Universal Declaration ofUniversal Declaration of Human RightsHuman Rights

10 December 194810 December 1948

IslamIslam

568 AD568 AD

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.

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 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)

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.

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 security of person.

“And do not take life which God has 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 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].

Article 4.“It is not piety / righteousness that you

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

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.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Islam encourages virtuous behaviour and prohibits bad behaviour. In view of this no one could be subjected to 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.

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to 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.

Islam Preaches Equality and Justice

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God and 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)

“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 Well-Acquainted 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.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Islam states that everyone has a right to privacy:

"O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them. And if you find no one therein, still, enter not until permission has been given. And if you are asked to go 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 (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].

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.

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 Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 4.100)

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.

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 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)

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.

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)

Article 16. Islam Aims at Nurturing a Righteous Family.

(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.

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 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.

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.

(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.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

(1) Freedom of Religion

In Islam all religions are respected. Everyone has the right to freedom of belief and to carry out their obligations in accord with their own particular belief. Religion can never be imposed on a person.

“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; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression so long as we do not insult others:

"Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).'' (Quran 50:18)

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

“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

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.

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, including reasonable limitation of working hours and

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure:

Salman told Abud-Darda': "You owe a duty to your Lord, you owe a duty to

periodic holidays with pay.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.

(1) Everyone has the right to a 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.

“....the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother's food and clothing on a reasonable basis....” (Quran 2.223)

Article 26.

(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and

Education is highly encouraged and even considered as a form of worship

"And say: `My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.'' (Quran 20:114)

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 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.

“....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)

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].

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.

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.'''.[111-Gardens of the Righteous, Muslim].