In today’s debates on human rights, the contribution of Islamic thought is often misunderstood or underestimated. In reality, many of the core principles underpinning the Universal Declaration of Human Rights find direct parallels in the sacred texts and the Islamic legal tradition.
The concept of human dignity (karāmah), affirmed in the Qur’an and reiterated by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, states that every individual has an intrinsic value regardless of ethnic origin, gender, or religion. This principle perfectly aligns with Article 1 of the Universal Declaration, which states that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
The right to freedom of belief also has deep Islamic roots. The Qur’anic verse “There is no compulsion in religion” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256) emphasizes the principle of freedom of conscience, which is protected in Europe through international conventions and national constitutions.
Another point of convergence concerns social justice. Zakat, one of the pillars of Islam, is not merely an act of charity, but a mechanism of economic redistribution aimed at reducing inequalities—an objective shared with the most advanced social policies.
The EML believes that highlighting these correspondences can help overcome prejudice and misunderstanding, showing that Islam and universal human rights are not in conflict, but can in fact reinforce each other. In an increasingly multicultural Europe, recognizing this common ground is key to building coexistence based on respect and genuine cooperation.
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