Three articles in English in which the author shows the rules that Islam put for human rights. They handle this concept in Islam based on the Quran and Prophetic tradition. They show the greatness of Islam in respecting and dignifying humans.
Since the end of World
War 2, Western international politics appears to have focused on securing human
rights; however, the reality is that the line between securing such rights and
maintaining state sovereignty has become blurred. The growing power and
politics involved in human rights advocacy tends to favor Western ideals, but these
are not necessarily universal ideals. Many would claim that the human
rights doctrine has become an accessory to spread Western moral imperialism.
While nobody denies that
there are certain inalienable human rights, just what those rights are is often
subject to fierce debate. While some cultures focus on individual rights
and freedoms, others are more concerned with rights that ensure the survival of
communities. The world is populated by diverse nations and tribes so it
makes sense that laws and declarations made by human beings are not going to be
universally accepted no matter how morally upstanding they are.
God says in the Quran, “O mankind, indeed We have created you
from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another."(Quran 49:13)
From this, we see that
interaction between nations is normal and desirable. However, it is part
of the nature of humankind to be jealous and at times self-serving. Islam
takes into account these vagaries of human nature, and therefore looks to the
supreme Creator for guidance. Human rights and responsibilities are
enshrined in Islam; they are the foundation for the Sharia (Jurisprudential
law).
There is no doubt that around
the world, abuses of human rights are being perpetrated, often in the name of
religion and sadly sometimes in the name of Islam. However, it is
important to recognise that just because a country is known as Islamic, this
does not mean that it automatically follows the laws sent down by God. It
is also important to realise that not all Muslims understand and follow their
religion. Culture often dictates action. Of course, the same can be said of all
religions. Throughout history, humankind has used the name of God to justify
unspeakable acts.
The planet earth stumbled
into the 21st century beset by wars, famines and great social
unrest, therefore today's catch phrases espouse the supposed remedy; freedom,
democracy, and reconciliation. Human rights have understandably become
paramount. Governments, non Government organizations, and religious and
charity groups have all spoken about equality and inalienable rights. The
United Nations was formed to stand as a beacon of hope for understanding and
joint initiatives but in actuality it is a toothless tiger, unable to reach
agreement on most resolutions and unable to enforce the resolutions that do
pass.
More than 1400 years ago, God
sent down the Quran, a book of guidance for all of humankind. He also
chose Muhammad as the final Prophet; he was the human being capable of leading
humankind into a new era of tolerance, respect, and justice. The words of
Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad contain rights and
responsibilities granted by God to humankind. They are not subject to the
whims and desires of men or women and they do not change as borders or
governments shift and settle, sometimes unrelentingly.
The United Nations proclaimed
the Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It set out, in 30
articles, the fundamental rights to be universally protected and
described them as, designed to promote, “universal respect for and
observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms[1]". The United Nations
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights went on to describe these
rights as inherent to all human beings regardless of sex, race, creed, or
colour and declared them indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated.
In the following 60 years other declarations, treaties, and committees have
come into existence, all focusing their efforts on ensuring the rights of
various groups within varied societies.
The tenants of Islam include
a basic set of rules designed to protect individual rights and freedoms,
however the rights of individuals are not permitted to infringe upon the rights
of communities. Islam is a doctrine concerned with respect, tolerance,
justice, and equality and the Islamic concepts of freedom and human rights are
imbedded in the faith in the One God. If humankind is to live in peace
and security, he or she must obey the commands of God.
Muslims believe that God is
the sole Creator and Sustainer of humankind and the universe. He has
given each human being dignity and honour and the human rights and privileges
we enjoy are granted by Him. The rights granted by God are designed for
everybody. One person is not more worthy of protection than another
is. Each person is entitled to sustenance, shelter, and security and if
some people are denied their God given rights, it is the responsibility of the
rest of humankind to restore those rights. Allah says, “O you who believe! Stand out
firmly for God, be just witnesses, and let 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)
Power and authority
narratives have become entrenched in human rights advocacy. Legislation and
unenforceable treaties cannot protect the downtrodden and oppressed.
However, Islam proclaims that God treats all human beings equally and true
human rights can only be achieved by obedience to Him. In the following
series of articles, we will examine the 30 articles of the Declaration of Human
Rights and compare them to the Islamic standpoint and the reality of life in
the 21st century.
Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari
[2] The text of the Farewell Sermon can be found in Saheeh
Al-Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim, and in the books of At
Tirmidhi and Imam Ahmad.
