📜 Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam

The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam (CDHRI) was adopted by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) on August 5, 1990. It serves as a guiding document asserting that “fundamental rights and universal freedoms in Islam are an integral part” of the religion as stipulated by Shariah law.

Etymology and Background

Etymology

• Cairo: The capital city of Egypt, named from the Arabic word “Al-Qāhirah,” meaning “The Conqueror.”
• Declaration: From Latin “declaratio,” meaning “an announcement.”
• Islam: From Arabic “إسلام” (Islām), meaning “submission [to the will of Allah].”

Historical Context

The CDHRI was adopted in response to growing discussions around universal human rights, particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations in 1948. The OIC saw the need to frame human rights from an Islamic perspective, emphasizing that all rights and freedoms are compatible with Shariah law.

Historical Facts and Dates

• Adoption Date: August 5, 1990.
• Significant Historical Benchmark: The Cairo Declaration is sometimes viewed as an Islamic counterpart to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Similarities:

• Both value the inherent dignity of individuals.
• Both advocate for fundamental human rights.

Differences:

• The CDHRI explicitly states that all rights and freedoms must align with Shariah law.
• Emphasis on collective rights and duties, which aligns with Islamic values and community-oriented perspectives.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:

• Islamic Human Rights Charter
• OIC Human Rights Declaration
• Shariah-Compliant Human Rights

Antonyms:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
• Secular Human Rights Charters

Related Terms with Definitions

• Shariah: Islamic legal system derived from the Quran and Hadith.
• OIC: Organization of the Islamic Conference, an international organization founded in 1969 with 57 member states.
• Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.

Exciting Facts

• The Cairo Declaration is composed of 25 articles covering various aspects like civil, political, social, and economic rights.
• The declaration explicitly mentions that women and men have equal dignity.

Quotations from Notable Writers

“The Cairo Declaration aims to bridge the gap between Western secular and Islamic viewpoints on human rights.” – Dr. Ahmed Y. Hashim.

Suggested Literature and Further Studies

1. “Islam and Human Rights: Tradition and Politics” by Ann Elizabeth Mayer
2. “Human Rights and Islam: An Introduction to Key Debates between Islamic Law and International Human Rights Law” by Abdullah Saeed
3. “Islamic Human Rights and International Law” by Glenn L. Hill and Samuel M. M. Shneider

Translations of the Main Term

• Arabic: إعلان القاهرة لحقوق الإنسان في الإسلام
• Urdu: اسلامی اعلامیہ حقوق انسانی- قاہرہ

Enjoy exploring the synergy between traditional Islamic principles and contemporary human rights ideology. Till we meet again, may your quest for knowledge be ever-enlightening.

Published by: Omar Al-Hakim | October 3, 2023