An Outlook of Each of the Islamic Thought and the Contemporary Global Thought on the Human Concept and Rights

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the view of Islamic thought and the contemporary global thought on the human concept and rights. It also aimed at highlighting the interest of the Islamic and contemporary thinkers in the human rights area and knowing the way both thinkers meet. The researcher applied the theoretical (comparative) method using both the description and analysis. The study concluded the following results: The contemporary Islamic view of the human concept and rights covered all types of rights, such as freedom of belief and thought, education, right to live, personal freedom, protection of property and honor, child rights, the woman, equality before the law; and fight against the racial discrimination. The study further showed the emergence of originality and independence in the rights and freedoms in Islamic thought and the balance in legislation. On the other hand, the study underscored the convergences of both the Islamic and global thought in the human rights field that emerged in the Islamic Declaration of the Human Rights in 1990. This declaration emphasized the contribution of mankind's efforts that are related to human rights, which aim at protecting the human against exploitation and persecution and ensure his freedom and right to a decent life. All these provisions and principles are in agreement with the Islamic Sharia (law), which indicates that many of these principles are deeply rooted in Islamic thought. The study also emphasized that human rights in global thought are of great importance, at the level of peoples, states, and international organizations. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was issued by the General Assembly of the United Nations on Dec. 10, 1948, is a culmination of the Western civilization and the efforts of the thinkers and reformers in it. The declaration provided that "forgetting" or neglect of human rights led to barbaric acts that hurt the human conscience.

Received: 19 December 2020 / Accepted: 4 February 2021 / Published: 5 March 2021