MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — A member of the Muhammadiyah Council for Religious Opinion and Tajdid Ruslan Fariadi mentioned the strong theological foundations of humanitarian values in Islam. Drawing upon verses from the Quran, he emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting human dignity, regardless of differences in ethnicity, nationality, language, skin color, gender, or religion.
“These Quranic principles can become the foundations for a universal humanitarian vision that is both inclusive and just,” said Ruslan Fariadi in a book discussion on “Kajian Dunia Barat dan Islam: Visi Ulang Kemanusiaan Universal” (Studies of the Western World and Islam: A Re-Vision of Universal Humanitarianism) by Sudibyo Markus. The discussion took place at the Muhammadiyah Office, Yogyakarta, on Monday (July 1).
For instance, Surah Al-Hujurat verse 13 mentions that the very existence of human differences is meant to foster mutual understanding and appreciation, rather than division. Similarly, Surah Al-Kafirun verse 6 highlights the importance of tolerance in religious matters. It emphasizes the right of each individual to freely choose and practice their faith without coercion or discrimination.
Ruslan Fariadi went on to cite Surah Al-Baqarah verse 256 which reinforces the principle of freedom of religion and respect for individual choices in belief. Surah Al-An’am verse 108 further emphasizes this point by teaching Muslims to respect the beliefs and practices of others, even if they differ from their own. Additionally, Surah Al-Mumtahanah verse 8 emphasizes the importance of treating all people with kindness and justice, regardless of their religion or background.
Drawing from these verses, Ruslan Fariadi formulated the concept of al-qiyam al-asasiyyah, or fundamental values. These values emphasize that Islam upholds human dignity (karamah insaniyah). In Islamic view, humans are esteemed beings with inherent rights that must be respected and protected. This notion is reflected in several Quranic verses, including Surah Al-Isra verse 70 and Surah Al-Maidah verse 32.
Ruslan Fariadi then highlighted Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a living embodiment of the humanitarian values enshrined in the Quran. He recounted a hadith that Prophet Muhammad was asked about a passing funeral procession. Sahl bin Hunaif and Qais bin Sa’d were sitting in the city of Al-Qadisiya. A funeral procession passed in front of them and they stood up. They were told that funeral procession was of one of the inhabitants of the land i.e. of a non-believer, under the protection of Muslims. They said, “A funeral procession passed in front of the Prophet and he stood up. When he was told that it was the coffin of a Jew, he said, “Is it not a living being (soul)?” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The Prophet’s act of standing was a gesture of honor, despite the deceased’s differing faith. The Prophet saw the Jewish man as a human creation of God, deserving of respect as per the teachings of Surah Al-Isra’ verse 70. In Islamic view, differences in faith, race, nationality, or social class do not negate the inherent dignity of humans as creations of God.
“The Prophet’s actions exemplified the importance of honoring and treating all humans with dignity, even those with different beliefs. The logical consequence is that one should not demean or treat others unjustly or oppressively,” said Ruslan Fariadi.
