Islam and the Discourse on Universal Human Rights
Keywords:
Islamic law, human rights, Sharia, universal declaration, maqāsid al-sharia, apostasy, gender justice, freedom of religion, ijtihad, cultural relativism, ethical pluralismAbstract
This paper explores the complex relationship between Islam and the discourse on universal human rights by analyzing their philosophical foundations, overlapping principles, and key areas of divergence. While Islamic teachings and international human rights law share many ethical goals—such as the protection of life, dignity, and justice—tensions arise in areas like freedom of religion, gender roles, and personal liberties. The article highlights scholarly efforts within the Islamic tradition to reinterpret religious texts in light of contemporary human rights standards, advocating for internal reform through ijtihad and the objectives of Sharia (maqāsid al-sharia). It argues that a reconciliatory framework, rooted in mutual respect and contextual understanding, can pave the way for a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of global human rights. This study calls for collaborative engagement rather than ideological confrontation and emphasizes the potential of Islamic ethics to enrich the global human rights narrative.
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