Islam and Human Rights — Page 79
Articles 1 and 2 79 brotherhood. No discrimination should be practised or permitted in re spect of any. The Quran stresses the equality of mankind as deriving from the Unity of its common Creator, Who created man of one species and to Whom all men owe allegiance and obedience. “O mankind, worship your Lord Who created you and those who were before you, that you may become righteous; Who made the earth a bed for you, and the heaven a roof, and caused water to come down from the clouds and therewith brought forth fruits for your susten ance” (2:22-23). All are His creatures and all are entitled to partake of His bounties. “O mankind, be mindful of their physical origin as being of the same species. There is no room for any claim of superiority in respect of origin or descent. This matter of common origin is stressed as a Divine favour. “Allah has made for you mates from among your selves, and has made for you, from your mates, children and grandchildren, and has provided you with good things. Will they then run after vanity and deny the favour of Allah?” (16:73). Islam concedes no privilege on account of birth, nation ality or any other factor. True nobility proceeds from righteousness alone. “O mankind, We have created you from male and female, and we have made you into