Universal Declaration of
Human Rights
10 December 1948
Article 1.
 All human beings are born free and
equal in dignity and rights. They are
endowed with reason and conscience
and should act towards one another in
a spirit of brotherhood.
Islam
568 AD
All human beings are….
• …..born free
“How could you enslave people when
all are born free” the words of Omar
ibn Al-Khattab the second Caliph to
Amr ibn Al-A’as the Governor of
Egypt.
• …..dignified
“And indeed We have honoured the
Children of Adam, and We have
carried them on land and sea, and have
provided them with good things, and
have preferred them above many of
those whom We have created with a
marked preference.” (Quran 17.70)
• ….endowed with reason and
conscience
“And by the soul, and He Who
perfected it in proportion; Then He
showed him what is wrong for him
and what is right for him; Indeed he
succeeds who purifies his own self.
And indeed he fails who corrupts his
own self.” (Quran 91.7-10)
• ….should act towards one
another in a spirit of
brotherhood
We are all descendants of Adam, hence
we are all brothers and sisters:
“O Children of Adam! .......” (Quran
7.26 / 27 / 31 / 35)
“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord,
Who created you from a single
person (Adam), and from him He
created his wife (Eve), and from them

Article 2.
 Everyone is entitled to all the rights
and freedoms set forth in this
Declaration, without distinction of
any kind, such as race, colour, sex,
language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin,
property, birth or other status.
Furthermore, no distinction shall be
made on the basis of the political,
jurisdictional or international status of
the country or territory to which a
person belongs, whether it be
independent, trust, non-self-governing
or under any other limitation of
sovereignty.
both He created many men and women;
and fear God through Whom you
demand (your mutual rights), and (do
not sever the relations of) the womb.
Surely God is Ever an All-Watcher
over you.” (Quran 4.1)
“It is He who has created you from a
single person (Adam), and has given
you a place of residing and a place of
storage. Indeed, We have explained in
detail Our revelations for people who
understand.” (Quran 6.98)
Islam states all mankind are equal
and are entitled to the same rights
(no discrimination based on race,
colour, sex....etc... as in Article 2)
“….. No mother shall be treated
unfairly on account of her child, nor
father on account of his child. ….And
fear God and know that God is All-Seer
of what you do.” (Quran 2.233)
The Prophet (PBUH) said “O people,
verily your Lord is One, and your
forefather [Adam] is one. There is no
superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab
or of a non-Arab over an Arab, or of a
white man over a black man or of a
black man over a white man, except in
terms of piety.”
[Narrated by Ahmed, 5/411; classed as saheeh by al-
Albaani in Ghaayat al-Maraam, 313; it was also narrated
from Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah that its isnaad is
saheeh, in al-Iqtidaa’, 69].
According to another saying, the
Prophet (PBUH) said “All the people
are the children of Adam and Adam
was created from dust.” [al-Tirmidhi,
3890].
Abo Hurairah narrated: Messenger of
God (PBUH) said, “God does not look
at your figures, nor at your attire but
He looks at your hearts and
accomplishments.”
[7- Gardens of the Righteous, Muslim]
 `Iyad bin Himar reported: the
Messenger (PBUH) said, "God has
revealed to me that you should humble
yourselves to one another. One should
neither hold himself above another nor
transgress against another.''
[602-Gardens of the Righteous,
Muslim].

Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty

and security of person.
 Everyone has the right to life, liberty
“And do not take life which God has
and security of person.
sanctified (forbidden), except for a just
cause. And whoever is killed
(intentionally with hostility and
oppression and not by mistake), We
have given his heir the authority [to
demand the Law of Equality in
punishment or to forgive, and to take
compensation]. But let him not exceed
limits in the matter of taking life.
Verily, he is helped.” (Quran 17.33)

“O you who believe! Eat not up your

property among yourselves unjustly
except it be a trade amongst you, by
mutual consent. And do not kill
yourselves (nor kill one another).
Surely, God is Most Merciful to you.”
(Quran 4.29)

“Say ‘Come, I will recite what your

Lord has prohibited you from: Join not
anything in worship with Him; be good
and dutiful to your parents; kill not
your children from fear of poverty –
We provide sustenance for you and for
them; come not near to shameful sins
(illegal sexual intercourse) whether
committed openly or secretly; and take
not life, which God has made sacred
(forbidden), except by way of justice
and law. Thus does He command you,
so that you may learn wisdom.” (Quran

Article 4.
 No one shall be held in slavery or
servitude; slavery and the slave trade
shall be prohibited in all their forms.
6:151)
“And those who invoke not any other
god along with God, nor take life
which God has sanctified, except for
just cause, nor commit illegal sexual
intercourse – and whoever does this
shall receive the punishment” (Quran
25.68)
Ibn `Umar reported: Messenger of God
(PBUH) said, "A believer continues to
guard his Faith (and thus hopes for
God's Mercy) so long as he does not
shed blood unjustly".
[220-Gardens of the Righteous, Al-
Bukhari].
“It is not piety / righteousness that you
turn your faces towards east and west
(in prayer); but piety / righteousness is
(the quality of) the one who believes in
God, the Last Day, the Angels, the
Book, the Prophets and gives his
wealth, in spite of love for it, to the
kinsfolk, the orphans, and to the poor,
and to the wayfarer, and to those who
ask, and to set slaves free, performs
prayer, and gives Zakat (the poor their
due) , and who fulfil their covenant
when they make it, and who are patient
in extreme poverty and ailment and at
the time of fighting. Such are the
people of the truth and they are the
pious.” (Quran 2.177)
“God will not punish you for what is
unintentional in your oaths, but He will
punish you for your deliberate oaths;
for its expiation (a deliberate oath) feed
ten poor persons, on a scale of the
average of that with which you feed
your own families; or clothe them; or
manumit a slave. But whosoever
cannot afford (that), then he should fast
for three days. That is the expiation for
the oaths when you have sworn. And
protect your oaths (i.e. do not swear
much). Thus God make clear to you
His signs that you may be
grateful.” (Quran 5.89)