Footnotes:
[1](http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/)
The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights deals with many issues. It attempts to ensure humankind treat
each other with respect and dignity. Islam is a religion that holds
respect, dignity and tolerance in very high esteem and the rights and
responsibilities inherent in Islam are a declaration of human rights.
One of the most important
principles in Islam is that God created humankind to be fully accountable for
his actions. Each human being has certain rights and responsibilities and
no human being has the right to restrict the freedom of another. Anyone
who dares to take away the God given rights inherent in Islam, including the
right to human dignity, is called a wrongdoer or an oppressor. God calls
on those who obey Him to stand up for the rights of the oppressed. Allah says, “And what is wrong with you that you
fight not in the cause of God, and for those weak, ill treated, and oppressed
among men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us
from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from you one who
will protect; and raise for us from you one who will help!"(Quran 4:75)
In article four of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights it states that no one
shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be
prohibited in all their forms. More than 1400 years ago Islam also tackled the issue of
slavery.
In the 7th century CE, slavery was entrenched in Arabian society, just as it
was in other societies and systems of law. Slaves were acquired easily
via, warfare, debt, kidnapping and poverty; thus, prohibiting slavery outright
would have been as useless as trying to outlaw poverty itself. Therefore,
Islam placed restrictions and regulations on slavery designed to bring about
its eventual abolishment.
There are no texts in the
Quran, or in the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and
blessings of God be upon him, that enjoin the taking of slaves but there are
countless texts calling for their freedom, including Muhammad's simple yet
deeply profound words, “Visit the ill, feed the hungry and
release the slaves."[1] Islamic law recognized slavery as an
institution but restricted the sources of acquisition to one method only,
captured prisoners of war and their families. Muslim leaders were
encouraged to free prisoners of war or exchange them for ransom.
The principle of dealing with
slaves in early Islam was a combination of justice, kindness, and
compassion. Muslims pay a small portion of their yearly, accumulated
income in compulsory charity and one of the lawful ways this money may be used
is to free slaves. Freeing slaves is also the expiation for many sins,
including breaking vows and accidental killings.
Over the past 200 years,
Western culture has slowly abolished slavery but the trade of human beings has
not abated. National Geographic estimates worldwide that there are 27
million men, women, and children who are currently enslaved. Although man
made declarations and treaties have denounced slavery, ironically, on the open
market, a slave is worth less today then he was 200 years ago.
Modern day “slaves" who are
physically confined or restrained, or forced to work, or controlled through
violence have no legal way to purchase their own freedom nor is there any legal
body to oversee their treatment. Slavery exists under the radar and is
usually associated with drugs, prostitution, and other illegal
activities.
The restrictions imposed by
Islam gave slaves rights and protection from ill treatment. The act of freeing
a slave is a very virtuous act that will bless a person in this life and in the
next. Islam has the inherent ability to recognise and regulate the undesirable
characteristics of human nature.
Slavery and servitude will
not be successfully abolished until humankind recognizes that God's laws are
the true embodiment of human rights. The same can be said of torture, and cruel
and inhuman punishments. These detestable actions will not cease to exist until
humankind as a whole realizes that there is a God and the worship of Him goes
beyond coveting the life of this world. Torture exists today even though
treaties and declarations including article five of the Universal Declaration
of Human rights, call for the abandonment of such ill treatment.
Each member of the
human race is treated with due respect and dignity, regardless of race, colour
creed, or nationality. Prophet Muhammad expressly prohibited cruel and
unusual punishments even in times of war. He made it clear that no one should
be burned alive or tortured with fire, and that wounded soldiers should not be
attacked and prisoners of war should not be killed. He said to his
followers, “You are neither hard hearted nor fierce
of character,"[2] and he
warned his people of being unjust, “For injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Requital."[3]
Even prisoners of war in
early Islamic history spoke highly of their captors. Blessings be on the
men of Medina', said one of these prisoners in later days, 'they made us ride
while they themselves walked; they gave us wheaten bread to eat when there was
little of it, contenting themselves with dates." [4]
The second Caliph of Islam, Omar Ibn Al Khattab said, “A person would not be held responsible for his confession,
if you inflicted pain upon him or scared him or imprisoned him [to obtain the
confession]."[5]
The Cairo Declaration of
Human Rights in Islam states in article 20 that “No one is to be arrested or
his freedom restricted, exiled, or punished without adequate legal action.
Individuals must not be subjected to physical or psychological torment or any
other humiliating treatment."
