By Dr. Zayed Al-Harthi

Mar 2, 2016

The concept of honouring human beings and its implementation has been there since the time of Adam and his children; it means from the start of human history.

The Holy Qur’an says:

“And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference. (Isra 70)

Here honour means giving a human being the respect he/she deserves as a living being which is quite different from other creatures. This interpretation of the meaning of the Qur’anic verse and its reasonable considerations denote the lofty position of a human being. It also highlights Almighty Allah’s great blessing on human beings.

A man is distinguished from other creatures due to his outstanding specialties and qualities, which have qualified him for the honour. This honour, on the other hand, will encourage the honoured person as well as others to make greater contributions to the nation and uphold good qualities.

In Islam, the most Allah-fearing people are honoured. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 “The most honoured among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious of you.” (Hujrat 13)

There are several examples and this indicates the importance the divine religions, especially in the Islamic faith, given to it.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the epitome of morality, has given real examples for the best and pious people by mentioning the names of Bilal Bin Rabah and Salman Al-Farsi, although the two did not have any tribal or family backing.

In Islam, a person is honoured due to his piety, religious affinity and sincerity. Moreover, it is a religious, educational and administrative principle. The application of this principle means appreciating the qualities of the honoured individuals as well as the solid values and beliefs.

This is the real principle of justice as we cannot equate between a person who works and a person who does not work and the one who makes sacrifices and exerts sincere efforts and the one who is inactive and passive. By upholding this lofty principle of justice, Islam’s flag fluttered all over the world and it produced a large number of shining stars with high moral qualities.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa/opinion/local-viewpoint/honoring-human-beings/

URL: http://www.newageislam.com/islam-and-spiritualism/dr-zayed-al-harthi/honouring-human-beings/d/106533