CSS 2013 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Human Dignity in Islam
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2013 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner inquired about the Importance of Human Dignity in this specific question. The question is addressed in two parts. The first is an outline, which is broken down into different parts. The introduction is given, followed by how Islam recognized it, what efforts have been adopted to maintain man’s superiority and the conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-The concept of human dignity in Islam
3-How Islam recognized the human dignity?
- ✔By giving a unique status to humans
- ✔By elevating humanity by prioritizing justice
- ✔By providing equality for all humans
- ✔By giving freedom of Belief to everyone
- ✔By encouraging Shura, which results in civic engagement
- ✔By providing a proper right to inheritance for both women and men
4-What efforts have been adopted to maintain the superiority of man in the current era?
- ✔By emphasizing human equality and justice
- ✔By promoting the right to life and respect
- ✔By empowering women’s rights and dignity
- ✔By strengthening social responsibility towards other people
5-Critical analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Human dignity has been one of the central principles of Islamic teachings. Islam has given humanity an honoured place by viewing humans as the noblest of all animals and man as God’s vicegerent on Earth. It becomes evident that a person is naturally honourable and venerable. No one has the authority to diminish, deny, or denigrate the respect of any human being, regardless of the reasons or situations. However, Islam affirms that the fundamental value of human dignity elevates one’s sense of sacredness. Islam promotes human dignity and condemns behaviours that violate honour and respect, including humiliation, torture, and insults. As the Quran states: “And We have preferred the children of Adam over many of those whom We have created, and carried them on land and sea and provided them with good things.” (Al-Isra:70). In addition to being founded on the core principle of human dignity, human rights are also upheld by the core beliefs of all major religions. Every individual in Islam, irrespective of gender, caste, or creed, is treated with the same dignity.
The concept of human dignity in Islam
Centuries before modern theories of human dignity were developed, Islam brought with it the message of equality regardless of social class, age, race, race, or colour. When the Creator created the universe with harmony, cooperation, and coexistence as guiding principles, it was an expression of his majesty and wisdom. “O people, indeed, We created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you” (Al-Hujrat:13). Allah commanded humanity not to be suspicious of anyone, even enslaved people, nor to pry into their personal affairs or emulate their transgressions. In addition, He gave the order to refrain from disparaging them or engaging in backbiting to harm their reputation. Allah compares these social evils to eating the flesh of one’s own deceased brother. Instead, He commanded us to eradicate the source of these evils and to guard against these repugnant things. He stated, “According to Al-Ma’rur bin Suwaid’s authority, “I met Abu Dhar, who was wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing the same, so I asked him about the reason. He replied: I insulted a man by cursing his mother, so the Prophet (PBUH) said to me: O Abu Dhar, you still have some characteristics of ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers…” (Bukhari).
How does Islam recognise human dignity?
- By giving a Unique status to humans
Islam emphasizes human dignity and humanity, which is what binds all people together. However, the angels are told that there will be created beings who will be honoured and serve as vicegerents on Earth. As stated by Allah s.w.t. in the Quran, “And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:70) The term “descendants of Adam,” which denotes the unity of humanity in the context of human dignity, is used in conjunction with this honour, and it is significant to note that it is not associated with any particular group. Therefore, honour is not based on any specific attribute but on a person’s humanity.
- By providing equality for all Humans
Islam affirms the equality of all people. Any discrimination against individuals based on their nationality, ethnicity, religion, or language is condemned by Islam. It is never appropriate to treat someone unfairly because of their ethnicity or religion. This erroneous understanding contradicts both the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and Islam. A chapter in the Quran that is often disregarded explains why people are separated into “nations and tribes”—that is, to establish relationships with one another. According to the Quran, “O humanity, be careful of your duty to your Lord (Rabb) who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate from them both has spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty (taqwa) toward Allah in whom you claim (your rights) of one another…”. (al-Quran).
- By giving freedom of Belief to everyone
The freedom to choose between the truth and falsehood is a fundamental aspect of Islamic Belief, as demonstrated by the shari’ah’s unambiguous evidence. Allah declares: “Let him who pleases believe, and let him who pleases disbelieve; for the truth comes from your Lord.” In this context, Belief refers to a strong conviction about something existing or being true, such as the existence of Allah (God). Something has to win over and penetrate someone’s heart. As the Quran says, Let there be no compulsion in religion, for the truth stands out clearly from falsehood. So whoever renounces false gods and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the firmest, unfailing hand-hold. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.(2:256) Islamic philosophy holds that faith or Belief is a spiritual matter as well as an interior feeling. Therefore, following religious rules in an externalistic, superstitious way is not enough; rather, a believer’s heart must be linked to and convinced of the meaning and objectives of religion.
