Human dignity is "the right of the individual to have value and to
be respected for their own sake and to be treated ethically," or it is
"a feeling of appreciation and respect that a person experiences through
their interactions in daily and professional life."
Human dignity is the right of every human being to be respected and
treated ethically. To preserve their dignity, a person must act with dignity in
every situation in life and not act with prejudice, for they are born free and
equal in dignity and rights with others. Human dignity aims to treat the human
being as an end in themselves, not as a means or tool. A human being is not an
object, nor can they be compared to anything. Human dignity is a moral value
that cannot be compromised, in whole or in part, under any circumstances. It is
one of the universal human principles recognized by nations and peoples and
affirmed by international covenants and conventions. It is comprehensive and
universal, not specific to any particular group of people, and it makes no
distinction based on race, color, religion, or gender. Rather, it encompasses
humanity everywhere, regardless of differing beliefs or opinions.
Discrimination between people for any reason undermines human dignity and
violates its principles, resulting in humiliation and degradation. Respect for
human dignity represents a victory for virtue and the human brotherhood that
God Almighty has honored.
Human dignity is a right that God has made inherent in human nature, and
He revealed it in His Book in verses that will be recited until the Day of
Judgment, as He, the Exalted, says: “And indeed We have honored the Children of
Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with
At-Taiyibat (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those
whom We have created with a marked preference.” (Surat Al-Isra: 70) And as a
way of honoring non-Muslims, God commanded us not to insult them in order to
preserve their dignity and respect their feelings, as God Almighty said, “And
insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they
insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge. Thus, We have made fair-seeming to
each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return, and He shall
then inform them of all that they used to do." (Surat Al-An’am: 108) And
that we fulfill with him the covenant of justice and equity in His Almighty’s
words: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah 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 Allah. Verily, Allah is well-acquainted with
what you do.” (Surat Al-Ma’idah: 8) And that we should not kill him without a
reason, such as retaliation or corruption on earth, as stated in the words of
the Almighty: “Because of that, We ordained for the Children of Israel that if
anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder or to spread mischief in
the land, it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life,
it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. And indeed, there came to them
Our Messengers with clear proofs, evidences, and signs, but even then, after
that, many of them continued to exceed the limits (e.g., by doing oppression
unjustly and exceeding beyond the limits set by Allah by committing the major
sins) in the land!" (Surat Al-Ma’idah 32) And we must cooperate with him
in upholding truth and refuting falsehood, supporting the oppressed, and
protecting humanity from dangers, as God Almighty says: “Allah 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, Allah loves those
who deal with equity.” (Surat Al-Mumtahanah: 8).
Human dignity derives its importance from being a gift from God to all.
Respecting human dignity is an obligation Islam imposes on Muslims, requiring
them to make no distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims. All humanity
descends from one father and one mother, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him) taught and commanded us in his Farewell Sermon: “O
people, your Lord is One. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab,
nor for a non-Arab over an Arab, nor for a red person over a black person, nor
for a black person over a red person, except through piety. Indeed, the most
honored among you in the sight of God is the most pious of you.” (Narrated by
Jabir ibn Abdullah; Source: Ghayat al-Maram). Thus, in Islam, every human
being, Muslim or non-Muslim, is honored, regardless of their origin, lineage,
color, religion, creed, social standing, or value.
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