Chapter # 3 – Administrative Structure of Pakistan and Good Governance
3.3.3. Analyse the last Sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as the most Comprehensive Charter of Human Rights.
The last sermon of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), delivered during his Farewell Pilgrimage in the year 632 CE, is indeed considered one of the most comprehensive charters of human rights in history. In this sermon, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed a multitude of principles and values that underscore the dignity, equality, and rights of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status. Here’s an analysis of how the last sermon serves as a comprehensive charter of human rights:
- Equality and Brotherhood: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the fundamental equality of all human beings, stating, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action.” This statement underscores the principle of universal brotherhood and rejects all forms of racial, ethnic, or social discrimination.
- Protection of Life and Property: The Prophet (PBUH) explicitly emphasized the sanctity of life and the protection of property, stating, “Your lives and your property are sacrosanct…,” thus affirming the rights to life and property as fundamental human rights that must be safeguarded and respected by society and its governing institutions.
- Gender Equity: The Prophet (PBUH) highlighted the rights and responsibilities of women, stating, “And indeed I command you to be good to women,” thereby emphasizing the importance of treating women with kindness, respect, and equity. This directive challenged the prevailing norms of patriarchal societies and promoted gender equality and dignity.
- Justice and Fairness: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of justice and fairness in society, stating, “Beware! No one committing a crime is responsible for it but himself,” thereby affirming the principle of individual responsibility and the importance of due process and fair treatment in legal matters.
- Freedom of Religion: The Prophet (PBUH) affirmed the freedom of religion and conscience, stating, “Let those who are present convey this message to those who are absent,” thereby recognizing the right of individuals to choose and practice their faith without coercion or compulsion.
- Protection of the Vulnerable: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups in society, including orphans, widows, and the poor, stating, “Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will, I will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” This directive underscores the importance of compassion, empathy, and social justice in protecting the rights of the marginalized and vulnerable.
- Call for Unity and Cooperation: The Prophet (PBUH) called for unity and cooperation among Muslims, stating, “All of you are brothers. All of you are equal. No one has superiority over others except in piety and good deeds.” This call for unity and cooperation transcends tribal, racial, or sectarian divisions and emphasizes the importance of solidarity and mutual support among all members of society.
In conclusion, the last sermon of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a comprehensive charter of human rights, embodying principles of equality, justice, fairness, freedom, and compassion. Its timeless message continues to resonate today as a guiding light for promoting human dignity, rights, and social justice in societies around the world.
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