Islam and Human Rights — Page 198
Isl am and Hum an R ights 198 and forbade iniquity” and proved them selves righteous servants of Allah. They illustrated in their lives and example the saying of the Prophet, “The Chief of a people is truly their servant”. 81 Their annals illumine and adorn whole chapters and volumes of history. But the increasing disregard of the fundamentals laid down by the Quran, mentioned above, began to effect other values also and this could be perceived not only in the deteriorating standards of administration but also in the decline in the social, economic and intellectual spheres. Over wide regions freedom and independence were forfeited or mortgaged. It was a case of, “Then there came after them successors who neglected Prayer and followed evil desires. So they will meet with ruin” (19:60). While, however, a neglect of the values taught by the Quran was bound to entail loss and damage in every sphere, a return to those values would revive beneficence, progress and prosperity for all in every direction. These values have been tried over long periods in vast regions of the earth by men of all races, colours and conditions, and have proved their total beneficence. “This is a perfect Book; there is nothing in it partaking 81 As-Sayuti II, p. 29 under letter S.