The enforcement of human
rights in Islam is linked inextricably to the implementation of Islamic
law. Islam promises that those who follow God's rules and regulations
will be rewarded with His guarantee of eternal Paradise. However choosing
to restrict or take away rights given to humankind by God is a punishable
offence. “On the Day of Requital, rights will be given to those to
whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed)..."[6]
Islam is the religion
revealed for all of humankind. It is not exclusively for Arabs or Asians,
men, or women, the wealthy or the downtrodden. Islam is the religion and way of
life that assures that humankind is able to access all of their rights. It
makes sense to think that the One Who created us knows what is best for us, and
He (God) has given us access to all the knowledge we need in order
to live happy secure lives.
Muslims believe that this
knowledge is accessible through the Quran and the authentic traditions of
Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and that it
is guaranteed by the Sharia (Islamic
Law). Islam establishes a legal framework, and embodies a code of ethics,
designed to protect the rights of an individual including his or her right to
live in a secure society.
Prophet Muhammad said, “Whosoever wakes up (in the morning) feeling
that he is secure in his community, free from ailments and diseases in his
body, and has enough provision for a single day, it is as if he owns the entire
world."(Tirmidhi)
The Sharia is concerned with preserving five basic
rights: the right to practice religion, the protection of life, the
safeguarding of the mind or intellect, the preservation of honour and family,
and the sanctity of his wealth and property. A unified community establishes
a moral and ethical base in which individual rights are upheld. Although
the rights of individuals are of great concern, they are not permitted to
overshadow the rights of the community.
The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights contains 30 articles. They strive to secure life, liberty,
and security for all men, women, and children. There is no doubt that the
preservation of this declaration is a righteous act however each article has
been adequately addressed in the past by the words of God in Quran and the
traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
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.
Quran
& Traditions
There are many verses in
Quran that point to the dignity, equality, and brotherhood of humankind.
Furthermore, God makes it clear that rights and freedoms are granted to all,
regardless of race, gender, social origin, nationality, language, colour, or
status. Allah says, "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 that (believer) who has taqwa (piety and
righteousness). Verily, God is All Knowing, All-Aware." (Quran 48:13)
God created humankind to act
as vicegerent upon the earth; human beings were set above the animals, birds,
and fish and given a task of great responsibility. Allah says, “See you not (O men) that God has
subjected for you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth,
and has completed and perfected His Graces upon you, (both) apparent and
hidden."(Quran 31:20)
The first man Adam, the
father of humankind was honoured and treated with due respect and
dignity. God blew man's soul into him, He fashioned him with His own
hands and He ordered the Angels to bow down before him. By honouring Adam
God assured that all of humankind are worthy of dignity and respect. Islam
also makes it clear that all mankind is descended from Adam and as such are
brothers and sisters to one another. Allah says, "And (remember) when your Lord said to the
angels: 'I am going to create a human (Adam) from clay. So when I have
fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall
down prostrate to him." (Quran 38:71-72)
God said in Quran (49:10) that
believers are nothing less than brothers to one another and Prophet Muhammad
constantly reinforced the necessity of maintaining the ties of
brotherhood. He said that no person would attain true piety until he
wished for his brother (or sister) what he wished for himself.[1]
When Prophet Muhammad
realised he would soon be returning to his beloved God, he addressed all of
humanity with profound and beautiful words that became known as the Farewell
Sermon. He gazed down upon more than 100,000 thousand followers standing on the
plains of Arafat, and said, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has
no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over
an Arab. A white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority
over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a
brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood."[2]
“We ordained ...that if
anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread
mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone
saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind."(Quran 5:32)
God makes it clear in Quran
that human life is sacred. Blood cannot be spilled or life taken without
justification. The right to life is inherent in the tenants of Islam and
it is given by God, in equal measure to every single human being that has
inhabited or will inhabit this planet earth. It is given to us by our
Creator as a trust. We are obligated to care for each other and
ourselves. Suicide out of despair of God's mercy or for any other reason
is strictly forbidden. The sanctity of the body is inviolable and the bodies of
the deceased must be handled with care and fitting solemnity.
“Say (O Muhammad):
'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 because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them; come
not near to shameful sins whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not
anyone whom God has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic
law). This He has commanded you that you may understand."(Quran 6:151)
Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari
[2] The text of the Farewell Sermon can be found in Saheeh
Al-Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim, and in the books of At
Tirmidhi and Imam Ahmad.
