❖ The Intellectual Contradiction Between Human Rights and Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād ❖
✍ By Dr. Zahid Mughal
◈ The Rebellious Self-Concept of the “Human”
The concept of the “Human” in modern discourse is built upon a rebellious self-identity, in which freedom is regarded as the supreme value. This notion of freedom includes the right to define good and evil, justice and oppression, and truth and falsehood based on personal desires. It is precisely on the foundation of this philosophy that Human Rights have been established.
◈ Human Rights and Religious Misconceptions
Religious circles often equate Human Rights with Islamic notions of human rights (Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād) and, at times, even consider Islam to be their source. This perspective is an intellectual fallacy, for the following reasons:
✔ Justification of Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād: The rights of creation are derived from divine command, i.e., the Qur’an and Sunnah.
✔ Justification of Human Rights: These are based on the principle of human autonomy and freedom, which rejects the sovereignty of Allah.
◈ The Foundational Difference in the Basis of Rights
❀ Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād:
The determination of rights in Islam stems from divine will and servitude (‘ubūdiyyah).
❀ Human Rights:
These emerge from the self-sovereignty of man, independent of divine authority.
⚠ Illusion of Similarity:
Certain rights, such as the right to life, may appear similar on the surface.
However, their foundations are entirely different, and this resemblance does not imply shared origins.
◈ Human Rights: A Framework Against Servitude
The framework of Human Rights considers man as an autonomous entity, endowed with inalienable natural rights.
These rights are not rooted in religion or any external moral system.
This concept stands in stark contradiction to the Islamic worldview:
✔ Islamic Rights: All human rights are those that Allah has defined for the purpose of servitude to Him.
✔ Conflict with Islamic Teachings: Human Rights legitimize actions explicitly prohibited in Islam, such as:
– Fornication
– Homosexuality
– The right to mock religious symbols and rituals
◈ Clash Between Islam and the Western Conception
The idea of Human Rights is fundamentally incompatible with the core principles of Islam.
Wherever Human Rights dominate, servitude (‘ubūdiyyah) and Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād are undermined and displaced.
◈ The Contradiction Between “ʿAbd” and “Human”
There is no possible coexistence between the identity of the ʿAbd (servant of Allah) and that of the Human (as defined in secular humanism).
One of the two must become dominant, and the other subdued.
◈ Conclusion: Establishing Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād
According to Islamic principles, the establishment of Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād is a requirement of justice.
To adopt the Western framework of Human Rights is, in fact, to deny true human rights and reject the sovereignty of Allah.
Therefore, Muslim societies must distance themselves from the Western model of Human Rights
and promote an Islamic framework of Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād based on divine guidance.