“And those who make unlawful to

themselves their wives and wish to free
them-selves from what they uttered
must (as a penalty) free a slave before
they touch each other...” (Quran 58.3)

“And let those who find not the

financial means for marriage keep
themselves chaste, until God enriches
them of His Bounty. And such of
your slaves as seek a writing (of
emancipation), give them such
writing, if you know that they are
good and trustworthy. And give
them something yourselves out of
the wealth of God which He has
bestowed upon you. And force not
your maids to prostitution, if they
desire chastity, in order that you may
make a gain in the (perishable) goods
of this worldly life. But if anyone
compels them (to prostitution), then
after such compulsion, God is Oft-
Forgiving, Most Merciful (to those
women). (Quran 24.33)

Al-Ma`rur bin Suwaid reported: The

Prophet said: “Your slaves are your
brothers. God has placed them under
your authority. He who has his brother
under him, should feed him from
 whatever he eats, and dress him with
whatever he wears, and do not burden
them (assign burdensome task to them)
beyond their capacity; and if you
burden them then help them.'' [1360 –
Gardens of the Righteous, Al-Bukhari,
Muslim]

Ibn `Umar reported: The Prophet

(PBUH) said, "The expiation for hitting
or slapping a slave on the face for
something he has not done is to set him
free.''
[1605-Gardens of the Righteous,
Muslim].

Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari reported: The

Messenger of God (PBUH) said,
"Three kinds of people will have a
double reward: A man from the People
of the Book who believes in his
Prophet and (also) believes in
Mohamed; a slave who discharges
properly the duties towards God and
towards his master; and a man who
possesses a slave-girl and teaches her
manners, educates her well, and frees
her and then marries her.''
[1365-Gardens of the Righteous, Al-
Bukhari and Muslim].

Article 5. Islam encourages virtuous behaviour

 No one shall be subjected to torture or and prohibits bad behaviour. In view
to cruel, inhuman or degrading of this no one could be subjected to
treatment or punishment. torture or to cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment.

“Repel evil with that which is better.

We are Best-Acquainted with the things
they utter.” (Quran 23.96)

"The good deed and the evil deed

cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with
one which is better; then verily he,
between whom and you there was
enmity, (will become) as though he was
a close friend. But none is granted this
except those who are patient - and none
is granted it except the owner of the
great portion (of happiness in the
Hereafter, i.e., Paradise and of a high
moral character) in this world.'' (Quran
41:34,35)

The recompense for an evil is an evil

like thereof, but whoever forgives and
makes reconciliation, his reward is due
from God. Verily, He likes not the
oppressors / wrong-doers. (Quran
42.40)

"And verily, whosoever shows patience

and forgives that would truly be from
the things recommended by God.''
(Quran 42:43)

"And do good...” (Quran 4:36)

"So hasten towards all that is good".

(Quran 2:148)

"... and do good that you may be

successful". (Quran 22:77).

"Help you one another in virtue,

righteousness and piety". (Quran 5:2)

"The believers, men and women, are

helpers (Auliya') of one another; they
enjoin good, and forbid from evil''.
(Quran 9:71)

"Those who spend in prosperity and

adversity, who repress anger, and who
pardon men; verily, God loves the
doers of good.'' (Quran 3:134)
"Show forgiveness, enjoin what is
good, and turn away from the foolish
(i.e., don't punish them).'' (Quran
7:199)

Hisham ibn Hakim bin Hizam said: "I

bear testimony to the fact that I heard
the Messenger (PBUH) saying, `God
will torment those who torment people
in the world.''' [1606- Gardens of the
Righteous, Muslim].

Abu Dharr said: The Prophet (PBUH)

said, "God, the Exalted, and Glorious,
said; 'O My slaves, I have prohibited
injustice for Myself; and have made it
unlawful for you, so do not be unjust to
one another or oppress one another.....”
[111-Gardens of the Righteous,
Muslim].The saying in its complete
form is below.

Abu Hurairah reported: the Prophet

(PBUH) said, “The strong are not those
who vanquish the people by means of
their strength, but the strong are those
who control their anger.”
[45 and 647 -Gardens of the righteous,
1947 Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Hurairah reported the Companions

asked: "Shall we be rewarded for
showing kindness to animals also?'' the
Messenger (PBUH) replied, "A reward
is given in connection with every living
creature".
[126-Garrdens of the Righteous, Al-
Bukhari and Muslim].
On the authority of Abu- Huraira the
prophet said: “God the All-mighty is
good and accepts only that which is
good……” (1851-Gardens of the
Righteous, Muslim)

Aisha reported God's Apostle said:

“Verily, God is kind, and loves
kindness / forbearance, and will reward
for kindness / forbearance while He
will not reward for violence/severity
and He will not give for other than it
(kindness/ forbearance).”
[634-Gardens of the Righteous,
Muslim]

Ibn `Abbas reported: the Messenger

(PBUH) said to Ashaj Abdul-Qais,
"You possess two qualities that God
loves. These are clemency and
tolerance.''
[632-Gardens of the Righteous,
Muslim].

