Why should we take people's rights seriously?

Quranic Answer

The rights of people refer to the respect and rights owed to others, and they hold significant importance in the Holy Quran. One reason we should take people's rights seriously is the concern that Allah has about even the smallest impacts of injustice towards others. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, it states: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses in justice, or witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves..." This verse highlights the importance of upholding the rights of others, even in tough situations, and signifies our moral and ethical values. Additionally, in another verse from Surah Al-Maidah, verse 8, Allah calls upon Muslims to be trustworthy and uphold each other's rights: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah..." In this verse, Allah instructs us to protect the trusts that are entrusted to us and not to violate others' rights. Thus, the rights of people are not only a religious duty but also a fundamental component of good ethics. Living in a society that commits to honoring each one's rights means that each of us should be guardians of one another's rights, and through this act, we contribute to peace and friendship among community members.

Related Verses

Short Story

Once upon a time in a village, a man named Hassan thought about organizing a meeting to discuss the rights of individuals in his community. He realized that many people had forgotten each other's rights. Therefore, he decided to first embody the ideal of a faithful person. He invited people to participate in this meeting and reminded them of the Quranic verses concerning people's rights. Gradually, people began to recognize the importance of upholding these rights and started to change their behaviors. Eventually, with their help, Hassan was able to create a community that respected each other’s rights.