Islam, as a living normative and ethical system, provides a strong foundation for fundamental rights for all, including humans, animals, and the broader community. These rights are not determined by social status or the politics of majority and minority, nor are they linked to racial or gender considerations. The Holy Quran recognises the dignity of mankind and offers a holistic perspective where the rights and obligations individuals have towards one another cultivate a strong sense of social responsibility. This responsibility encompasses care for one’s parents, family, neighbours, guests, the sick, and even animals. This year's calendar explores the theme of rights in Islam, beautifully complemented by images of iconic tourist destinations in Muslim countries.
“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and do good to parents.” (Surah Al-Isra’, 17:23 ) The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah’s pleasure lies in father's pleasure, and Allah’s displeasure lies in father's displeasure.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi: 1899)
The Prophet said, “Jibrail kept enjoining good treatment of neighbours until I thought he would order me to make them heirs.”(Jami` at-Tirmidhi: 1942 ) The Prophet declared, He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct. (Sahih Muslim: 46)
The Prophet said, “The most excellent dinar is one that a person spends on his family.” (Sahih Muslim: 994 ) The reward for spending on one’s family is greater than that for voluntary charity, which is why the Prophet prioritized family support over other forms of giving.
The Prophet said, “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6005 ) Supporting orphans therefore, extends beyond a simple act of charity.
The Holy Quran mentions, “And give the relative his right…” (Surah Al-Isra’, 17:26 ). The Prophet said, “Whoever loves that he be granted more wealth and that his lease of life be prolonged then he should keep good relations with his kith and kin,” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5986 ) and “Anyone who cuts off relationship from his nearest relatives will not enter Paradise.” (Sunan Abi Dawud: 1696 )
Visiting the sick is a communal obligation in Islam and a revered Sunnah of the Prophet , who said, “There are five duties that the Muslim owes to his brother Muslim,” one of which is visiting the sick.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1240)
The Messenger of Allah said, “…Blessed is the wealth of a Muslim from which he gives to the poor, the orphans and to needy travellers.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1465 ) The believers have also been commanded to treat the needy gently and not chide them, even if they do not give them charity.
The Messenger of Allah said, “ ‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should treat his guest generously with respect.’ Asked ‘O Messenger of Allah ! What is the generous and respectful treatment of a guest ?’ The Holy Prophet s aid: ‘One day and one night (of relatively better hospitality), and (general) hospitality is up to three days, and whatever is after that is a Sadaqah (i.e., a good deed).’ ” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6019 )
The Messenger of Allah said, “The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them. And the best of you are those who are best to your women.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi: 1162 ) Another Hadith, narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira , states, “Treat women nicely...” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3331 ) implying that wives have rights to respect, dignity, maintenance, and companionship.
The Companions a sked, “O Allah's Messenger ! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He said, “(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being).” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6009 ) Islam emphasizes compassion for all living beings, including animals. The Prophet condemned the beating of animals and forbade striking, branding, or marking them on the face.
“O’ Believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and those from among you who are invested with authority…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:59 ). A Muslim is obliged to listen and obey the ruler, and by corollary, obey the law, provided the ruler does not command anything contrary to the obedience of Allah.
The Prophet said, “No one of you shall become a true believer until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself”. (Riyad as-Salihin: 236 ) Islam teaches us that true faith requires us to care for others the way we care for ourselves. This means that we should look out for the interest of others just like we would look out after our own interest.
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