Human’s Inherent Dignity in Quran
The Quran talks about both of them, according to Islamic Azad University scholar Hojat-ol-Islam Mohammad Ali Ayazi, speaking at a session on “Human Dignity in Quran”. Following are excerpts from his remarks at the session:
On the issue of dignity we can consider it inherent, such as human life, but sometimes there is talk of aptitude for dignity in humans. The Quran talks about both. Taking responsibility, intellect, free will, freedom, etc are all proof that dignity in humans is God-given.
A point in (Verse 70 of Surah Al-Isra that says, “We have honored the children of Adam”) is the phrase children of Adam. Why did God not say (We have honored) Muslims, or believers or human beings? Allameh Tabatabaei believes that it is because in this kind of dignity, gender, race, geography, language, color of skin, and the like have no effect. Humans have dignity regardless of all of these.
The Holy Quran has defined many of its Sunnahs in relation to society. For example, when one talks to the society, if he talks in a bad manner, he undermines the collective dignity.
Or in family, one of the rights of the family is fulfilling the spiritual needs. Otherwise, the dignity of the family is undermined.
One of the challenges facing all societies is the issue of racial, religious, and ideological minorities (and the importance of respecting their dignity). Some countries may strive to respect their dignity but overall this is an issue in all countries.
Another issue is the dignity of criminals, convicts and prisoners. Even if someone has been sentenced to death, his human dignity and rights must be respected. God has ordered that our enmity with a group of people should not cause us to not act with justice about them.
In the Quran, some verses have directly pointed to the issue of human dignity and some have indirectly mentioned it. One of the verses that highlights human dignity and features the right to life is Verse 32 of Surah Al-Ma’idah: “…killing of a person for reasons other than legal retaliation or for stopping corruption in the land is as great a sin as murdering all of mankind.” It is in response to some who say if an infidel or disbelievers is killed, it will be ok. The Quran says shedding the blood of an innocent person is like killing all humanity. In addition, (the verse continues), “… to save a life would be as great a virtue as to save all of mankind.”
There are also Verse 8 and 9 of Surah Al-Mumtahina about human dignity: “God does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly with those who have not fought against you about the religion or expelled you from your homes. God does not love the unjust people. He only forbids you to be friends with those who have fought against you about the religion, expelled you from your homes or supported others in expelling you. Whoever loves these people are unjust.”
So there are two important points about the issue of human dignity. First, the Quran views human dignity beyond religion and faith and Muslims should act accordingly. And second, the Quran’s emphasis on human dignity helps people recognize their rights and demand them.
