Life as a Special Gift from God

Introduction

In this section, you will discuss Articles 1 and 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). You will also research about the ways through which people abuse the gift of life in the modern society and use examples to describe acts that deprive respect for human life. You will discuss self esteem and assertiveness in the promotion of human dignity. You will also look at how the Prophet (PBUH) was able to overcome the mistreatment of His enemies. You will also appreciate the acts which compromise human dignity and what Islam teaches about zina, rape and murder, among others.

Appreciating Life as a special gift from God

In all cultures and traditions, life is considered sacred. When we examine the various faiths on earth, all their scriptures protect not only human but also animal, and everything else that has got life Islam particularly forbids taking another person’s life unless for a just cause. Look round your community and examine if life is really respected and protected. What is being done to protect human life in your community? What about plant and animal life? Share your discoveries with your neighbour Where do we get the oxygen we breath? Where do the plants get the life to germinate? You should appreciate that all these are God given and we should therefore appreciate life as a special gift from God.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Do you know that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a very important document in the history of human rights? Do you know which people drafted it or where it was drafted from and when? As you research about these things, you will know that people should treat one another as brothers with love, care, respect, justice and fairness.

Activity Reading and discussing Article 1 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In groups,

Study carefully the picture below and perform the tasks that follow:

Tasks

1. Observe and share what is in Figure 1.9

2. Have you seen friends who treat one another as brothers? Mention what they do.

3. Your teacher has provided you with internet facilities to help you research about Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

4.Mention the ways in which Article 1 has been violated in the society today.

5. How are you going to treat others now that you have known Article 17
6. Write and share your findings with the teacher and the rest of the class.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a document that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its third succession 10 December 1948. This was the first time countries agreed on a comprehensive statement of human rights It was made to preserve nights of every individual. These rights protect people regardless of what or where they are. This declaration protects human rights. It protects people from abuse, against domestic violence and suppression by the most powerful So we all need this declaration.

Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In our communities today, you may realise that people are discriminated against basing on their citizenship, personal association, political beliefs or physical features. Have you ever been discriminated against basing on the above? Share your experience with the classmates. How are pregnant and breastfeeding women treated in your community? How about the young or disabled?

Activity 1.12 Reading the story and discussing Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Read the story below and use it to appreciate Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In Senior Two of Okot High School, there is a boy who has a physical disability. No one wants to sit near him in class. They claim that when he speaks, he spits saliva in their books. One day. Arafat, a new comer sat near him and everybody was surprised. They warned him against it but he said that he considered him a human being like any other person. And up to now, Arafat and the disabled boy are friends.

In groups,

1. Observe and share what is happening in the Figure 1.10 above.
2. In your own understanding, define discrimination.
3. Share with your classmates when you were treated better than the others and when you were treated unfairly.
4. What are the basic causes of discrimination according to Article 2 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

5.What do you think should be done to realise equality for all in your community?

6.Share your findings with the teacher and the rest of the class.

In Article 2 of this declaration, all human beings are entitled to human rights without distinction of any kind such as sex, origin, size, colour, birth. Article 2 means freedom from discrimination.

In this article, one should not be discriminated against due to colour, shape, sex, religion, race, origin, nature, ability or anything whether one is in his country or not. We all need this article because it favours all humankind. Like it is in the Qur’an and Hadith Q. 49:11 “O you who.

believe! let not a group scoff at another group. It may be that the latter are better than the former -……….”

Others are; 29:46, 17:33. Read them for more understanding. The aspects in the last sermon on the prophet also talk about human Fights. Do more research and learn about the Article.

Abuse of the gift of life

Consider the word abuse. What do you think can be abused? Share with your neighbour the different forms of abuse. Do you think life has been respected in the community where you live? In our modern society, people have fun differently up to an extent of risking their lives. Girls and boys have peer groups which their parents do not care about, claiming it is modernity.

They move late in the night, take beers and engage in all sorts of bad acts as seen in Figure 1.11. As you work out the next activity, you will understand more about the abuse of the gift of life.

Activity 1.13 Interviewing people in the community and answering the questions that follow

With the help of your teacher, carry out a community outreach programme to interview villagers about acts done in their villages that abuse the gift of life

Your teacher will help you record all the interviews where possible

In groups,

1. Write the meaning of abuse of the gift of life.
2. Use the internet, library or newspapers to research and share examples on the abuse of the gift of life in the modern society
3. Discuss what you think should be done to stop the acts of abuse of the gift of life.