`Aishah reported: The Messenger of

God (PBUH) said, "God is Forbearer
and loves forbearance in all matters.''
[633-Gardens of the Righteous, Al-
Bukhari and Muslim].
Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri reported:
Messenger of God(PBUH) said,
"Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he
must change it with his hand; if he is
unable to do so, then with his tongue;
and if he is unable to do so, then with
his heart; and that is the weakest form
of Faith".
[184-Gardens of the Righteous,
Muslim].
Abu Hurairah reported: The Prophet
(PBUH) said, "He who does not show
mercy to others will not be shown
mercy".
[893- Gardens of the Righteous, 1926
Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
 Usamah bin Zaid narrated the
Messenger (PBUH) said, "God shows
compassion only to those among His
slaves who are compassionate".
[29-Gardens of the Righteous, Al-
Bukhari and Muslim].

“The Compassionate (God) bestows

Mercy on those who are merciful.
Show mercy to those on the Earth and
He who is in the Heaven will show
mercy to you.” (reported by Abo
Dawud)

Anas reported: Messenger of God

(PBUH) said, "Help your brother,
whether he is an oppressor or is
oppressed". A man enquired: "O
Messenger of God! I help him when he
is oppressed, but how can I help him
when he is an oppressor?'' He (PBUH)
said, "You can keep him from
committing oppression. That will be
your help to him".
[237-Gardens of the Righteous, Al-
Bukhari and Muslim].

“Fear God wherever you are, and

follow up a bad deed with a good one
and it will wipe it out, and treat all
people with the best of manners.”
[61-Gardens of the Righteous, At-
Tirmidhi]

Article 6.
 Everyone has the right to recognition
everywhere as a person before the
law.

Article 7. Islam Preaches Equality and Justice

 All are equal before the law and are “O you who believe! Stand out firmly
entitled without any discrimination to for God and be just witnesses and let
 equal protection of the law. All are
entitled to equal protection against
any discrimination in violation of this
Declaration and against any
incitement to such discrimination.
not the enmity and hatred of others
make you avoid justice. Be just: that is
nearer to piety, and fear God. Verily,
God is Well Acquainted with what you
do.” (Quran 5.8)
“O you who believe! Stand out firmly
for justice, as witnesses to God, even
though it be against yourselves, or your
parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor,
God is a Better Protector to both (than
you). So follow not the lusts (of your
hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and
if you distort your witness or refuse to
give it, verily, God is Ever
WellAcquainted with what you do.”
(Quran 4.135)
“God does not forbid you to deal justly
and kindly with those who fought not
against you on account of religion and
did not drive you out of your homes.
Verily, God loves those who deal with
equity.” (Quran 60.8)

Article 8.
 Everyone has the right to an effective
remedy by the competent national
tribunals for acts violating the
fundamental rights granted him by the
constitution or by law.

Article 9.
 No one shall be subjected to arbitrary
arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10.
 Everyone is entitled in full equality to
a fair and public hearing by an
independent and impartial tribunal, in
the determination of his rights and
obligations and of any criminal
charge against him.
Article 11.
 (1) Everyone charged with a penal
offence has the right to be presumed
innocent until proved guilty according
to law in a public trial at which he has
had all the guarantees necessary for
his defence.
 (2) No one shall be held guilty of any
penal offence on account of any act or
omission which did not constitute a
penal offence, under national or
international law, at the time when it
was committed. Nor shall a heavier
penalty be imposed than the one that
was applicable at the time the penal
offence was committed.

Article 12. Islam states that everyone has a right

to privacy:
 No one shall be subjected to arbitrary
"O you who believe! Enter not houses
interference with his privacy, family,
other than your own, until you have
home or correspondence, nor to
asked permission and greeted those in
attacks upon his honour and
them. And if you find no one therein,
reputation. Everyone has the right to
still, enter not until permission has
the protection of the law against such
been given. And if you are asked to go
interference or attacks.
back, go back, for it is purer for you,
and God is All-Knower of what you
do.” (Quran 24:27,28)

“….. It is not piety/ righteousness that

you enter the houses from the back but
piety/ righteousness (is the quality of
the one) who fears God. So enter
houses through their proper doors, and
fear God that you may be successful.”
(Quran 2.189)

“.....and spy not......” (Quran 49.12)

Abu Hurairah reported: the Messenger

of God (PBUH) said, "It is from the
excellence of (a believer's) Islam that
he should shun that which is of no
concern to him".
[67-Gardens of the Righteous, At-
Tirmidhi].

A Persons Honour or Reputation

Must Be Respected
“O you who believe! Let not a group
scoff at another group, it may be that
the latter are better than the former; nor
let (some) women scoff at other
women, it may be that the latter are
better than the former, nor defame one
another, nor insult one another by
nicknames. How bad is it, to insult
one's brother after having Faith. And
whosoever does not repent, then such
are indeed wrong-doers.” (Quran
49.11)

“O you who believe! Avoid much

suspicion, indeed some suspicions are
sins. And spy not, neither backbite one
another. Would one of you like to eat
the flesh of his dead brother? You
would hate it (so hate backbiting). And
fear God. Verily, God is the One Who
accepts repentance, Most Merciful.”
(Quran 49.12)

Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of

God (PBUH) said, "Do you know what
backbiting is?'' The Companions said:
"God and His Messenger know better.''
Thereupon he said, "Backbiting is
talking about your brother in a manner
which he dislikes.'' It was said to him:
"What if my brother is as I say.'' He
said, "If he is actually as you say, then
that is backbiting; but if he is not then
that is slandering.''
[1523 Gardens of the Righteous,
Muslim].

