا ۚ فَمَتِّعُوْهُنَّ وَسَرِّحُوْهُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِیْلًا ۝

“O Believers!  When you marry believing women, but then divorce them before you have touched them, you have no right to compel them to observe waiting period (Iddat); but compensate them, and release them in a graceful manner.” (33:49)

وَلَنْ تَسْتَطِیْعُوْۤا اَنْ تَعْدِلُوْا بَیْنَ النِّسَآءِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتُمْ فَلَا تَمِیْلُوْا کُلَّ الْمَیْلِ فَتَذَرُوْهَا كَالْمُعَلَّقَۃِ ؕ وَاِنْ تُصْلِحُوْا وَتَتَّقُوْا فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِیْمًا ۝ وَ اِنْ یَّتَفَرَّقَا یُغْنِ اللّٰهُ کُلًّا مِّنْ سَعَتِہٖ ؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ وَاسِعًا حَكِیْمًا ۝

“You will not be able to treat women with equal fairness, no matter how much you desire it. But do not be so biased as to leave another suspended. If you make amends, and act righteously – Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (4:129 – 130)

اَسْكِنُوْهُنَّ مِنْ حَیْثُ سَكَنْتُمْ مِّنْ وُّجْدِکُمْ وَلَا تُضَآرُّوْهُنَّ لِتُضَیِّقُوْا عَلَیْهِنَّ ؕ وَاِنْ کُنَّ اُولَاتِ حَمْلٍ فَاَنْفِقُوْا عَلَیْهِنَّ حَتّٰی یَضَعْنَ حَمْلَهُنَّ ۚ فَاِنْ اَرْضَعْنَ لَکُمْ فَاٰتُوْهُنَّ اُجُوْرَهُنَّ ۚ وَاْتَمِرُوْا بَیْنَکُمْ بِمَعْرُوْفٍ ۚ وَاِنْ تَعَاسَرْتُمْ فَسَتُرْضِعُ لَہٗۤ  اُخْرٰی ۝ لِیُنْفِقْ ذُوْ سَعَۃٍ مِّنْ سَعَتِہٖ ؕ وَمَنْ قُدِرَ عَلَیْهِ رِزْقُہٗ فَلْیُنْفِقْ مِمَّاۤ اٰتٰىهُ اللّٰهُ ؕ لَا یُكَلِّفُ اللّٰهُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا مَاۤ اٰتٰىهَا ؕ سَیَجْعَلُ اللّٰهُ بَعْدَ عُسْرٍ یُّسْرًا ۝

“Allow them (the divorcee women) to reside where you reside (during Iddat time) according to your means, and do not harass them in order to make things difficult for them. If they are pregnant, spend on them until they give birth. And if they nurse your infant, give them their payment. And consult with each other amicably. But if you disagree, then let another wet-nurse to suckle the child. The wealthy shall spend according to his means; and he whose resources are inadequate, shall spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah never burdens a soul beyond what He has given it. Allah will bring ease after hardship.” (65:6 – 7)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا یَحِلُّ لَکُمْ اَنْ تَرِثُوا النِّسَآءَ كَرْہًا ؕ وَلَا تَعْضُلُوْهُنَّ لِتَذْهَبُوْا بِبَعْضِ مَاۤ اٰتَیْتُمُوْهُنَّ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ یَّاْتِیْنَ بِفَاحِشَۃٍ مُّبَیِّنَۃٍ ۚ    وَعَاشِرُوْهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ۚ فَاِنْ كَرِهْتُمُوْهُنَّ فَعَسٰۤی اَنْ تَکْرَهُوْا شَیْئًا وَیَجْعَلَ اللّٰهُ فِیْهِ خَیْرًا كَثِیْرًا ۝ وَّاِنْ اَرَدْتُّمُ اسْتِبْدَالَ زَوْجٍ مَّكَانَ زَوْجٍ ۙ وَاٰتَیْتُمْ اِحْدٰهُنَّ قِنْطَارًا فَلَا تَاْخُذُوْا مِنْهُ شَیْئًا ؕ اَتَاْخُذُوْنَہٗ بُہْتَانًا وَّ اِثْمًا مُّبِیْنًا ۝ وَّكَیْفَ تَاْخُذُوْنَہٗ وَقَدْ اَفْضٰی بَعْضُکُمْ اِلٰی بَعْضٍ وَاَخَذْنَ مِنْکُمْ مِّیْثَاقًا غَلِیْظًا ۝

