CSS Solved Islamiyat Past Paper 2020 | Human Respect and Dignity in Islam
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring 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, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
Regarding how Islam teaches the value of treating all people with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, colour, or faith, the examiner asked for an adequate response. Nonetheless, providing a comprehensive summary of human rights irrespective of race, colour, or religion is essential to succeed in Islamic studies. In addition, the prior sermon’s examples of human decency and respect will elevate one’s bar for response. Referring to the human rights instances from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) helps clarify this aspect.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- The significance of the Islamic perspective on human respect and dignity
3- Islam teaches the lesson of human respect and dignity irrespective of colour, race, and creed
3.1- According to Quran
- 3.1.1- Human’s distinct position among all creatures
- 3.1.2- High value to human life
- 3.1.3- Right to inheritance for both women and men
- 3.1.4- Equality of all humans by prioritizing justice
- 3.1.5- Freedom of religion to everyone
3.2- According to Sunnah
- 3.2.1- Emphasized human equality and justice
- 3.2.2- Promoted the right to life, respect, and justice
- 3.2.3- Promotes human dignity by granting legal rights to orphans, minorities, and enslaved people
- 3.2.4- Safeguard the economic rights of men and women
- 3.2.5- Emphasized women’s respect and dignity
4- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Every human being born into this world is entitled to inherit respect and dignity. Verily, Islam is the religion of peace, prosperity, and humanity, and it has long maintained that everyone has the right to human dignity and grandeur, regardless of identification. Individuals should be treated with dignity, respected, and given certain rights simply for being themselves. Nevertheless, since 1400 years ago, when the name was unknown and unidentifiable to everyone, Islam has been the only religion representing human dignity and glory. For instance, Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, And We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and wounds is legal retribution. But whoever gives [up his right as] charity, it is an expiation for him. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed is the wrongdoer (AL-MAIDAH-36). Historically, before Islam, human rights were just for the landlords and oligarchs. Then, the Holy Prophet arose with the ray of light of Islam and provided equality and dignity to humans without distinction of race, colour, creed, or religion.
The significance of the Islamic perspective on human respect and dignity
Verily, Islam is the religion of peace, harmony and dignity. Therefore, Islam forces everyone to carefully adhere to the responsibilities and duties established by the divine. However, the significance of human decency and respect is demonstrated by the Quran and the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). For instance, Allah says in the Quran, “Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures” (Al-Isra-70). Undoubtedly, Islam upholds human dignity and respect, and it prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their race, religion, or creed because Allah grants humans a unique position known as “ASRAFUL MAKHLOOQAT.”
Islam teaches the lesson of human respect and dignity irrespective of colour, race, and creed
Indeed, Islam requires individuals to adhere to its teachings of respecting and valuing all people, regardless of race, colour, or belief.
3.1- According to Quran
- Humans’ distinct position among all creatures
Humanity is only granted “khilafat,” or transitory care, of the natural world. Consequently, any misuse of the natural resources and living forms on Earth rests with humanity. In the words of Allah, He made humans with “His two Hands.” There is nothing else in the universe that can make this claim. God asks, “O Iblis!” to the father of Satan and his followers. Why did you not bow down to the one I made with My Two Hands? Were you haughty, or were you conceited? 38:75. According to Qur’anic exegesis, Adam, the father of humanity, is the “one” being referred to here. Thus, humans are considered the naibs of Allah that declare their distinct position among all creatures
- High value to human life
God values human life so highly that He describes it in detail throughout the Qur’an, beginning with the creation of the spirit and ending with its ultimate stages. For instance, Allah says in the Quran, “Then We developed the drop into a clinging clot, then developed the clot into a lump ˹of flesh˺, then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation.1 So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators”(Surah Al-Mu’minun-14). Life has to be valued and honoured by Islam. Not only is the killing of an innocent individual regarded as a criminal act (murder), but it also denigrates or insults human existence in general.
- Right to inheritance for both women and men
Indeed, Islam is the religion of equality, peace and harmony. Therefore, Islam accords the right of property and inheritance to both men and women. A significant innovation in a society where women frequently had no legal claim to inheritance was the explicit provision of the right to inherit by the Quran to women. For instance, in Surah An-Nisa ayat 14, Allah says, “Allah commands you regarding your children: the share of the male will be twice that of the female. If you leave only two or more females, their share is two-thirds of the estate. But if there is only one female, her share will be one-half. Each parent is entitled to one-sixth if you leave offspring. But if you are childless and your parents are the only heirs, then your mother will receive one-third”. Thus, Islam grants everyone the right to own property, regardless of gender, to maintain social harmony and stability.
