THE FIVE BASIC RIGHTS IN ISLAM

 

Islam has been sent as a source of mercy and guidance for humanity, aiming to build a peaceful society where justice, compassion, and goodness prevail. This holy religion safeguards fundamental rights to ensure that both individuals and society can live in security, emphasizing that human beings are the most valuable of all creation. In Islamic law, the protection of life, religion, property, reason, and lineage—known as Zarûrât-ı Hamse—is regarded as a fundamental principle of life. It is an obligation for both individuals and society to maintain and protect these rights, while any action that harms them is strictly prohibited.

 

The Right to Life in Islam

 

The first and most basic right to be protected is life. Allah says in the Qur’an “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” [Qur’an 5:32] This verse highlights the immense value of human life, equating the unjust taking of a single life to the destruction of all humanity. It also emphasizes the importance of saving and protecting lives. Islam strictly prohibits murder, oppression, and any form of harm to innocent people. Killing without just cause is considered one of the gravest sins. Additionally, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reinforced the sanctity of life in his Farewell Sermon: “Your blood, your property, and your honor are sacred to you, like the sanctity of this day, in this month, in this land.” Islam also extends the principle of sanctity of life to animals and nature. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized kindness to animals and warned against unnecessary harm. Environmental preservation is also seen as a way to protect life for future generations.

 

Islamic law (Shariah) enforces strict measures to protect life by strictly prohibiting murder and any form of unjust violence, emphasizing the sanctity of human life. At the same time, it permits self-defense when one’s life is in danger, recognizing the right to protect oneself from harm. Additionally, Islam promotes social justice and economic well-being to eliminate conditions that lead to violence or oppression, ensuring a just and stable society. Furthermore, healthcare and the preservation of life are encouraged, with a strong emphasis on medical treatment, hygiene, and overall well-being as essential aspects of fulfilling the duty to safeguard life.

The Right to Religion in Islam

The right to religion in Islam is a fundamental human right that ensures freedom of belief and practice. Islam upholds the principle that every individual has the right to choose and follow their own faith without coercion. The Qur’an states: “There is no compulsion in religion.” [Qur’an 2:256] This verse guarantees the freedom to believe, allowing individuals to embrace or reject faith according to their own conscience. It emphasizes that faith should be a personal decision, guided by conviction, not force.

In addition to the freedom to believe, Islam also stresses the importance of protecting Islamic values and teachings from external influences. This includes safeguarding the purity of religious practices and preventing the distortion of sacred knowledge. The Muslim community has a responsibility to preserve and pass on religious teachings accurately, ensuring that external ideologies or misinterpretations do not corrupt the core principles of the faith. This protection of religious integrity helps maintain the authenticity of Islamic beliefs for future generations.

The Right to Property in Islam

The right to property emphasizes the sanctity and protection of individual wealth. Islam recognizes that property is a blessing from Allah, and individuals are entrusted with it to manage responsibly. The Qur’an states: “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].” [Qur’an 2:188]  Islam prohibits theft, fraud, usury and exploitation, establishing clear guidelines for fair trade and economic justice.

Furthermore, Islam encourages the fair use and distribution of wealth, encouraging individuals to fulfill their obligations of charity, such as giving alms and supporting the needy. It also promotes the protection of property through legal means, ensuring that the rights of both individuals and communities are safeguarded. Property is seen not only as a personal right but also as a societal trust, where one’s wealth should contribute to the well-being of others and the maintenance of justice and equity in society.

The Right to Reason in Islam

The ability to think, understand, and make decisions is considered a gift from Allah. Islam encourages the use of intellect and critical thinking to explore truth, understand the world, and reflect on the signs of Allah in creation. The Qur’an repeatedly calls upon believers to use their reasoning abilities: “Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up?” [Qur’an 47:24] This highlights the importance of intellectual engagement with faith, urging individuals to seek knowledge and understanding through contemplation and reflection.

In addition to encouraging the use of reason, Islam also safeguards it by prohibiting anything that may harm the intellect, such as intoxicants or drugs. The preservation of one’s mental faculties is vital, as it enables individuals to fulfill their religious duties and contribute positively to society. Islam emphasizes that the protection of reason is essential for making sound decisions, understanding ethical principles, and maintaining spiritual and social well-being. Thus, preserving the right to reason ensures that individuals are able to live fulfilling and responsible lives, both in this world and the hereafter.

The Right to Lineage in Islam

The right to lineage in Islam emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong family ties and upholding the integrity of the family unit. Islam regards family as the cornerstone of a healthy and stable society, and it places great value on the preservation of one’s lineage through legitimate means, such as marriage.

Islam strictly prohibits any form of illegitimate relationships or sexual acts outside of marriage, as these threaten the purity of lineage and disrupt the family structure. Adultery, fornication, and any action that undermines the sanctity of marriage are condemned in the strongest terms. By safeguarding the right to lineage, Islam ensures the continuation of legitimate familial ties, protects the honor of individuals, and contributes to the moral and social integrity of society.

In Islam, the Five Obligatory Rights—life, religion, property, reason, and lineage—represent the core principles that ensure the dignity, stability, and prosperity of both individuals and society. These rights are not only fundamental to personal well-being but also to the establishment of a just and harmonious community. Islam’s emphasis on protecting these rights through clear moral and legal guidelines reflects its deep commitment to safeguarding human dignity, promoting justice, and ensuring the welfare of all. By upholding these essential values, Islam encourages individuals and societies to live with integrity, compassion, and respect for one another, fostering a world where peace and righteousness prevail.