Hudhaifah said: The Messenger


Article 13.
 (1) Everyone has the right to freedom
of movement and residence within the
borders of each state.
 (2) Everyone has the right to leave
any country, including his own, and to
return to his country.
Article 14.
 (1) Everyone has the right to seek and
to enjoy in other countries asylum
from persecution.
 (2) This right may not be invoked in
the case of prosecutions genuinely
arising from non-political crimes or
from acts contrary to the purposes and
principles of the United Nations.
(PBUH) said, "The person who goes
about with calumnies will never enter
Paradise.''
[1536 Gardens of the Righteous, Al-
Bukhari and Muslim].
Abu Hurairah reported: The Prophet
(PBUH) said, "He who believes in God
and the Last Day must either speak
good or remain silent.''
[1511-Gardens of the Righteous,
Muslim].
Ibn Mas`ud reported: The Messenger
of God (PBUH) said, "A true believer
is not involved in taunting, or
frequently cursing (others) or in
indecency or abusing.''
[1555 Gardens of the Righteous, At-
Tirmidhi].
The Right to Freedom of Movement
“He who emigrates (from his home) in
the Cause of God, will find on earth
many dwelling places and plenty to live
by. And whosoever leaves his home as
an emigrant unto God and His
Messenger, and death overtakes him,
his reward is then surely incumbent
upon God. And God is Ever
OftForgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran
4.100)
The Right to Seek Asylum from
Persecution
“Verily! As for those whom the angels
take (in death) while they are wronging
themselves, they (angels) say (to them):
"In what (condition) were you?" They
reply: "We were weak and oppressed
on earth." They (angels) say: "Was not
the earth of God spacious enough for

Article 15.
 (1) Everyone has the right to a
nationality.
 (2) No one shall be arbitrarily
deprived of his nationality nor denied
the right to change his nationality.
Article 16.
 (1) Men and women of full age,
without any limitation due to race,
nationality or religion, have the right
to marry and to found a family. They
are entitled to equal rights as to
marriage, during marriage and at its
dissolution.
 (2) Marriage shall be entered into
only with the free and full consent of
the intending spouses.
 (3) The family is the natural and
fundamental group unit of society and
is entitled to protection by society and
the State.
you to emigrate therein?" Such men
will find their abode in Hell - What an
evil destination! Except the weak ones
among men, women and children who
cannot devise a plan, nor are they able
to direct their way. For these there is
hope that God will forgive them, and
God is Ever Oft Pardoning, Oft-
Forgiving.” (Quran 4.97-99)
The Right to a Nationality
“O mankind! We have created you
from a male and a female, and made
you into nations and tribes, that you
may know one another. Verily, the most
honourable of you with God is he who
has piety” (Quran 49:13)
“And among His Signs is the creation
of the heavens and the earth, and the
difference of your languages and
colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs
for men of sound knowledge.” (Quran
30.22)
Islam Aims at Nurturing a Righteous
Family.
The Beauty of Marriage
“And among His Signs is this, that He
created for you mates from among
yourselves, that you may dwell in
tranquillity with them, and He has put
love and mercy between your (hearts).
Verily, in that are signs for those who
reflect.” (Quran 30.21)
“It is He Who has created you from a
single person (Adam), and (then) He
has created from him his wife (Eve), in
order that he might enjoy the pleasure
of living with her......” (Quran 7.189)
“Your wives are as a tilth unto you, so
approach your tilth when or how you
will, and send (good deeds, or ask God
to bestow upon you pious offspring)
beforehand for your souls. And fear
God, and know that you are to meet
Him (in the Hereafter), and give good
tidings to the believers.” (Quran 2.223)

“O you who believe! You are forbidden

to inherit women against their will, and
you should not treat them with
harshness, that you may take away part
of the dowry you have given them,
unless they commit open illegal sexual
intercourse. And live with them
honourably in kindness and equity.
If you dislike them, it may be that you
dislike a thing and God brings through
it a great deal of good.”(Quran 4.19)

“Whoever is able to marry should

marry, for that will help you to lower
your gaze and guard your modesty.”
(Al-Bukhari)

“He whom God blesses with a

righteous mate has gained half of his
religion. Thus, he should fear God in
the remaining half.” (narrated by Al-
Tabarani, reported by Al-Baihaqi)

Abu Hurairah reported: Messenger of

God (PBUH) said, "The believers who
show the most perfect Faith are those
who have the best behaviour, and the
best of you are those who are the best
to their wives".
[278 and 628 -Gardens of the
Righteous, At-Tirmidhi].
Equal Rights in Marriage
“…. And they (women) have rights
(over their husbands) similar (to
those of their husbands) over them to
what is reasonable, but men have a
degree (of responsibility) over them.
And God is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”
(Quran 2.228)
“And live with them honourably in
kindness and equity….”(Quran 4.19)

“Women are men’s partners.” (reported

by Ahmed and Abo Dawud)

