Islam and Human Rights — Page 95
Article 5 95 revert later. Suffice it to affirm here that the spirit and purpose of Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are in accord with the Islamic objective. In fact, through out the largest part of the Islamic world the institution of slavery has been progressively abolished; its last vestiges, where they have persisted, are on the way out and it has no chance of being revived anywhere. Article 5 This article is directed against torture, cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. So far as treatment is concerned, as Islam does not recognize any basis of discrimination, all persons are entitled to fair and equal treatment; and dignified behaviour and deportment and respect for the dignity of others have been outstanding characteristics of Islamic society even during what might be described as its period of decline. The Prophet constantly admonished people to behave with calmness and dignity in all situations, and emphasized the need of exercizing courtesy and dignity towards all. He told the leader of the deputation from the Abdul