Principles of Human Dignity in Islamic Civilization and Modern Social Challenges

Abstract

This article critically examines the foundational principles of human dignity within Islamic civilization and explores their relevance in addressing contemporary social, political, and ethical challenges. The Islamic conception of human dignity is fundamentally rooted in the principle of Takrīm al-Insān (the divinely bestowed honor upon humankind), as articulated in the Qur’an, Prophetic traditions, and the classical Islamic intellectual and juridical heritage.

The study is organized around four principal dimensions: the Qur’anic and Prophetic foundations of human dignity in Islam, the practical manifestations of human rights and social justice within the historical experience of Islamic civilization, a critical Islamic analysis of contemporary global crises, including human trafficking, racial discrimination, gender inequality, and environmental degradation; and the prospects for constructive engagement between Islamic civilizational values and the modern international human rights framework. The article argues that the Islamic paradigm of human dignity offers a comprehensive moral and spiritual framework that extends beyond the material and individualistic orientations often associated with modern liberal discourses on human rights. It further demonstrates that Islamic ethical principles possess significant potential to contribute to contemporary global debates on justice, equality, and human welfare. The findings suggest that the Islamic conception of human dignity not only serves as a viable alternative ethical paradigm but also enriches the global human rights discourse through its integrated spiritual, moral, and civilizational perspective.

Keywords: Human Dignity, Islamic Rights, Modern Society, Civilizational Challenges, Human Rights, Islamic Jurisprudence

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20690077