- Equality of all humans by prioritizing justice
All people are equal before the law of Islam. Moreover, regardless of colour, religion, nationality, gender, language and creed, everyone must be protected by the law in one sense. For instance, in the Quran, Allah says, “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, of what you do, Aware”(4-135). Thus, in Islam, individuals must be treated equally before the law and be free from prejudice regarding its enforcement.
- Freedom of religion for everyone
The Qur’anic concept of the human being is the cornerstone of the Islamic argument for religious freedom. The intrinsic value and dignity of human beings are emphasized throughout the Qur’an. It also maintains that God endowed humanity with intelligence and the capacity to distinguish between good and evil. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah ayat 256, Allah says, “Let there be no compulsion in religion, for the truth stands out clearly from falsehood”.Belief is a personal decision; more accurately, it is a decision that both the individual and God make. For this reason, forced conversions are intolerable, and anybody who would advocate for religion by compulsion as opposed to reason must disregard the basic idea of the Qur’an.
3.2- According to Sunnah
- Emphasized human equality and justice
Indeed, Islamic principles are based on the ideas of justice and equality; therefore, all people are created equal in the sight of Allah and are treated equally under the law, regardless of their wealth, creed, and colour. Therefore, in his last sermon, the Holy Prophet clearly stated that everyone is equal under Islamic law, regardless of colour, gender, or religious affiliation. For instance, the Holy Prophet(PBUH) said that “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, and Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor, a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.” Thus, the Holy Prophet addressed the topic of human equality and justice in his most recent speech, emphasizing that everyone is entitled to these things.
- Promoted the right to life, respect, and justice
The primary theme of the Holy Prophet’s final lecture (PBUH) was the appreciation and entitlement to life, which are essential rights in Islam. Indeed, Islam does maintain that human life is precious and invincible and that it must be preserved at all costs. For instance, the Holy Prophet(PBUH) said, “O People! Just as you regard this month, this day, and this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Please return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.” Thus, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the right to life, respect, and human dignity in his final sermon.
- Promotes human dignity by granting legal rights to orphans, minorities, and enslaved people
Islam gives rights to minorities, widows with children, and servants. As a result, in his final address, the Prophet (PBUH) highlighted the rights of minorities, orphans, and servants. The beloved Prophet (PBUH) said, “And your slaves, I see that you feed them with such food as you eat yourselves and clothe them with the same clothes that you, yourselves, wear.” Additionally, for the rights of minorities, The beloved Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” Moreover,for the right of orphans, the Holy Prophet said, “‘I and the one who looks after an orphan shall be in Paradise like these two’ — and he raised his index finger and the one next to it, holding them together, barely separate” (Bukhari, No. 5304). Therefore, the Holy Prophet established the rights of minorities, servants, and orphans so that everyone would respect each other’s dignity.
- Safeguard the economic rights of men and women
Economic rights are an essential part of human rights. Ascending the ladder, Islam furnished men and women with an all-encompassing code of behaviour and eliminated injustice, inhumanity, and discrimination against human beings, particularly women. Therefore, the beloved Prophet(PBUH) said about women’s rights that “be deeply aware of God’s will regarding women and make an effort to treat them well”. Moreover, in his last sermon, the Holy Prophet(PBUH) said, “All interests and usurious dues accruing from time to time of ignorance stand wiped out.” Additionally, in his final speech, the Prophet (PBUH) underlined the need for economic equality and the duty to defend the rights of people to an adequate standard of living.
- Emphasized women’s respect and dignity
When many people think of women in Islam, they immediately associate them with being oppressed, inferior, and unequal. These misconceptions fail to acknowledge that Islam has granted women the most advanced rights since the 7th century and instead conflates Islam with cultural customs. Women and men are not seen as inferior or unequal in Islam. Islam’s genuine teachings on women’s rights, obligations, and duties particularly emphasise gender equality. Therefore, the beloved Prophet (PBUH) said, “O People, while you have certain rights over your women, remember that they have rights over you as well. Recall that you have only accepted them as your wives with Allah’s approval and trust. They have the right to food and clothing, provided they respect your rights. Since women are your partners and devoted assistants, please treat them respectfully and kindly. You also have the right to demand that they never be unchaste and that they not make friends with anyone you disapprove of.” Thus, during his life, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) taught the populace to treat women with respect and dignity as their spouses, mothers, daughters, and sisters.
Conclusion
Respect and dignity are rights that belong to every human being. Indeed, Islam is the religion of humanity, peace, and prosperity. It has always upheld the idea that everyone, regardless of identity, is entitled to human dignity and magnificence. People should be respected, treated with dignity, and granted certain rights just for being who they are. The only religion that upholds the dignity and magnificence of humanity is Islam. Thus, Islam and the Holy Prophet, Without regard to a person’s race, colour, creed, or religion, arose with the light of Islam and gave them equality and dignity.
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