“O Believers!  It is not permitted for you to inherit women against their will. And do not coerce them in order to take away some of what you had given them, unless they commit a proven adultery. And live with them in kindness. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed much good. If you wish to replace one wife with another, and you have given one of them a fortune, take nothing back from it. Would you take it back fraudulently and sinfully? And how can you take it back, when you have had intimate relationship with one another, and they have received from you a solid commitment?” (4:19 – 21)

وَالْوَالِدٰتُ یُرْضِعْنَ اَوْلَادَهُنَّ حَوْلَیْنِ كَامِلَیْنِ لِمَنْ اَرَادَ اَنْ یُّتِمَّ الرَّضَاعَۃَ ؕ وَعَلَی الْمَوْلُوْدِ لَہٗ رِزْقُهُنَّ وَكِسْوَتُهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ؕ لَا تُكَلَّفُ نَفْسٌ اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَا تُضَآرَّ وَالِدَۃٌۢ بِوَلَدِهَا وَلَا مَوْلُوْدٌ لَّہٗ بِوَلَدِہٖ ^ق وَعَلَی الْوَارِثِ مِثْلُ ذٰلِكَ ۚ فَاِنْ اَرَادَا فِصَالًا عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِّنْهُمَا وَتَشَاوُرٍ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْهِمَا ؕ وَاِنْ اَرَدْتُّمْ اَنْ تَسْتَرْضِعُوْۤا اَوْلَادَکُمْ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ اِذَا سَلَّمْتُمْ مَّاۤ اٰتَیْتُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرٌ ۝

“Mothers may suckle their infants for two whole years, for those who desire to complete the suckling-period. It is the duty of the father to provide for them and clothe them in a proper manner. No soul shall be burdened beyond its capacity. No mother shall be harmed on account of her child, and no father shall be harmed on account of his child. The same duty rests upon the heir. If the couple desires weaning, by mutual consent and consultation, they commit no error by doing so. You commit no error by hiring nursing mothers, as long as you pay them fairly. And be wary of Allah, and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do.” (2:233)

وَ اِنْ خِفْتُمْ اَلَّا تُقْسِطُوْا فِی الْیَتٰمٰی فَانْكِحُوْا مَا طَابَ لَکُمْ مِّنَ النِّسَآءِ مَثْنٰی وَثُلٰثَ وَرُبٰعَ ۚ فَاِنْ خِفْتُمْ اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْا فَوَاحِدَۃً اَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ ؕ ذٰلِكَ اَدْنٰۤی اَلَّا تَعُوْلُوْا ۝

“If you fear that you cannot act fairly towards the (female) orphans – then marry the women you like – two, or three, or four. But (still) if you fear that you will not be fair, then (marry) only one, or your maid slaves what you already possess. That makes it more unlikely that you will be biased.” (4:3)

 

Protection of Women’s Rights

In the Holy Qur’an there is a Surah named ‘An-Nisa’ (The Women, serial no. 4) which gives a detailed descriptions about rights and other issues of women. Besides this Surah, there a number of verses on women issues in different Surahs of the Qur’an. In Islam, women have the rights to get education, to inherit and own property, to marry according to their choice, to divorce if necessary, to participate in religious, social and political affairs and so on. Their rights are inviolable and protected under Shariah Law. Verses on this topic are cited below:

لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ ۪ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنْهُ اَوْ كَثُرَ ؕ نَصِیْبًا مَّفْرُوْضًا ۝

“Men receive a share of what their parents and relatives leave, and women receive a share of what their parents and relatives leave; be it little or much — a fixed share.” (4:7)

وَلَا تَتَمَنَّوْا مَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بِہٖ بَعْضَکُمْ عَلٰی بَعْضٍ ؕ لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا اکْتَسَبُوْا ؕ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا اکْتَسَبْنَ ؕ وَسْئَلُوا اللّٰهَ مِنْ فَضْلِہٖ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ عَلِیْمًا ۝

“Do not desire what Allah has given to some of you in preference to others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his favor. Indeed, Allah has knowledge of everything.” (4:32)

وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ يَّاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيْمُوْنَ الصَّلَوةَ وَيُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّكَوةَ وَيُطِيْعُوْنَ اللهَ وَرَسُوْلَه اُوْلئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللهُ ۗ اِنَّ اللهَ عَزِيْزٌ حَكِيْمٌ۝

“The believing men and believing women are friends of one another. They advocate virtue, forbid evil, perform the prayers, practice charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. These – Allah will have mercy on them. Allah is Noble and Wise.” (9:71)

مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ اَوْ اُنْثٰی وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْیِیَنَّہٗ حَیٰوۃً طَیِّبَۃً ۚ وَلَنَجْزِیَنَّهُمْ اَجْرَهُمْ بِاَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوْا یَعْمَلُوْنَ۝

“Whoever, either male or female, works righteousness and is a believer, We will grant him/her a good life – and We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do.” (16:97)

وَمَنْ یَّعْمَلْ مِنَ الصّٰلِحٰتِ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ اَوْ اُنْثٰی وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ یَدْخُلُوْنَ الْجَنَّۃَ وَلَا یُظْلَمُوْنَ نَقِیْرًا۝

“But whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, and is a believer – those will enter Paradise, and not the least bit of injustice shall be done to them.” (4:124)

 

Right to Dignity and Respect

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا یَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّنْ قَوْمٍ عَسٰۤی اَنْ یَّکُوْنُوْا خَیْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَآءٌ مِّنْ نِّسَآءٍ عَسٰۤی اَنْ یَّکُنَّ خَیْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ ۚ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوْۤا اَنْفُسَکُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوْا بِالْاَلْقَابِ ؕ بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوْقُ بَعْدَ الْاِیْمَانِ ۚ وَمَنْ لَّمْ یَتُبْ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الظّٰلِمُوْنَ ۝

“O Believers!  Let not some people ridicule other people, for they may be better than those who ridicule. Nor should any women mock other women, for they may be better than those who mock. Nor shall you slander one another, nor shall you insult one another calling by bad name. After having attained faith, if they are called in bad names, is a sin. Whoever does not repent – these are the wrongdoers.” (49:11)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوْا كَثِیْرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ ۫ اِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ  اِثْمٌ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوْا وَلَا یَغْتَبْ بَّعْضُکُمْ بَعْضًا ؕ اَیُحِبُّ اَحَدُکُمْ اَنْ یَّاْکُلَ لَحْمَ اَخِیْهِ مَیْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوْهُ ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝

“O Believers!  Avoid much suspicion – some suspicion is sinful. And do not spy on one another, not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it. So, remain aware of Allah. Allah is Most Relenting, Most Merciful.” (49:12)

اُدْعُ اِلٰی سَبِیْلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِکْمَۃِ وَالْمَوْعِظَۃِ الْحَسَنَۃِ وَجَادِلْهُمْ بِالَّتِیْ هِیَ اَحْسَنُ ؕ اِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ اَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ ضَلَّ عَنْ سَبِیْلِہٖ وَهُوَ اَعْلَمُ بِالْمُہْتَدِیْنَ ۝

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and debate with them in the most dignified manner. Your Lord is aware of those who stray from His path, and He is aware of those who are guided.” (16:125)

اِذْ تَلَقَّوْنَہٗ  بِاَلْسِنَتِکُمْ وَ تَقُوْلُوْنَ بِاَفْوَاهِکُمْ  مَّا  لَیْسَ لَکُمْ  بِہٖ عِلْمٌ وَّ تَحْسَبُوْنَہٗ هَیِّنًا ٭ۖ وَّ هُوَ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ عَظِیْمٌ ۝

“When you take it up with your tongues, uttering with your mouths something of which you have no knowledge, and deeming it a light matter whereas in the sight of God it is an awful thing!” (24:15))

لَوْ لَاۤ اِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوْهُ ظَنَّ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بِاَنْفُسِهِمْ خَیْرًا ۙ وَّ قَالُوْا هٰذَاۤ اِفْکٌ  مُّبِیْنٌ۝