4.Discuss how the Qur’an and the Ahadith teach about the abuse of the gift of life.

5. Write down the work in your notebooks and share it with teacher and the rest of the class

Do you know what happened in Medina when the verse that stops Muslims from taking intoxicating drinks was revealed by the Holy Prophet (PBUH)? When the Holy Prophet announced it to His then followers, a lot of alcoholic drinks were poured and we are told that the streets of Medina were flooded with it. You can just imagine how the Arabs or people of Medina were abusing their lives.

The holy Qur’an 5.90 states. O ye who believel wine and the game of hazard and idols and divining arrows are only an abomination of Satan’s handwork So shun each one of them that you may prosper.

You will read more during your free time about the abuse of human life before the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

You have discovered how the God given gift of life is abused. It is noted that both young and older people abuse the gift of life in many ways which include drinking, drug abuse, suicide, and many others.

This is against God’s plan to live, it should be stopped. Government should enforce a law that prohibits excessive use of such.

Respect and protection of human life

You have observed how life is abused in the modern society. You are now going to study the various ways through which one can show respect for human life. This can be through listening to what another person has to say, to serve one another, being kind to others, being polite and thankful to others, among others.

Activity 1.14 Studying the picture and discussing ways through which life should be respected and protected

You will use Figure 1.12 to facilitate your discussion.

In groups or individually,

1.Observe carefully and share what is happening in Figure 112

2. Share ways of how you treat sick people at your home
3. Share views of how you treat the elderly and the physically disabled

4.Share your experiences with the class.

Reading and interpreting the poem

Read the poem below and perform the tasks that follow:

Bastard so they call me

Some say I am legitimate

But I know I am human and I am happy

Yes. I don’t know my father

The reason my mother dumped me

She could not raise a Bastard But I know I am human and I am happy

Mothers over there,

Do not dump your babies Because they are innocent

And they have a right to life

And who knows what they will become Doctors, lawyers, teachers, leaders, etc

Life should be respected

And protected

All life is precious

All lite matters

All life is equally precious

A Bastard I am.

By Kule Nkomo

Tasks

1. Discuss the message in the poem.
2. According to the message in the poem, what is the mood of the author?

3. In the poem, what shows that life is abused?
4. Share your answers with the teacher and the rest of the class

Apart from what has been discovered in the discussions, pictures and the poem, there are many ways through which life is protected in the modern world. These include: immunisation, treatment, care for the young babies and children.

Islam also has ways through which it promotes the respect of life. for example, forbidding alcohol, proper dressing, helping the needy giving, among others

Activity 1.16 Explaining the essence of human dignity with a focus on Surat Al-Maidah (5:32)

In groups.

1. Observe Figure 1.13 and discuss what is happening.
2. Read Surat Al-Maidah Q (5:32) carefully and its translation and share about the message therein
3. What lessons about human dignity do we learn from this verse?

4. Under what circumstances does Allah permit one’s life to be taken?
5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a death sentence

Acts that deprive respect for human life

Have you heard of acts that deprive respect? Mention them. We have studied at Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Holy Qur’an or Ahadith and how they protect our right to life. This means that nobody including the government has a right to end your life.

Activity 1.17 Discussing acts that deprive respect for human life

In groups,

1.Talk about the acts that you think deprive respect for human life in your community.

2.Discuss how such acts can be stopped in your community

3.Wirte a summary of the acts that deprive respect for human life and cost them on your class notice board for further discussion.

Through the discussion you have identified acts that deprive respect for human life.

There are other acts that include suicide torture Islam condemne such acts in the next activity, you will find out more acts that deprive human life.

Activity 1.18 Studying the puzzle and performing the tasks that follow

In pairs,

1. Study the puzzle below carefully and identify words that explain actions which deprive respect for human life.

2. Share your list with the rest of the class.

The puzzle in Figure 1.14 helps you to understand some of the bad things that people do and end up abusing the gift of life.

Life is precious and should be protected, thus we should avoid all acts that abuse human life Such acts like over drinking, reckless driving. sexual immorality, drug abuse, should be completely avoided.

The Qur’an says, 24:3 “The adulterer marries not but an adulteress and the adulteress none marries her except an adulterer…..