Footnotes:
[1](http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/)
The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights deals with many issues. It attempts to ensure humankind treat
each other with respect and dignity. Islam is a religion that holds
respect, dignity and tolerance in very high esteem and the rights and
responsibilities inherent in Islam are a declaration of human rights.
One of the most important
principles in Islam is that God created humankind to be fully accountable for
his actions. Each human being has certain rights and responsibilities and
no human being has the right to restrict the freedom of another. Anyone
who dares to take away the God given rights inherent in Islam, including the
right to human dignity, is called a wrongdoer or an oppressor. God calls
on those who obey Him to stand up for the rights of the oppressed. Allah says, “And what is wrong with you that you
fight not in the cause of God, and for those weak, ill treated, and oppressed
among men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us
from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from you one who
will protect; and raise for us from you one who will help!"(Quran 4:75)
In article four of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights it states that no one
shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be
prohibited in all their forms. More than 1400 years ago Islam also tackled the issue of
slavery.
In the 7th century CE, slavery was entrenched in Arabian society, just as it
was in other societies and systems of law. Slaves were acquired easily
via, warfare, debt, kidnapping and poverty; thus, prohibiting slavery outright
would have been as useless as trying to outlaw poverty itself. Therefore,
Islam placed restrictions and regulations on slavery designed to bring about
its eventual abolishment.
There are no texts in the
Quran, or in the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and
blessings of God be upon him, that enjoin the taking of slaves but there are
countless texts calling for their freedom, including Muhammad's simple yet
deeply profound words, “Visit the ill, feed the hungry and
release the slaves."[1] Islamic law recognized slavery as an
institution but restricted the sources of acquisition to one method only,
captured prisoners of war and their families. Muslim leaders were
encouraged to free prisoners of war or exchange them for ransom.
The principle of dealing with
slaves in early Islam was a combination of justice, kindness, and
compassion. Muslims pay a small portion of their yearly, accumulated
income in compulsory charity and one of the lawful ways this money may be used
is to free slaves. Freeing slaves is also the expiation for many sins,
including breaking vows and accidental killings.
Over the past 200 years,
Western culture has slowly abolished slavery but the trade of human beings has
not abated. National Geographic estimates worldwide that there are 27
million men, women, and children who are currently enslaved. Although man
made declarations and treaties have denounced slavery, ironically, on the open
market, a slave is worth less today then he was 200 years ago.
Modern day “slaves" who are
physically confined or restrained, or forced to work, or controlled through
violence have no legal way to purchase their own freedom nor is there any legal
body to oversee their treatment. Slavery exists under the radar and is
usually associated with drugs, prostitution, and other illegal
activities.
The restrictions imposed by
Islam gave slaves rights and protection from ill treatment. The act of freeing
a slave is a very virtuous act that will bless a person in this life and in the
next. Islam has the inherent ability to recognise and regulate the undesirable
characteristics of human nature.
Slavery and servitude will
not be successfully abolished until humankind recognizes that God's laws are
the true embodiment of human rights. The same can be said of torture, and cruel
and inhuman punishments. These detestable actions will not cease to exist until
humankind as a whole realizes that there is a God and the worship of Him goes
beyond coveting the life of this world. Torture exists today even though
treaties and declarations including article five of the Universal Declaration
of Human rights, call for the abandonment of such ill treatment.
Each member of the
human race is treated with due respect and dignity, regardless of race, colour
creed, or nationality. Prophet Muhammad expressly prohibited cruel and
unusual punishments even in times of war. He made it clear that no one should
be burned alive or tortured with fire, and that wounded soldiers should not be
attacked and prisoners of war should not be killed. He said to his
followers, “You are neither hard hearted nor fierce
of character,"[2] and he
warned his people of being unjust, “For injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Requital."[3]
Even prisoners of war in
early Islamic history spoke highly of their captors. Blessings be on the
men of Medina', said one of these prisoners in later days, 'they made us ride
while they themselves walked; they gave us wheaten bread to eat when there was
little of it, contenting themselves with dates." [4]
The second Caliph of Islam, Omar Ibn Al Khattab said, “A person would not be held responsible for his confession,
if you inflicted pain upon him or scared him or imprisoned him [to obtain the
confession]."[5]
The Cairo Declaration of
Human Rights in Islam states in article 20 that “No one is to be arrested or
his freedom restricted, exiled, or punished without adequate legal action.
Individuals must not be subjected to physical or psychological torment or any
other humiliating treatment."