“Why do not the believing men and women, whenever such (a rumor) is heard, think the best of one another and say, ‘This is an obvious falsehood’?” (24:12)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تُبْطِلُوْا صَدَقٰتِکُمْ بِالْمَنِّ وَالْاَذٰی ۙ ۝

“O Believers!  Do not waste your charitable deeds with reminders and spiteful words…….” (2:264)

وَ لَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِی الْاَرْضِ مَرَحًا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یُحِبُّ کُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُوْرٍ۝

“And do not neglect people with arrogance, nor walk proudly on earth. Allah does not love the arrogant showoffs.” (31:18)

 

Rights of Enemies

Even in times of war, Islam allows the right of opponents to seek justice and fair treatment. Justice is universal in Islam regardless of friends and foes, relatives and non-relatives, citizens and non-citizens. Goodness and justice in Islam extend beyond racial, ethnic, national, and religious issues. Allah (SWT) has ordained Muslims to balance the scales of justice equally between friends and foes. The Prophet (ﷺ), as a blessing to the entire universe, was sent to preach forgiveness, good behavior, and fairness to all people. The following are Qur’anic verses on this topic:

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا کُوْنُوْا قَوّٰمِیْنَ لِلّٰهِ شُهَدَآءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۫ وَلَا یَجْرِمَنَّکُمْ شَنَاٰنُ قَوْمٍ عَلٰۤی اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْا ؕ اِعْدِلُوْا ۟ هُوَ اَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوٰی ۫ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ خَبِیْرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ ۝

“O you who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let enmity and hatred of a nation provoke you to be unjust, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to God-consciousness. Be mindful of Allah: Indeed, Allah is well aware of all that you do” (5:8).

 وَاِنْ حَكَمْتَ فَاحْکُمْ بَیْنَهُمْ بِالْقِسْطِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِیْنَ

“…….. But if you judge, judge between them (enemies) with justice. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (5:42)

وَ لَا تَسْتَوِی الْحَسَنَۃُ وَلَا السَّیِّئَۃُ ؕ اِدْفَعْ بِالَّتِیْ هِیَ اَحْسَنُ فَاِذَا الَّذِیْ بَیْنَكَ وَبَیْنَہٗ عَدَاوَۃٌ كَاَنَّہٗ وَلِیٌّ حَمِیْمٌ ۝

“Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with good, then the person who was your enemy becomes like an intimate friend.” (41:34)

وَ اِنْ جَنَحُوْا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَلْ عَلَی اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّہٗ هُوَ السَّمِیْعُ الْعَلِیْمُ ۝

“But if the enemy inclines towards peace, you (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah, for He is One Who hears and knows (all things).” (8:61)

 

  Rights of Guests

وَ لَمَّا جَآءَتْ رُسُلُنَا لُوْطًا سِیْٓءَ بِهِمْ وَضَاقَ بِهِمْ ذَرْعًا وَقَالَ هٰذَا یَوْمٌ عَصِیْبٌ ۝ وَجَآءَہٗ قَوْمُہٗ یُہْرَعُوْنَ اِلَیْهِ ؕ وَمِنْ قَبْلُ كَانُوْا یَعْمَلُوْنَ السَّیِّاٰتِ ؕ قَالَ یٰقَوْمِ هٰۤؤُلَآءِ بَنَاتِیْ هُنَّ اَطْهَرُ لَکُمْ فَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَلَا تُخْزُوْنِ فِیْ ضَیْفِیْ ؕ اَلَـیْسَ مِنْکُمْ رَجُلٌ رَّشِیْدٌ ۝

“When Our messengers came to Loot (), he was grieved on their account and felt himself powerless (to protect) them. He said: ‘This is a distressful day.’ And his people came rushing towards him, and they had been long in the habit of practicing abominations. He said: ‘O my people! Here are my daughters: they are purer for you (if you marry)! Now fear Allah, and cover me not with shame about my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded man’?” (11:77 – 78)

وَلَمَّا جَهَزَهُمْ بِجَهَازِهِمْ قَالَ ائْتُوْنِیْ بِاَخٍ لَّکُمْ مِّنْ اَبِیْکُمْ ۚ اَلَا تَرَوْنَ اَنِّیْۤ اُوْفِی الْكَیْلَ وَاَنَا خَیْرُ الْمُنْزِلِیْنَ۝