Developing self esteem and assertiveness

How much do you trust and believe in yourself? Do you appreciate yourself? Do you know how much you are capable of doing? The value you attach to yourself is what is termed as self esteem. You may also want to remember the first time you joined secondary school and how people may have attempted to bully you. How did you respond? Did you abuse, insult or fight back at the person? How you respond to such situations in a calm but firm way is what we call assertiveness. These two values are very important in the promotion of human dignity.

Activity 1.19 Studying the picture and responding to the tasks that follow

Figure 1.15

The holy Qur’an 24:26 says,”…………… Women impure are for men Impure and women of purity are for men of purity…….”

In groups.

1.Describe what you think is happening in Figure 1.15

2.How are young girls exploited by older men in your community?

3.What do you advise the young girls to do in order to avoid the above problem?

4.Share your views with the rest of the class

The story that follows will help you appreciate the values of assertiveness and self-esteem

Activity 1.20 Reading the story and performing the tasks that follow

Read the story below carefully and perform the tasks that follow:

In groups,

Nabatte, the Orphan Girl

Nabatte was an orphan whose parents had both died in an accident. She was only five years when her parents died. She is actually the only person who survived that accident. She has been brought up by relatives and she has been moving from the care of one relative to another She now lives with her uncle and he is the one who pays her school fees

One day, her uncle came back late in the night and he was completely drunk. He moved straight to Nabatte’s bedroom and demanded to have sex with her. She was very shocked and her uncle attempted to grab her by force. After a brief struggle, she escaped her uncle’s grip. She told him off that she could not have sex with him because she was not his wife. “I am your niece, I am not your wife” she plainly stated.

Her uncle threatened to stop paying her school fees but she said she could not exchange her body for fees and moreover with an uncle. After sobering up the following morning, her uncle apologised to her and requested her not to take the matter to the next level.

In groups,

1. Explain what you would have done if you were Nabatte.
2. What lessons do you learn from this story?

3.Why do you think her uncle apologised?

4. Write a short paragraph about Nabatte’s characte

From the story about Nabatte, you can understand that being assertive means speaking up for yourself and self esteem is the belief in yourself It is when you feel you are brave enough to say no and talk about yourself confidently.

These help one to earn respect from each other to improve communication, and to create honest relationships We can all have assertiveness and self esteem through listening actively making decisions, and being honest in communication

You should remember one incident during the life time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that demonstrates His assertiveness. A trader had sold his camels to Abujahal but had not been paid for some time Out of his growing concern, he reported his matter to the leaders of the Quraish, who were also bitter enemies of the holy Prophet (PBUH). Since AbJahal was a sworn enemy of the holy Prophet (PBUH), the Quraish, out of mockery were very quick to advise the man to seek help from Muhammad (PBUH). However, without any delay. Muhammad. together with the trader, approached AbuJahad’s home, and on explaining their concern, AbuJahal entered his house and brought with him the trader’s money. This surprised everyone, but it was a manifestation of a very high degree of assertiveness from the holy Prophet (PBUH)

Importance of human dignity

Have you ever been embarrassed in public? Share with the class what happened. How did you handle the situation? Human dignity is harmed by unfair treatment based upon personal character or circumstances which do not relate to individual needs, capacities or merits. In the next activity, you will understand more on the importance of observing human dignity

Activity 1.21 Reading the story and discussing the importance of observing human dignity

Hajarah and the Dad

One day, Hajarah was walking along a town street with her father She had been sent home for school fees Her father was escorting her to the bank to deposit the money. As they came near a boda boda stage, the men began to whistle and jeer at Hajarah’s father They pointed fingers at him, accusing him of going out with a young school girl. They said he did not respect his age. Hajarah and the dad were very embarrassed. Hajarah stopped and explained to the men that it was the dad. They stopped jeering.

In groups,

1. Why do you think Hajara and the dad were embarrassed?
2. Why did the motorcycle riders jeer and whistle?

3. Comment on the bodaboda men’s behaviour.
4. How was the dignity of the father restored?

We meet alot of people in our lives. For example, you may find a prisoner in his/her uniform, you may feel like he is or she is a criminal. But before you judge him/her do you ask yourself which crime hel she committed? He/she may be innocent, he/she also has parents and responsibilities. So we should learn to respect people before we judge them no matter what they do or how they look. This is because at times we do not know why they are the way they are.