Marriage is Viewed as a Contract

As evident from the following two
verses marriage in Islam is not viewed
as a "status" but rather as a "covenant
or contract", in which the woman's
consent is imperative
“But if you intend to replace a wife by
another and you have given one of
them a Cantar (of gold i.e. a great
amount) as Mahr (a gift given to the
bride by the groom prior to marriage),
take not the least bit of it back; would
you take it wrongfully without a right
and (with) a manifest sin? And how
could you take it (back) while you have
gone in unto each other, and they have
taken from you a firm and strong
covenant?” (Quran 4.20,21)
“And there is no sin on you if you
make a hint of betrothal or conceal it in
yourself, God knows that you will
remember them, but do not make a
promise of contract with them in
secret except that you speak an
honourable saying according to the
Islâmic law. And do not consummate
the marriage until the term prescribed
is fulfilled. And know that God knows
what is in your minds, so fear Him.
And know that god is Oft-Forgiving,
Most Forbearing.” (Quran 2.235)

“A woman cannot be given in marriage

except after her consent.” [Al-Bukhari]

Khansa bint Khaddam Al-Ansariyyah

reported that her father gave her in
marriage and she disliked this. So she
went to the Prophet (PBUH) and he
annulled the marriage. [Al-Bukhari]

Ibn ‘Abbas reported “a woman came to

the Prophet and complained ‘my father
has married me to his nephew to
elevate his social status’ The Prophet
gave her a choice and she replied ‘I
accept what my father has done, but I
wanted the women to know that their
fathers cannot compel them into
marriage.’ “ [reported by Ibn Majah
and Ahmed]

Divorce

The Quran describes divorce in the

following way

“....in a handsome manner.”(Quran

33.49) or “.....either take them back in a
good manner or part with them in a
good manner.” (Quran 65.2).

“……, either you retain her on

reasonable terms or release her with
kindness. …..either take them back
on reasonable basis or set them free
on reasonable basis. But do not take
them back to hurt them, and
whoever does that, then he has
wronged himself…...” (Quran 2.227-
232)

“But if they separate (by divorce), God

will provide abundance for every one
of them from His Bounty. And God is
Ever AllSufficient for His creatures'
need, AllWise.”(Quran 4.130)

“Lodge them (the divorced women)

where you dwell, according to your
means, and do not treat them in such
a harmful way that they be obliged
to leave. And if they are pregnant,
then spend on them till they
deliver.....”(Quran 65.6)

Who to Marry

“And marry those among you who are

single (i.e. a man who has no wife and
the woman who has no husband), and
the virtuous ones among your slaves,
male and female. If they are in poverty,
God will enrich them out of His Grace.
And God is All-Sufficent for His
creatures' needs, All-Knowing.”(Quran
24.32)
“And do not marry (female) polytheists
till they believe. And indeed a slave
woman who believes is better than a
(free female) polytheist even though
she pleases you. And give not (your
daughters) in marriage to male
polytheists till they believe and verily,
a believing slave is better than a (free)
male polytheist, even though he pleases
you. Those invite you to the Fire, but
God invites to Paradise and
Forgiveness by His Leave, and makes
His signs clear to mankind that they
may remember.” (Quran 2.221)
“….. (Lawful to you in marriage) are
chaste women from the believers and
chaste women from those who were
given the Scripture (Jews and
Christians) before your time, when you
have given their due Mahr (gift given
by the husband to his wife at the time
of marriage), desiring chastity
(i.e. taking them in legal wedlock) not
committing illegal sexual intercourse,
nor taking them as girl-friends. And
whosoever disbelieves in the Oneness
of God and in all the other Articles of
Faith, then fruitless is his work, and in
the Hereafter he will be among the
losers.” (Quran 5.5)
“Forbidden to you (for marriage) are:
your mothers, your daughters, your
sisters, your father's sisters, your
mother's sisters, your brother's
daughters, your sister's daughters, your
foster mother who gave you suck, your
foster milk suckling sisters, your wives'
mothers, your step daughters under
your guardianship, born of your wives
to whom you have gone in - but there is
no sin on you if you have not gone in
them (to marry their daughters), - the
wives of your sons who (spring) from
your own loins, and two sisters in
wedlock at the same time, except for
what has already passed; verily, God is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran
4.23)
“Also (forbidden are) women already
married, except those whom your right
hands possess. Thus has God ordained
for you. All others are lawful, provided
you seek (them in marriage) with Mahr
(gift given by the husband to his wife at
the time of marriage) from your
property, desiring chastity, not
committing illegal sexual intercourse,
so with those of whom you have
enjoyed sexual relations, give them
their Mahr as prescribed; but if after a
Mahr is prescribed, you agree mutually
(to give more), there is no sin on
you. Surely, God is Ever All-Knowing,
AllWise.” (Quran 4.24)
“O you who believe! When believing
women come to you as emigrants,
examine them, God knows best as to
their Faith, then if you ascertain that
they are true believers, send them not
back to the disbelievers, they are not
lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor
are the disbelievers lawful (husbands)
for them. But give the disbelievers that
(amount of money) which they have
spent [as their Mahr] to them. And
there will be no sin on you to marry
them if you have paid their Mahr to
them. Likewise hold not the
disbelieving women as wives, and ask
for (the return of) that which you have
spent (as Mahr) and let them (the
disbelievers, etc.) ask back for that
which they have spent. That is the
Judgement of God. He judges between
you. And God is All-Knowing, All-
Wise.” (Quran 60.10)
There is no conflict between article 16
and Islam.