- Encouraging Shura, which results in Civic Engagement
Islam emphasizes human dignity by promoting equality, inclusion, and group decision-making through Shura (mutual consultation), which guarantees that each person’s opinion is heard. Shura highlights that everyone has the right to be involved in choices that impact their life, regardless of their background or status, as this reflects their intrinsic dignity and value. This strategy fosters civic involvement, enabling people to make contributions to society while advancing justice and openness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consulting his companions during the Battle of Uhud is an example of Shura in action. He respected the majority’s decision to confront the enemy outside the city, even if he himself preferred to defend Medina from within. This choice highlights how Shura upholds human dignity by acknowledging the Prophet’s regard for group knowledge.
- By providing a proper right to Inheritance for both Women and Men
The Prophet (PBUH) urged Muslims to follow divine morals and treat others kindly, just as Allah does for his servants, in a number of hadiths. Surah An-Nisa, chapter four of the Qur’an, titled “The Woman,” contains the majority of these laws. The saying “a woman inherits only half of the man”—that is, half of what she would inherit if she were a man—recurs constantly and on all possible occasions.
What efforts have been adopted to maintain the superiority of man in the current era?
- By emphasizing human equality and justice
The superiority of mankind as a species that values fairness, compassion, and dignity may be preserved by civilizations that prioritize human equality and justice. In accordance with the Quran’s teaching that all people are created equal, equality guarantees that each person is given the same rights and opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or financial background (49:13). Consequently, justice ensures peace and social cohesion by offering the foundation for resolving complaints and correcting inequalities. For instance, programs like universal education promote creativity and lessen inequality, which not only empower people but also advance society. Humanity confirms its moral and intellectual supremacy by establishing laws and practices based on the values of justice and equality, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
- By promoting the right to life and respect
Furthermore, in the present period, upholding humanity’s moral superiority requires promoting the right to life and respect. Both contemporary legal frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and divine teaching, such as the Quranic exhortation, “Whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity” (5:32), uphold the universal premise of the right to life. Respecting life means creating spaces where dignity reigns supreme and protecting people from exploitation, poverty, and violence. Humanity’s dedication to protecting life is demonstrated, for example, by international efforts to fight hunger via programs like the United Nations’ Zero Hunger campaign. In a similar vein, movements that promote mental health awareness stress how crucial it is to respect people’s psychological health. In addition to upholding its higher ethical obligations, humanity secures its position as a morally superior and enlightened species by promoting a world where justice, peace, and compassion flourish.
- By empowering Women’s rights and dignity
Moreover, in the modern period, upholding humanity’s moral and intellectual supremacy requires empowering women’s rights and dignity. Islam emphasized women’s rights over 1,400 years ago, declaring their equality with men in spiritual, social, and economic matters, as reflected in the Quranic verse: “And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness” (2:228). Current developments, which highlight the significance of justice and inclusivity, continue to reinforce these views. Examples of how gender equality enhances social cohesion and governance include countries that support women in leadership roles, such as Rwanda, which has one of the highest percentages of female MPs globally. By protecting women’s dignity and ensuring their equality, societies honour humanity’s commitment to justice, equality, and communal development.
- By strengthening social responsibility towards other people
Last but not least, by strengthening social responsibility towards others, humanity can maintain its ethical superiority and create a more equitable and compassionate world. Social responsibility entails recognizing the interdependence of individuals and taking collective action to uplift society, reflecting the Quranic teaching: “And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good” (2:195). Initiatives such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, for instance, show how companies may support societal welfare by funding environmental sustainability, healthcare, and education. In a similar vein, grassroots initiatives like volunteer-led disaster relief operations and community kitchens demonstrate people’s ability to meet social demands. Sweden and other nations prioritising social welfare programs are prime examples of how social responsibility may lower inequality and improve everyone’s quality of life. Humanity strengthens its moral and intellectual leadership by accepting this duty, promoting harmony, fairness, and shared wealth in a world growing more interconnected daily.
Critical Analysis
Islam has historically maintained that all people, regardless of identity, have the right to human dignity. For simply being oneself, a person has the right to certain rights and to be treated with respect and decency. However, a lack of awareness and focus on this understanding has led to misconceptions that make individuals think they are better than others, regardless of their money, sex, ethnicity, religion, or other irrelevant traits. However, the concept of human dignity—which alludes to the inalienable worth of every individual—came from Islamic thought. Consequently, Islamic teachings are founded on the belief that human life is precious and holds a unique position in the universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, human dignity is the inherent worth and value that every person has just by virtue of being human. It includes everyone’s rights, dignity, and respect, irrespective of their social, economic, or cultural background. The Quran makes clear that Islam acknowledges human dignity as a gift from God: “And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam…” (Surah Al-Isra 17:70). Islam places a strong focus on justice, equality, and the sanctity of life in order to represent this understanding. To preserve Islam’s Belief in man’s supremacy, complete systems that respect moral principles, social fairness, and human rights must be established. In addition, the Quran and Sunnah offer a foundation for upholding moral perfection and promoting compassion, understanding, and respect for all people. Islam guarantees the upholding and protection of human dignity in all spheres of life via these teachings. not only improves our comprehension of complex issues but also cultivates a cooperative and empathetic tradition, both of which are essential for creating a more equitable, just and harmonious society.
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