Human dignity according to Surat-Al-Maidah (5:32 and 4:29)

You have already discussed that life is precious and should be protected. Human life is sacred and no one has a right to take it away. Do you know what Allah in the Qur’an says about the dignity of human life? You will find out as you perform Activity 1.22.

Activity 1.22 Explaining the essence of human dignity with a focus on Surat Al-Maidah(5:32)

1. Study carefully Figure 1.16 above.
2. Why do you think it is wrong to take one’s life by hanging?

3.What does the holy Qur’an teach about respect for human life?

In groups,

On assertiveness, the Holy Qur’an emphasises consent of both spouses; boy/girl or man and women before the marriage is consummated. The prophet said “When a man gives his daughter in marraige and she dislikes it, the marriage shall be repudiated” (Bukhari). It also allows for freedom of expression to both women and men. We should remember that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at one time listened to advice from a lady when he was in office. He also advised that when one is angry, they should get ablution. And that if one is standing, when they get angry, they should sit down.

The Prophet’s (PBUH) teaching above shows that he observed and encouraged dignity of human life.

Injustice in society according to Surat Al-Ruum (30:41)

Do you still remember what you discussed about injustice? Share with our classmates some of the injustices in society that you talked about. How do you think these injustices can be avoided in society?

In the next activity, you will discuss more about the injustices in the society while focusing on Surat Al-Ruum (30:41).

This will help you to relate your thoughts to the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) about injustices in society.

In groups,

1. Observe carefully and identify what you think is happening in Figures 1.17 and 1.18.
2. How can we apply Surat Ar-Ruum to solve the injustices in Figures 1.17 and 1.18?
3. Read carefully Surat Ar-Ruum (30:41), and identify the various forms of injustices in your society and how they affect human dignity.
4. Demonstrate one instance where the prophet (PBUH) solved injustice.
5. Share your findings with the teacher and the rest of the class.

Human dignity is affected by various acts that we perform in our societies like Surat Ar-Ruum (30:41) states “corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea. Because of what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of the consequence of what they have done perhaps they will return to the righteousness.”

Enslaving others is an injustice in society. The Prophet (PBUH) said “Allah said, Three types of people I am their opponent on the day of resurrection one who sells a free person and eats his price……..” So this Surat shows that Allah will punish those who do injustices too.

As you read through the story below, you will discover how the holy Prophet (PBUH) dispensed justice during His times.

During the time of the holy Prophet (PBUH), a Jew came to him and reported that Abu Sufiyan, one of the bitterest enemies of the holy Prophet (PBUH) had refused to pay back his debt as had been agreed upon by the two parties. Without any delay, the prophet headed for Abu Sufiyan in company of the agrieved Jew. When they reached, the prophet explained the case to Abu Safiyan. Without a word, Abu Sufiyan entered his house and brought out the money and gave it to the Jew. That was the justice that the prophet taught and encouraged His followers to emulate.

At the conquest of Mecca in 630 AD, Abusufiyan the bitterest enemy of Islam asked for forgiveness from the prophet even after torturing him and his companions. Because of the prophet’s mercy, he forgave him and the Meccans.

He encouraged his companions to free slaves, “whoever frees a slave, Allah will save all parts of his body from Hell fire as He has freed the body parts of the slaves (Bukhari).

Injustices during prophet Muhammad (PBUH) era according to Surat Baqarah

Do you know that the Prophet (PBUH) treated his enemies with love and perseverance? He endured all forms of torture, and was also firm and assertive. He had firm faith in Allah and never gave up in prayer. When permission was given to him by Allah to fight back, he did it but never exceeded bounds. When he gained leadership over them, he forgave them all. Some of his most pronounced enemies later became some of his most committed followers and were ready to die for his faith.

As you read the text below, you will discover some injustices faced by the Prophet (PBUH).

Activity 1.24 Reading the story and performing the tasks that follow

A most cruel campaign began. Women were killed shamelessly, men were killed anyhow. The slaves, who had declared their faith in the Prophet (PBUH), were dragged over burning sand and stones. Their skins became hardened like those of animals. Bilal was made to lie on hot sand, loaded with stones, and boys were made to dance on his chest. Umayya handed Bilal over to street boys, asking them to put a cord round his neck and drag him through the town over sharp stones.

