MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, WONOSOBO – Islam, introduced by the Prophet Muhammad, marked a significant turning point in human history, with one of its primary goals being to elevate the status of all humanity and establish equality among people.
Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan Rais emphasized this fundamental principle of Islam and highlighted that Islam teaches that all humans are born equal, and their true value lies in their piety and devotion to God.
Dahlan Rais stated that, while the modern world only began to widely recognize and codify human rights in the 19th century, Islam had been advocating for these principles for centuries prior.
“Before the declaration of human rights in 1948, Islam had already proclaimed the equality of all people, regardless of their race or color. Islam elevated the status of human beings and ensured their well-being centuries before the modern world caught up with this concept,” said Ahmad Dahlan Rais in Wonosobo, on December 15.
Dahlan Rais further explained that Islam abolished practices such as slavery, which had long been a source of inequality and injustice.
“Slaves were treated as commodities and deprived of their basic rights. Islam challenged this notion and affirmed the inherent dignity and worth of every individual,” said Dahlan Rais.
Beyond promoting general human equality, Islam also championed gender equality. In Islam, women are not second-class citizens. They are equal to men.