“And when he (Yusuf ) had furnished their provisions (suitable) for them, he said: ‘Bring your brother to me you have from your father: Do you not see that I pay out full measure and that I do provide the best hospitality?” (12:59)

فَانْطَلَقَا حَتّٰۤی اِذَاۤ اَتَیَاۤ اَهْلَ قَرْیَۃِۣ اسْتَطْعَمَاۤ اَهْلَهَا فَاَبَوْا اَنْ یُّضَیِّفُوْهُمَا فَوَجَدَا فِیْهَا جِدَارًا یُّرِیْدُ اَنْ یَّنْقَضَّ فَاَقَامَہٗ ؕ قَالَ لَوْ شِئْتَ لَتَّخَذْتَ عَلَیْهِ اَجْرًا۝

“Then they advanced: until, when they reached the inhabitants of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling down, but he set it up straight. (Musa) said: ‘If you had wished, surely you could have demanded some recompense for it.” (18:77)

هَلْ اَتٰىكَ حَدِیْثُ ضَیْفِ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ الْمُکْرَمِیْنَ ۝ اِذْ دَخَلُوْا عَلَیْهِ فَقَالُوْا سَلٰمًا ؕ قَالَ سَلٰمٌ ۚ قَوْمٌ مُّنْكَرُوْنَ ۝ فَرَاغَ  اِلٰۤی اَهْلِہٖ  فَجَآءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِیْنٍ ۝ فَقَرَّبَہٗۤ اِلَیْهِمْ قَالَ اَلَا تَاْکُلُوْنَ ۝

“Has the story of the honored guests of Ibrahim () reached you? Behold, they entered his presence, and said: ‘Peace!’ He replied, ‘Peace!’ (And thought about them) ‘unusual people’. Then he turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf, and placed it before them, he said, “Will you not eat?” (51:24 – 27)

 

Protection of Public Rights

اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَاْمُرُکُمْ اَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْاَمٰنٰتِ اِلٰۤی اَهْلِهَا ۙ وَاِذَا حَكَمْتُمْ بَیْنَ النَّاسِ اَنْ تَحْکُمُوْا بِالْعَدْلِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ نِعِمَّا یَعِظُکُمْ بِہٖ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ سَمِیْعًۢا بَصِیْرًا ۝

“Verily, Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All Seer.” (4:58).

 

Rights of the Slaves

Slavery has been a common practice since time immemorial. The Euro-American slave trade existed until recent times, from the 16th to the 19th centuries. In all ages, slaves were treated as personal property, and they had no freedom at all. They had to endure brutality, mistreatment, verbal and physical abuse, and hardship. They had to work all day long for their masters in exchange for very little food to eat, clothes to wear, and time to rest. At the time of the advent of Islam in the 7th century, the condition of slaves was the same. Though slavery was not prohibited in Islam, it brought about a lot of positive changes in the ongoing practices to make them humane. In Islam, freeing slaves is an act of reward as well as an act of getting deliverance from the punishment of sins. Islam introduced the norms of treating slaves as well as offering many options for freeing them from servitude. The pragmatic steps of the Qur’an and Sunnah paved the way for the gradual end of slavery in society. Islam recommends the following measures to establish the rights of the slaves and their freedom from enslavement:

Islam has changed the very concept of slavery as personal property of the masters and established the core concept of humanitarian treatment with slaves. The Prophet of Islam has upheld safety and protection of rights of the slaves and instructed his people to provide them brotherly treatment, and feed and clothe them like their own food and clothes. (Ref. Sermon of Hajjul Bi’dah)

The Qur’an has offered several options for freedom of slaves. One such option is allocation of Zakat money for freeing them. Another option is Kaffara (penalty of committing some types of sins) to set slaves free from servitude.

The Qur’an also permitted man to marry a believing maid slave by freeing and giving her equal status like a free woman.

Allah (SWT) offered a lot of rewards in the hereafter for freeing the slaves. Narrated by Abu Hurairah (): Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will save all the parts of his body from the (Hell) Fire as he has freed the body-parts of the slave.” (Bukhari, Vol.3, Book 46, Hadith #693). In another Hadith Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Three persons will have a double reward…. A master of a maid-slave who teaches her good manners and educates her in the best possible way (the religion) and manumits her and then marries her.” (Bukhari Vol.1, Book 3, #97A).