Bilal’s body bled but he went on muttering: Ahad,….Ahad….. (one…on…one) Yasir succumbed to the tortures, and a little later, Abu Jahal murdered his aged wife Sumayya with a spear. Fuqail, a woman slave lost her eyes under the cruel treatment of non- believers.

In groups,

. Identify the injustices highlighted by the story.

1 2. Imagine you were one of these tortured victims; explain how you would respond to it.

3. Identify more examples of such acts in your society and how they are handled.
4. Explain how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was able to overcome the mistreatment of his enemies.
5. Share your views with the rest of the class.

the Qur’an, Allah instructs man to be just and pay special attention O prayer at its proper times and place. He also encourages the doing f good to others like one does for his relatives, and forbids indecency nd open evil.

he Qur’an 17:29, God commands justice and the doing of good 17.29). 16:70, “Allah enjoins justice and kindness.” 42:38, “And those ho answer the call of the Lord and establish prayer and who conduct heir affairs” by counsel.

Dignity of man according to different Surahs

The dignity of man is highly respected. Work through the next activity to discover more.

Activity 1.25 a) Reading the Surahs and enterpreting them

With the help of your teacher, read the surahs below and interprete them.

In the Qur’an, Allah instructs man to be just and pay special attention to prayer at its proper times and place. He also encourages the doing of good to others like one does for his relatives and to forbid indecency and open evil.

Sanctity of life

In the Qur’an, life is regarded preciously and Allah forbids anyone from killing another unless for a just cause. Revenge has been allowed for those who have been offended but should not exceed the set limits. You will confirm this as you read more surahs.

Activity 1.25 b) Reading the verses and answering the questions that follow

Surat Al-Isra 17:33 “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly we have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in (the matter of) taking life. Indeed, he has been supported (by the law).

Surat al-Furqun (25:68) “Those who invoke no other deity along with Allah, nor take any life which Allah has forbidden-save justly: who do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse and (who does that) shall meet its penalty.”

In groups,

1. Read carefully the Qur’an chapters (17:33) and (25:68) and share the message therein.
2. What is the major teaching in the verses?
3. How is life protected as sacred in your community?
4. Share your views with the rest of the class.

Punishments to the violators of human rights

Have you ever been punished? If so why or what had happened? Look round your community and identify the punishments given to offenders. How about at home or school, how are offenders punished? Do you approve of those punishments? You will share your views with the classmates as you perform the next activity.

Activity 1.26 Studying the picture and discussing punishments given to the violators of human rights

In groups,

1. Describe what is happening in the picture in Figure 1.19.
2. Why do you think such an act is taking place?

3.In simple terms explain what you understand by punishment.

4. Why should people be punished? In your opinion, what type of punishments should be given to offenders at home, school, and in the community?

5.Explain the types of punishments given to the offenders below in Islam. You can consult a knowledgeable person. Remember to indicate your source of research.

(a) Murderer

(b) Thief

(c) Rapist

(d) One who hoards goods

(e) A bad leader

From the above discussion, you must have found out that rules and regulations are designed by the different sections of society like schools, communities, and countries at large. The people who break those laws are punished accordingly.

Practices of human dignity

You discussed human dignity before as the recognition that human beings, posses a special value and as such are worthy beings. Human dignity means that an individual or group feels self-respect and self- worth. But do you know that many times human dignity is being compromised? You will discover this as you read the story that follows.

Activity 1.27 Reading the story and verses, and performing the tasks that follow

Fillel assaults a 16 year old

A man called Fillei from Katu Village was reported for defiling a girl. The girl said Fillei was living near their home. He could always give her money on her way to school which she thought was a gift from an uncle. So one day, she reported that as she was coming from school, she met Fillel who pretended to be sick and needed her help. When the girl got into his house, Fillei tried to harrass her. He threatened her not to tell any person anything or else he would kill her. When she got home, she told the mother and they charged the man for defiling the girl.

In groups,

1. Share more examples of such practices in your community.
2. How can these practices be stopped in your communities?
3. Write a letter to the news editor of your local newspaper detailing the practices that compromise human dignity.
4. With guidance from your teacher, read the following verses and discuss what they say about human dignity. Al-A’raf (7:29), Al-Nahl (16:90), AL-Nis (4:58), Al-Qasas (28:78), At-Tin (95:4-6)
5. What lessons do you get from the above verses?
6. Share your work with the teacher and other groups.