In simple terms article 16 states that

every person has a right to propose to
whomever they want and that the
spouse has a right to accept or decline
this proposal, as marriage can only be
entered into with the free and full

Article 17.
 (1) Everyone has the right to own
property alone as well as in
association with others.
 (2) No one shall be arbitrarily
deprived of his property.
consent of the intending spouses.
Article 16 places no restrictions on
whom a person should want to propose
to or want to consent to.
Islam does place restrictions on who a
Muslim can marry but this is not
undermined by Article 16.
A Muslim man can only marry
monotheist women (Jew, Christian or
Muslim) and a Muslim woman can
only marry a Muslim man. As Muslims
we acknowledge that God has given us
the privilege of freedom of choice in all
our actions; a person who submits to
God (Muslim) would inevitably choose
what God has ordered them too, we
make that choice it is not made for us.
(1) Islam grants each individual (male
and female) the right to own property
(buy, sell and manage) and enter into
contracts. Men are financially
responsible for the household while
women are free to administer the
wealth they have brought into the
family or have earned by their own
work.
"Unto men belongs a share of that
which Parents and near kindred leave,
and unto women a share of that which
parents and near kindred leave, whether
it be a little or much - a determinate
share" (Quran 4:7)
(2) No one Shall be deprived of his
property
Verily! God commands that you should
render back the trusts to those, to
whom they are due; and that when
you judge between men, you judge
with justice. Verily, how excellent is
the teaching which He gives you!
Truly, God is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.
(Quran 4.58)

“And eat up not one another's

property unjustly (in any illegal way
e.g. stealing, robbing, deceiving, etc.),
nor give bribery to the rulers (judges
before presenting your cases) that you
may knowingly eat up a part of the
property of others sinfully.” (Quran
2.188)

"And come not near to the orphan's

property, except to improve it until
he or she attains the age of full
strength (maturity)......'' (Quran 6:152
and 17.34)
“And try orphans (as regards their
intelligence) until they reach the age of
marriage; if then you find sound
judgment in them, release their
property to them, but consume it not
wastefully, and hastily fearing that they
should grow up, and whoever amongst
guardians is rich, he should take no
wages, but if he is poor, let him have
for himself what is just and reasonable
(according to his work). And when you
release their property to them, take
witness in their presence; and God is
All-Sufficient in taking account.”
(Quran 4.6)
 "And they ask you concerning orphans.
Say: `The best thing is to work
honestly in their property, and if you
mix your affairs with theirs, then they
are your brothers. And God knows him
who means mischief (e.g., to swallow
their property) from him who means
good (e.g., to save their property).''
(Quran 2:220)

Article 18. (1) Freedom of Religion

 Everyone has the right to freedom of In Islam all religions are respected.
Everyone has the right to freedom of
thought, conscience and religion; this
belief and to carry out their obligations
right includes freedom to change his
in accord with their own particular
religion or belief, and freedom, either
belief. Religion can never be imposed
alone or in community with others
on a person.
and in public or private, to manifest
his religion or belief in teaching,
practice, worship and observance. “There is no compulsion in
religion....” (Quran 2.256)

“And insult not those whom they

(disbelievers) worship besides God,
lest they insult God wrongfully without
knowledge....” (Quran 6.108)

“Say ‘Each one does according to his

religion (or way) your Lord knows best
of him whose path is right." (Quran
17.84)

“Say ‘O disbelievers (in God)! I

worship not that which you worship,
Nor will you worship that which I
worship. And I shall not worship that
which you are worshipping. Nor will
you worship that which I worship. To
you be your religion, and to me my
religion." (Quran 109.1-6)

“And had your Lord willed, those on

earth would have believed, all of them
together. So, will you then compel
mankind, until they become believers?”
(Quran 10.99)
“Say: ‘With God is the perfect proof
and argument, had He so willed, He
would indeed have guided you all.’ "
(Quran 6.149)
“So unto this (religion of Islâm), then
invite (people), and stand firm, as you
are commanded, and follow not their
desires but say: "I believe in
whatsoever God has sent down of the
Book [all the holy Books, this Qur'ân
and the Books of the old from the
Torah, or the Gospel or the Pages of
Abraham] and I am commanded to do
justice among you, God is our Lord and
your Lord. For us our deeds and for
you your deeds. There is no dispute
between us and you. God will
assemble us (all), and to Him is the
final return”. (Quran 42.15)

“Say (to the polytheists) ‘You will not

be asked about our sins, nor shall we
be asked of what you do.’ Say: ‘Our
Lord will assemble us all together (on
the Day of Resurrection), then He will
judge between us with truth. And He is
the (Most Trustworthy) All Knowing
Judge." (Quran 34.25-26)

“And if they belie you, say: ‘For me

are my deeds and for you are your
deeds! You are innocent of what I do,
and I am innocent of what you do’
” (Quran 10.41)

“....... For had it not been that God

checks one set of people by means of
another, monasteries, churches,
synagogues, and mosques, wherein the
Name of God is mentioned much
 would surely have been pulled down.
Verily, God will help those who help
His (Cause). Truly, God is All-Strong,
All-Mighty.” (Quran 22.40)

(2) Freedom of Thought

The Quran urges observation,

contemplation and experimentation. (In
the book “The Revival of Religious
Sciences” by Imam Ghazali
contemplation is regarded as a basic
tenet and one of the ‘ten major guiding
principles’)
Islam comprehends that we will
inevitably make mistakes, which we
are not to be blamed for. We are not
judged by our results, on the contrary
we are rewarded for our efforts. Hence
there are many different schools of
jurisprudence and interpretations of the
Quran.