The verses of the Qur’an related to the above topic are quoted below:

وَمَنْ لَّمْ یَسْتَطِعْ مِنْکُمْ طَوْلًا اَنْ یَّنْكِحَ الْمُحْصَنٰتِ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ فَمِنْ مَّا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ مِّنْ فَتَیٰتِکُمُ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ اَعْلَمُ بِاِیْمَانِکُمْ ؕ بَعْضُکُمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْضٍ ۚ

“Those of you lack the means to marry free believing women, he may marry one of the believing maid-slaves under your control. Allah is well aware of your faith. Each of you (believing slaves and free people) are equal to the next (in faith) ……” (4:25)

وَلَا تَنْكِحُوا الْمُشْرِکٰتِ حَتّٰی یُؤْمِنَّ ؕ وَلَاَمَۃٌ مُّؤْمِنَۃٌ خَیْرٌ مِّنْ مُّشْرِكَۃٍ وَلَوْ اَعْجَبَتْکُمْ ۚ وَلَا تُنْكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ حَتّٰی یُؤْمِنُوْا ؕ وَلَعَبْدٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَیْرٌ مِّنْ مُّشْرِکٍ وَلَوْ اَعْجَبَکُمْ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ یَدْعُوْنَ اِلَی النَّارِ ۚۖ وَاللّٰهُ یَدْعُوْۤا اِلَی الْجَنَّۃِ وَالْمَغْفِرَۃِ بِاِذْنِہٖ ۚ وَیُبَیِّنُ اٰیٰتِہٖ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ یَتَذَكَرُوْنَ ۝

“Do not marry idolatresses, unless they have believed. A believing maid slave is better than an idolatress, even if you like her. And do not marry idolaters, unless they have believed. A believing male slave is better than an idolater, even if you like him. These call to the Fire, but Allah calls to the heaven and to forgiveness, by His leave. He makes clear His communications to the people, that they may be mindful.” (2:221)

…….فَانْكِحُوْهُنَّ بِاِذْنِ اَهْلِهِنَّ وَاٰتُوْهُنَّ اُجُوْرَهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ مُحْصَنٰتٍ غَیْرَ مُسٰفِحٰتٍ وَلَا مُتَّخِذٰتِ اَخْدَانٍ ۚ ۝……..

“……..Marry them (slave women) with the permission of their masters and give them their dowries fairly as properly wedded (wife) and neither as adulteress, nor as taking secret lover……….” (4:25)

اِنَّمَا الصَّدَقٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَالْعٰمِلِیْنَ عَلَیْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَۃِ قُلُوْبُهُمْ وَفِی الرِّقَابِ وَالْغٰرِمِیْنَ وَفِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِیْلِ ؕ فَرِیْضَۃً مِّنَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلِیْمٌ حَكِیْمٌ ۝

“Charities (Zakat) are for the poor, and the destitute, and those who administer them, and for reconciling hearts, and for freeing slaves, and for those in debt, and striving in the path of Allah, and for the traveler in need – (it is) an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise.” (9:60)

فَلَا اقْتَحَمَ الْعَقَبَۃَ ۝ وَمَاۤ اَدْرٰىكَ مَا الْعَقَبَۃُ ۝ فَکُّ رَقَبَۃٍ ۝ اَوْ اِطْعٰمٌ فِیْ یَوْمٍ ذِیْ مَسْغَبَۃٍ ۝ یَّتِیْمًا ذَا مَقْرَبَۃٍ ۝ اَوْ مِسْكِیْنًا ذَا مَتْرَبَۃٍ ۝ ثُمَّ كَانَ مِنَ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْمَرْحَمَۃِ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ اَصْحٰبُ الْمَیْمَنَۃِ۝

“But he has not attempted to pass on the path that is steep (i.e., the path which will lead to goodness and success). And what will explain to you what the path that is steep? (It is) freeing of a slave, Or the feeding on a day of famine – an orphaned-kin. Or a destitute in the dust. Then he becomes of those who believe, and advise one another to patience, and advise one another to kindness. These are the people of the right (good luck).” (90:11 – 18)