You have known what human dignity means. How do you think human dignity is important for your life? We are all important and have value.. We deserve the respect and right to be valued. God has a reason why you are the way you are. So value and respect yourself because God created you with human dignity. Honour it.

God the Almighty in the above verses enjoins us to shun evil and encourage virtue. He also emphasises equality without discrimination of anyone for whatever reasons. This is how we should treat one another in our daily lives. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “You are all sons of Adam and Adam was created from dust.”

Islamic teaching about sin

According to the Qur’an, zina is forbidden; we are not allowed even to come near it. But do you know what zina is? Share with your classmates about its meaning. You have heard of cases of rape, murder and corruption in your community. Brainstorm what you think are the causes of these cases. As you progress in this section, you will discover more about what Islam teaches about sin.

In groups,

1. Observe carefully and explain what is happening in the different pictures in Figure 1.20.
2. With the help of your teacher, read carefully Surat: Bani-Isra’il (17:32-35) and relate the message to what is happening in the pictures.
3. Write an article for the school on what Islam teaches about: zina, rape, corruption and murder and pin it on your school notice board for public viewing.

4. Complete the table below appropriately.

Zina, rape and corruption are all sins condemned and punishable according to Islam.

Not only in Islam but all religions and countries condemn such acts. In Islam the punishment for rape is the same as zina (adultery) which is stoning one to death, and if one is not married, he/she is caned 100 strokes. So let us all avoid such acts.

Human differences according to Surat-Al- Hujurat

There are many differences in our communities, schools, homes and in many other places where we live. Look at your neighbour, do you see any difference he or she has from you? Mention them. How about your school, is it different from any other school you know? How is it different? No two people can be exactly the same. Not even when they are identical twins. This is what explains what human differences are.

Activity 1.29 Reading Surat Al-Hujurat (49:13) and performing the tasks that follow

In groups,

1. Identify and share what you think is happening in Figure 1.21 above.
2. What do you understand by the term individual differences?
3. Discuss some of the things that bring about individual differences in our communities.

4. Read carefully Surat Al-Hujurat (49:13) and relate it to the image in Figure 1.21. 5. After reading the verses of the Qur’an, how do you think these differences can be solved?

God created all people with just different colours but we are all the same. We are all human beings with red blood, skin, heart, lungs, and other organs as Surat Al-Hujurat states. It is just a colour difference and body features that differentiates you from your siblings but you remain the same family. So the colour difference should not frighten your self-esteem. Individual difference is just God’s wish but we are all humans.

You have already discussed the Prophet’s (PBUH) last sermon and how much his emphasis was on equality. For example, he said that no one should claim superiority over another for whatever reason; not skin colour, race, status, wealth or any form of social position. He insisted that we are all equal and that the best among us is one who is most God fearing.

During the Prophet’s (PBUH) time in Medina, he appointed Bilal a black Arab as the muadhin (caller to prayer) to show equalling of human race.

In the next activity, you will read other surahs on accommodating human differences.

Activity 1.30 Reading Surahs and performing the tasks that follow

In groups,

1. Observe and identify what is taking place in Figure 1.22.
2. Why do you think people in the picture are able to tolerate one another?
3. Read carefully Surat Al-Hujurat (49:13) and relate the message therein to the picture.

4. Using Surat Al-Hujurat (49:13) and Surat Al-Isra(17:22). explain ways through which human differences, such as gender, religion and race can be accommodated.

5. In which ways will you be tolerant after reading these chapters?
6. Share your work with the teacher and the rest of the class.

The Qur’an emphasises spirit of equality e.g about death 3:185 “Every soul shall taste death.” 16:67, “Whoever works righteousness, man and woman and his faith verily to him will we give a good life…”

Equality and brotherhood in Islam

Do you have a close or loyal friend? How do you treat each other? Do you know what Islam teaches about brotherhood? Share it with your friends. How about the Prophet (PBUH) of Islam, do you know what he taught about brotherhood. Recite the hadith about brotherhood.

As you refer to Figure 1.23, sharing and eating together is a form of equality and brotherhood.

Islam encourages togetherness, and it is stated that all Muslims are related as brothers to strengthen the Islamic unity. It also teaches that all people are equal before God that is why in the mosque all Muslims sit down. Even if one is a leader or a child, the same prayers are performed. So Muslims should strengthen their hearts and be friendly to each other so as to promote equality and brotherhood as Surat 49:13 Al Hujurat states. As you read the story below, you will understand and appreciate the aspects of equality and brotherhood basing on the Prophet’s (PBUH) arrival in Medina.