“If one who gives judgement renders a

verdict after having tried his best to
judge correctly and his verdict is
correct, he will receive a double
reward; and if he renders a verdict after
having tried his best to arrive at the
correct decision but his verdict is
incorrect, even then he will receive a
reward.” (Bukhari 2123,
Gardens Chap 370, 1856)

Article 19. Everyone has the right to freedom of

opinion and expression so long as we
 Everyone has the right to freedom of
do not insult others:
opinion and expression; this right
includes freedom to hold opinions
without interference and to seek,
"Not a word does he (or she) utter, but
receive and impart information and
there is a watcher by him ready (to
 ideas through any media and record it).'' (Quran 50:18)
regardless of frontiers.

Ibn Mas`ud said: The Messenger of

God (PBUH) said, "A true believer
does not taunt or curse or abuse or talk
indecently.''
[1734- Gardens of the Righteous, At-
Tirmidhi].

Article 20.
 (1) Everyone has the right to freedom
of peaceful assembly and association.
 (2) No one may be compelled to
belong to an association.

Article 21.
 (1) Everyone has the right to take part
in the government of his country,
directly or through freely chosen
representatives.
 (2) Everyone has the right of equal
access to public service in his country.
 (3) The will of the people shall be the
basis of the authority of government;
this will shall be expressed in periodic
and genuine elections which shall be
by universal and equal suffrage and
shall be held by secret vote or by
equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22.
 Everyone, as a member of society, has
the right to social security and is
entitled to realization, through
national effort and international co-
operation and in accordance with the
organization and resources of each
State, of the economic, social and
 cultural rights indispensable for his
dignity and the free development of
his personality.
Article 23.
 (1) Everyone has the right to work, to
free choice of employment, to just
and favourable conditions of work
and to protection against
unemployment.
 (2) Everyone, without any
discrimination, has the right to equal
pay for equal work.
 (3) Everyone who works has the right
to just and favourable remuneration
ensuring for himself and his family an
existence worthy of human dignity,
and supplemented, if necessary, by
other means of social protection.
 (4) Everyone has the right to form
and to join trade unions for the
protection of his interests.
“Seeking God’s bounty” is the Quranic
expression used for earning a living; it
appears many times...
“And We have appointed the night and
the day as two signs. Then, We have
made dark the sign of the night while
We have made the sign of day
illuminating, that you may seek
bounty from your Lord, and that you
may know the number of the years and
the reckoning. And We have explained
everything (in detail) with full
explanation.” (Quran 17.12)
“Your Lord is He Who drives the ship
for you through the sea, in order that
you may seek of His Bounty. Truly!
He is Ever Most Merciful towards
you.” (Quran 17.66)
“And He it is Who has subjected the
sea (to you), that you eat thereof fresh
tender meat (i.e. fish), and that you
bring forth out of it ornaments to wear.
And you see the ships ploughing
through it, that you may seek (thus) of
His Bounty (by transporting the goods
from place to place) and that you may
be grateful.” (Quran 16.14)
“It is out of His Mercy that He has put
for you night and day, that you may
rest therein (i.e. during the night) and
that you may seek of His Bounty (i.e.
during the day), and in order that you
may be grateful.” (Quran 28.73)
“And among His Signs is the sleep that
you take by night and by day, and your
seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that
are indeed signs for a people who
listen.” (Quran 30.23)
“And among His Signs is this, that He
sends the winds as glad tidings, giving
you a taste of His Mercy (i.e. rain), and
that the ships may sail at His
Command, and that you may seek of
His Bounty, in order that you may be
thankful.” (Quran 30.46)
“And the two seas (kinds of water) are
not alike, this fresh sweet, and pleasant
to drink, and that saltish and bitter. And
from them both you eat fresh tender
meat (fish), and derive the ornaments
that you wear. And you see the ships
cleaving (the seawater as they sail
through it), that you may seek of His
Bounty, and that you may give
thanks.” (Quran 35.12)
“Allâh it is He Who has subjected to
you the sea, that ships may sail through
it by His Command, and that you may
seek of His Bounty, and that you may
be thankful,” (Quran 45.12)
We are encouraged to work even
during sacred times as the pilgrimage
and on Friday’s

“There is no sin on you if you seek the

Bounty of your Lord (during
pilgrimage by trading, etc.)…..” (Quran
2.198)
“O you who believe! Violate not the
sanctity of the Symbols of Allâh, nor of
the Sacred Month, nor of the animals
brought for sacrifice, nor the garlanded
people or animals, etc. , nor the people
coming to the Sacred House (Makkah),
seeking the bounty and good pleasure
of their Lord...” (Quran 5.2)
“Then when the Friday prayer is
finished, you may disperse through the
land, and seek the Bounty of Allâh (by
working), and remember Allâh much,
that you may be successful.” (Quran
62.10)
 The following sayings encourage
Muslims to work till their last breath,
whether they reap the benefit of their
work or not.
“When the last hour is upon you
(death) and one is holding a plant in his
hand, let him sow / plant it if he can.”
(Ahmed and Al-Bukhari)

Jabir reported: the Messenger (PBUH)

said, "When a Muslim plants a tree,
whatever is eaten from it is charity
from him and whatever is stolen is
charity and whatever is subtracted from
it is charity".
[Muslim].
Another narration says: "If a Muslim
plants a tree, or sows a field and men
and animals and birds eat from it, all of
it is charity from him".
[135-Gardens of the righteous]

Abu Musa (May God be pleased with

him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH)
said, "The honest Muslim trustee who
carries out duties assigned to him (in
another narration he said, "Who
gives''), and he gives that in full, with
his heart overflowing with
cheerfulness, to whom he is ordered, he
is one of the two givers of charity".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Article 24. Everyone has the right to rest and

leisure:
 Everyone has the right to rest and
leisure, including reasonable
limitation of working hours and
Salman told Abud-Darda': "You owe a
periodic holidays with pay.
duty to your Lord, you owe a duty to
your body; you owe a duty to your
family; so you should give to everyone
his due. Abud-Darda' came to the
 Prophet (PBUH) and reported the
whole story. Prophet (PBUH) said,
"Salman is right".
[149- Gardens of the Righteous, Al-
Bukhari].

