Hence, when discussing freedom or when interpreting the...

Hence, when discussing freedom or when interpreting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international documents of the United Nations or the international compacts and agreements, the concept of human rights should be first clarified by the two parties and the signers or the users of this word should agree upon an exact definition for this concept.

To complete our discussion here on the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam on freedom, we need to mention that man in Qur'an and in Islam is used to mean man without regard to any limitation such as race or color or religion or culture. The word nas (which means people) in Qur'an includes all people in the world and it is not important whether they are Muslims or whether they have a certain race or not.

The holy Prophet always stated, “All people are the descendents of Adam and of one family and race. Adam was from dust and pride does not become of the children of Adam and in practice, he did not make any distinction between the Arabs and the non-Arabs, between Muslims and non-Muslims and treat everyone equally.” Freedom at First Glance Every living creature is endowed with a natural yearning for freedom.

Plants need freedom to take in light and heat in order that they may have their roots take in food and grow although there are natural impediments which prevent them from earning this freedom or even from reaching natural growth. Every creature struggles for breath, food, water, mate and an arena for a comfortable life, regarding itself rightful to provide these things and struggle towards this end.

In addition, according to the natural law or the laws of jungle he fights the rivals or tries to remove the obstacles. And ultimately due to the last resort which is force and domination, right is distinguished from wrong and justice from injustice and one reaches one’s natural freedom and others lose it and reconcile oneself to limited freedom. Man has the same instincts as well like any creature obeying natural laws.

If there were no humane elements such as conscience, religion, and tradition, he would pursue his animalistic desires and follow the law of force for survival. Hence, it is natural that all creatures share a yearning for freedom. Therefore, freedom is an important principle in nature although it is rarely found. Freedom within Man’s Realm At a deeper level, man is supreme compared to other creatures.