Activity 1.31 Reading the story and performing the tasks that follow

Owing to the persistent persecution of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions in Mecca, He was ordered by Allah to relocate to Medina. When the people of Medina heard the news of the Prophet’s (PBUH) arrival, they were very excited and prepared to receive him in style. They gave up all their comfort just to please the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions. Each one of them struggled to host the Prophet although Allah had already decreed where he was to settle finally.

In groups,

1. Share about how you understand equality and brotherhood.
2. Why do you think it is important to promote brotherhood and equality?
3. Identify the aspects that show brotherhood and equality according to the story.
4. Talk about the aspects that show brotherhood and equality in your community.

You have successfully completed the above activity. You can now read the following text for further understanding.

In Islam, the closest relationship and bond that can take place between two people during the course of their life time is that of brotherhood. Islam believes we are all brothers, we are all equal before Allah, that is why it recommends shaking of hands between people of the same sex, praying together and many more.

As the Qur’an states in (49:10)”… the believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy. Every Muslim should practice equality to every person; young, old, poor or rich. This is rewardable but once it is not practised, it is punishable. Like you have already discussed before, the holy Prophet (PBUH) was very particular on equality. Do you remember the story of Abusufyan and the Jew who demanded him money? How about his last sermon and how he emphasised equality? These and many other examples teach us how we can practice equality and justice in our daily lives. He said, “Believers are like parts of one building to one another, each part supports the others (Bukhai). “Each of you is a mirror of his brother., If you see something wrong in your brother, you must tell, him to get rid of it” (Timedhi).

Activity 1.32 Explaining equality and brotherhood using Surat Al-Hujurat (49:13)

The holy Prophet (PBUH) said;…… there is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab, between a black and a red. The best among you is he who is most righteous.

We have already discussed the contents of surat Al-Hujurat before. Allah mentions that mankind has been created from a male and a female, and that the tribes and sub-tribes are only intended for our individual recognition. He stresses that the most honourable is he who is the most righteous. Therefore factors like: tribe, colour, race, status, politics, religion, origin, gender, age, physical disability, and many others should not be used as a yard stick for judging or grading people.

In groups,

1. Share what you think are the basic factors that determine equality and brotherhood.
2. Read carefully Surat Al-Hujurat and discuss what it speaks about equality and brotherhood.
3. Discuss how equality and brotherhood among Muslims can be brought about.

During your free time or at home,

4. Recite the Prophetic traditions that reflect equality.
5. Identify circumstances under which the Prophet (PBUH) said the statement.

The Prophet’s (PBUH) last speech in reference to human dignity

Do you know that in the Prophet’s (PBUH) last pilgrimage to Mecca, he addressed matters of concern to human dignity? The Prophet’s (PBUH) final sermon was delivered on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijja In his last sermon, he talked about equality of mankind, brotherhood in Islam, the seal of prophethood and mandate to share.

Before the Prophet (PBUH) died, he gave his last sermon. In that speech, he made reference to human dignity. You will discover more on the Prophet’s (PBUH) last speech as you perform the next activity.

Activity 1.33 Researching on the Prophet’s (PBUH) last speech and explaining its references for human dignity

In groups,

1. Use the internet or library texts to research about the Prophet’s (PBUH) last speech and share the matters of human concern that the prophet talked about.
2. Identify the actual words that prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to talk about equality of mankind, brotherhood in Islam, the seal of Prophethood and the mandate to share.

3. In your notebooks, write a summary of the major aspects about human dignity that the Prophet talked about in his farewell address.

4. Share your work with the teacher and the rest of the class.

From the activity, you have learnt that in the Prophet’s (PBUH) last sermon, there are five most important lessons that should be considered:

1. Upholding human dignity.
2. To honour and respect the rights of women.
3. Avoid economic inequality. 4. Not to discriminate.
4. Hold true to the teachings of Islam.

Activity 1.34 Reading and interpreting the scenario and performing the tasks that follow

A lot of conflicts have been happening in your community as a result of injustice and disrespect for human dignity. Your younger brother watches the television with you and wants to know what has gone wrong.

Task

Explain to him how such conflicts can be solved or avoided with references from the holy Qur’an and Prophet’s (PBUH) tradition.