`Amr bin Shu`aib on the authority of

his father and grandfather reported:
Messenger of God (PBUH) said, "God
loves to see the sign of His Bounties on
his slave.''
[803-Gardens of the Righteous, At-
Tirmidhi].

Article 25. “....the father of the child shall bear the

cost of the mother's food and clothing
 (1) Everyone has the right to a
on a reasonable basis....” (Quran 2.223)
standard of living adequate for the
health and well-being of himself and
of his family, including food,
clothing, housing and medical care
and necessary social services, and the
right to security in the event of
unemployment, sickness, disability,
widowhood, old age or other lack of
livelihood in circumstances beyond
his control.
 (2) Motherhood and childhood are
entitled to special care and assistance.
All children, whether born in or out of
wedlock, shall enjoy the same social
protection.

Article 26. Education is highly encouraged and

 (1) Everyone has the right to
education. Education shall be free, at
least in the elementary and
fundamental stages. Elementary
education shall be compulsory.
Technical and professional education
shall be made generally available and
higher education shall be equally
accessible to all on the basis of merit.
 (2) Education shall be directed to the
even considered as a form of worship
"And say: `My Lord! Increase me in
knowledge.'' (Quran 20:114)
“....Say ‘Are those who know equal to
those who know not?’ It is only those
who are endured with understanding
that will take heed.” (Quran 39:9)
"God will exalt in degree those of you
who believe, and those who have been
granted knowledge.'' (Quran 58:11)
 full development of the human
personality and to the strengthening
of respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms. It shall
promote understanding, tolerance and
friendship among all nations, racial or
religious groups, and shall further the
activities of the United Nations for
the maintenance of peace.
 (3) Parents have a prior right to
choose the kind of education that
shall be given to their children.
Article 27.
 (1) Everyone has the right freely to
participate in the cultural life of the
community, to enjoy the arts and to
share in scientific advancement and
its benefits.
 (2) Everyone has the right to the
protection of the moral and material
interests resulting from any scientific,
literary or artistic production of which
he is the author.
Article 28.
Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger
of God (PBUH) said, "God makes the
way to Paradise easy for him who
treads the path in search of
knowledge.''
[247 and 1381 Gardens of the
Righteous, Muslim].
Abud-Darda reported: The Messenger
of God (PBUH) said, "He who follows
a path in quest of knowledge, God will
make the path of Paradise easy to him.
The angels lower their wings over the
seeker of knowledge, being pleased
with what he does. The inhabitants of
the heavens and the earth and even the
fish in the depth of the oceans seek
forgiveness for him. The superiority of
the learned man over the devout
worshipper is like that of the full moon
to the rest of the stars (i.e., in
brightness). The learned are the heirs of
the Prophets who bequeath neither
dinar nor dirham but only that of
knowledge; and he who acquires it, has
in fact acquired an abundant portion.''
[1388 – Gardens of the Righteous, Abu
Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
  Everyone is entitled to a social and
international order in which the rights
and freedoms set forth in this
Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29.
 (1) Everyone has duties to the
community in which alone the free
and full development of his
personality is possible.
 (2) In the exercise of his rights and
freedoms, everyone shall be subject
only to such limitations as are
determined by law solely for the
purpose of securing due recognition
and respect for the rights and
freedoms of others and of meeting the
just requirements of morality, public
order and the general welfare in a
democratic society.
 (3) These rights and freedoms may in
no case be exercised contrary to the
purposes and principles of the United
Nations.

Article 30.
 Nothing in this Declaration may be
interpreted as implying for any State,
group or person any right to engage in
any activity or to perform any act
aimed at the destruction of any of the
rights and freedoms set forth herein.

Abu Dharr (May God be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "God, the Exalted, and

Glorious, said; 'O My slaves, I have prohibited Myself injustice; and have made oppression
unlawful for you, so do not oppress one another. O My slaves, all of you are liable to err
except the one whom I guide on the Right Path, so seek guidance from Me so that I will
guide you to the Right Path. O My slaves, all of you are hungry except the one whom I feed,
so ask food from Me, I will feed you. O My slaves, all of you are naked except those whom I
clothe, so ask clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. O My slaves, you commit sins night and
day and I forgive all sins, so seek My forgiveness and I shall forgive you. O My slaves, you
can neither do Me any harm nor can you do Me any good. O My slaves, were the first of you
and the last of you, the human of you and jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of
any man of you, that would not increase My domain a thing. O My slaves, were the first of
you, and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most
wicked heart of any man of you, that would not decrease My domain in a thing. O My slaves,
were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to stand in one
place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would
not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decrease the sea if put into it. O My slaves,
it is but your deeds that I reckon for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds
good (i.e., in the Hereafter) praise God and let him who finds other than that blame no one
but himself.'''.
[111­Gardens of the Righteous, Muslim].