وَالَّذِیْنَ یُظٰهِرُوْنَ مِنْ نِّسَآئِهِمْ ثُمَّ یَعُوْدُوْنَ لِمَا قَالُوْا فَتَحْرِیْرُ رَقَبَۃٍ مِّنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ یَّتَمَآسَّا.ؕ

“Those who estrange their wives by equating them with their mothers, then withdraw what they said, must set free a slave before they may touch one another……” (58:3)

لَا یُؤَاخِذُکُمُ اللّٰهُ بِاللَّغْوِ فِیْۤ اَیْمَانِکُمْ وَلٰكِنْ یُّؤَاخِذُکُمْ بِمَا عَقَّدْتُّمُ الْاَیْمَانَ ۚ فَكَفَّارَتُہٗۤ اِطْعَامُ عَشَرَۃِ مَسٰكِیْنَ مِنْ اَوْسَطِ مَا تُطْعِمُوْنَ اَهْلِیْکُمْ اَوْ كِسْوَتُهُمْ اَوْ تَحْرِیْرُ رَقَبَۃٍ ؕ

“Allah does not hold you accountable for your unintended oaths, but He holds you accountable for your binding oaths. The atonement for it is by feeding ten needy people from the average of what you feed your families, or by clothing them, or by freeing a slave …….” (5:89)

 وَمَنْ قَتَلَ مُؤْمِنًا خَطَـًٔا فَتَحْرِیْرُ رَقَبَۃٍ مُّؤْمِنَۃٍ وَّدِیَۃٌ مُّسَلَّمَۃٌ اِلٰۤی اَهْلِہٖۤ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ یَّصَّدَّقُوْا ؕ فَاِنْ كَانَ مِنْ قَوْمٍ عَدُوٍّ لَّکُمْ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَتَحْرِیْرُ رَقَبَۃٍ مُّؤْمِنَۃٍ ؕ وَاِنْ كَانَ مِنْ قَوْمٍۭ بَیْنَکُمْ وَبَیْنَهُمْ مِّیْثَاقٌ فَدِیَۃٌ مُّسَلَّمَۃٌ اِلٰۤی اَهْلِہٖ وَتَحْرِیْرُ رَقَبَۃٍ مُّؤْمِنَۃٍ ۚ فَمَنْ لَّمْ یَجِدْ فَصِیَامُ شَہْرَیْنِ مُتَتَابِعَیْنِ ۫ تَوْبَۃً مِّنَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ عَلِیْمًا حَكِیْمًا ۝

“Anyone who kills a believer by error must set free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the victim’s family, unless they remit it as charity. If the victim belonged to a people who are hostile to you, but is a believer, then the compensation is to free a believing slave. If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty, then compensation should be handed over to his family, and a believing slave set free. Anyone who lacks the means must fast for two consecutive months, by way of repentance to Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise.” (4:92)

…… وَاٰتَی الْمَالَ عَلٰی حُبِّہٖ ذَوِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنَ وَابْنَ السَّبِیْلِ ۙ وَالسَّآئِلِیْنَ وَفِی الرِّقَابِ ۚ ….

“……To spend of your wealth, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves…...” (2:177)

وَالَّذِیْنَ یَبْتَغُوْنَ الْكِتٰبَ مِمَّا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُکُمْ فَكَاتِبُوْهُمْ اِنْ عَلِمْتُمْ فِیْهِمْ خَیْرًا ٭ۖ وَاٰتُوْهُمْ مِّنْ مَّالِ اللّٰهِ الَّذِیْۤ اٰتٰىکُمْ ؕ وَلَا تُکْرِهُوْا فَتَیٰتِکُمْ عَلَی الْبِغَآءِ اِنْ اَرَدْنَ تَحَصُّنًا لِّتَبْتَغُوْا عَرَضَ الْحَیٰوۃِ الدُّنْیَا ؕ وَمَنْ یُّکْرِهْهُنَّ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ اِکْرَاهِهِنَّ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝

“……. If any of your slaves wish to be freed, grant them their wish, if you understand some good in them. And give them of Allah’s wealth which he has given you. And do not compel your maid slaves to prostitution, seeking the materials of this life, if they desire to remain chaste. Should anyone compel them – after their compulsion Allah is Forgiving and Merciful (to them who were compelled).” (24:33)