The enforcement of human
rights in Islam is linked inextricably to the implementation of Islamic
law. Islam promises that those who follow God's rules and regulations
will be rewarded with His guarantee of eternal Paradise. However choosing
to restrict or take away rights given to humankind by God is a punishable
offence. “On the Day of Requital, rights will be given to those to
whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed)..."[6]
Islam is the religion
revealed for all of humankind. It is not exclusively for Arabs or Asians,
men, or women, the wealthy or the downtrodden. Islam is the religion and way of
life that assures that humankind is able to access all of their rights. It
makes sense to think that the One Who created us knows what is best for us, and
He (God) has given us access to all the knowledge we need in order
to live happy secure lives.
Muslims believe that this
knowledge is accessible through the Quran and the authentic traditions of
Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and that it
is guaranteed by the Sharia (Islamic
Law). Islam establishes a legal framework, and embodies a code of ethics,
designed to protect the rights of an individual including his or her right to
live in a secure society.
Prophet Muhammad said, “Whosoever wakes up (in the morning) feeling
that he is secure in his community, free from ailments and diseases in his
body, and has enough provision for a single day, it is as if he owns the entire
world."(Tirmidhi)
The Sharia is concerned with preserving five basic
rights: the right to practice religion, the protection of life, the
safeguarding of the mind or intellect, the preservation of honour and family,
and the sanctity of his wealth and property. A unified community establishes
a moral and ethical base in which individual rights are upheld. Although
the rights of individuals are of great concern, they are not permitted to
overshadow the rights of the community.
The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights contains 30 articles. They strive to secure life, liberty,
and security for all men, women, and children. There is no doubt that the
preservation of this declaration is a righteous act however each article has
been adequately addressed in the past by the words of God in Quran and the
traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
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.
Quran
& Traditions
There are many verses in
Quran that point to the dignity, equality, and brotherhood of humankind.
Furthermore, God makes it clear that rights and freedoms are granted to all,
regardless of race, gender, social origin, nationality, language, colour, or
status. Allah says, "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 that (believer) who has taqwa (piety and
righteousness). Verily, God is All Knowing, All-Aware." (Quran 48:13)
God created humankind to act
as vicegerent upon the earth; human beings were set above the animals, birds,
and fish and given a task of great responsibility. Allah says, “See you not (O men) that God has
subjected for you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth,
and has completed and perfected His Graces upon you, (both) apparent and
hidden."(Quran 31:20)
The first man Adam, the
father of humankind was honoured and treated with due respect and
dignity. God blew man's soul into him, He fashioned him with His own
hands and He ordered the Angels to bow down before him. By honouring Adam
God assured that all of humankind are worthy of dignity and respect. Islam
also makes it clear that all mankind is descended from Adam and as such are
brothers and sisters to one another. Allah says, "And (remember) when your Lord said to the
angels: 'I am going to create a human (Adam) from clay. So when I have
fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall
down prostrate to him." (Quran 38:71-72)
God said in Quran (49:10) that
believers are nothing less than brothers to one another and Prophet Muhammad
constantly reinforced the necessity of maintaining the ties of
brotherhood. He said that no person would attain true piety until he
wished for his brother (or sister) what he wished for himself.[1]
When Prophet Muhammad
realised he would soon be returning to his beloved God, he addressed all of
humanity with profound and beautiful words that became known as the Farewell
Sermon. He gazed down upon more than 100,000 thousand followers standing on the
plains of Arafat, and said, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has
no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over
an Arab. A white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority
over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a
brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood."[2]
“We ordained ...that if
anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread
mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone
saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind."(Quran 5:32)
God makes it clear in Quran
that human life is sacred. Blood cannot be spilled or life taken without
justification. The right to life is inherent in the tenants of Islam and
it is given by God, in equal measure to every single human being that has
inhabited or will inhabit this planet earth. It is given to us by our
Creator as a trust. We are obligated to care for each other and
ourselves. Suicide out of despair of God's mercy or for any other reason
is strictly forbidden. The sanctity of the body is inviolable and the bodies of
the deceased must be handled with care and fitting solemnity.
“Say (O Muhammad):
'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 because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them; come
not near to shameful sins whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not
anyone whom God has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic
law). This He has commanded you that you may understand."(Quran 6:151)
Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari
[2] The text of the Farewell Sermon can be found in Saheeh
Al-Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim, and in the books of At
Tirmidhi and Imam Ahmad.
API
