Ayat el-Haddad
Member of parliamentary foreign relations committee
The relationship between Western and Arab ideologies presents a complex and nuanced landscape, akin to the proverb on the delicate balance between wisdom and folly.
This intersection serves as the breeding ground for a multitude of principles and values, shaping the very course of societies. For Arabs, navigating this crossroads necessitates steadfast adherence to its core tenets, resisting the allure of deviations.
While acknowledging Western contributions is commendable, uncritically adopting its negative aspects while ignoring its positive elements is detrimental. While the West is often lauded as a champion of human rights, closer scrutiny reveals discrepancies where Islamic principles, in fact, uphold human dignity more effectively.
The emphasis on individual autonomy in Western thought, regardless of societal or hierarchical position, forms the bedrock of its legal systems. Recognised individual rights, once sanctioned by society or governing bodies, are enshrined in law, constituting the cornerstone of their social order.
However, a comprehensive understanding of human rights, meticulously outlined in the Qur’an, predates Western conceptions, providing timeless guidance applicable across all epochs.
The Qur’anic discourse on human rights leaves no room for ambiguity, establishing true freedom in its purest form, distinct from Western interpretations. This genuine freedom, as per Islamic tenets, respects the boundaries of others’ freedoms, safeguarding both individual and collective rights.
Contemporary examples, such as the legalisation of same-sex marriage in certain Western societies, highlight the disparity between Western notions of freedom and Islamic principles. While the West champions such liberties, Islam prioritises the welfare and morality of humanity, disapproving actions that contradict divine teachings.
If conceptualised as a force that undermines human dignity and morality, freedom loses its intrinsic value. True freedom, as advocated by the divinely revealed religions, is rooted in principles that uphold human dignity, safeguarding individual and societal well-being beyond earthly existence.
Therefore, freedom transcends mere legal statutes. It encompasses the preservation of human dignity and rights without infringing upon those of others. It cannot be true freedom if it impinges upon the freedoms and dignity of others. In essence, true freedom thrives only when it upholds the sanctity of humanity, an ideal enshrined in heavenly teachings and protected by divine decree.
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