Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
9. Human Rights in Islam
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prophets and in revealing the divine scriptures (57:25). The just
are loved by God (60:8) while the unjust will face the fire of Hell
(72:15).
The Prophet once observed:
“God does not bless a community in which the weak
cannot take from the strong what is rightfully theirs
without fear of reprisal.” (
Sunan,
Ibn Majah)
Deviation from the path of justice is not allowed, even when it
concerns one’s opponent or enemy (5:8). The ruler and the ruled,
the rich and the poor, black and white, should be treated equally
before law, without any discrimination or distinction of race,
colour, sex, language, religion, political affiliation, birth or other
status. The following two incidents illustrate how strictly this ideal
was religiously maintained in the early phase of Islam in accordance
with Islamic doctrines and commandments.
A woman by the name of Fatimah, belonging to the Banu
Makhzum tribe, once committed a theft. Her kinsfolk, fearing that
her hand would be amputated, sent Usamah ibn Zayd to intercede
with the Prophet on her behalf. When the Prophet heard this pre-
planned intercession, signs of anger appeared on his face.
“Are you trying to sway me as to the limits laid down by God?”
he asked. Usamah ibn Zayd immediately admitted his mistake and
begged the Prophet to pray on his behalf for forgiveness. The
Prophet then delivered a sermon to those assembled there saying:
