Human Rights and Islam: An Introduction to Key Debates Between Islamic Law and International Human Rights Law

Is there a basis for human rights in Islam? Beginning with an exploration of what rights are and how the human rights discourse developed, Abdullah Saeed explores the resources that exist within Islamic tradition. He looks at those that are compatible with international human rights law and can be garnered to promote and protect human rights in Muslim-majority states.

Human Rights and Islam emphasises the need for Muslims to rethink problematic areas of Islamic thought that are difficult to reconcile with contemporary conceptions of human rights. From significant texts in the Qur'an and hadith and early juristic discourses, to modern Qur'anic scholarship, this book explores the compatibilities and incompatibilities between Islamic law and international human rights law. A number of rights are given specific focus, including the rights of women and children, freedom of expression and religion, as well as jihad and the laws of war.

Each chapter contains a case study to allow readers to look more closely at issues of relevance Students of Islamic law, human rights and Islam in the modern period will appreciate this challenging but accessible look at an important topic.