Islam and Human Rights — Page 5
Introductory 5 of the Declaration. Some of these, per taining to the social and cultural fields, may, in certain systems and disciplines, be acceptable in the spirit, while calling for some modification, limitation or explanation of their scope, meaning and operation before they could be cast in the legislative mould. So long as the purpose underlying them could be carried into effect, adaptation to particular social and cultural systems and patterns would be beneficent rather than harmful. This is the Age of Man. Man is beginning to be conscious of his own position in the universe and demands that his personality and dignity shall be accorded due recognition and respect. He is beginning to take note of that which his fellow beings, society and the State owe to him and of that which, in turn, he owes to them. This process needs to be stimulated and accelerated. This con sciousness needs to be aroused where it may still be lacking and to be sharpened where it has been awakened. In this context emphasis must be laid on man’s obligations and duties towards his fellow beings as the principal means of securing his own rights, freedom and privileges, for they are the obverse and reverse of the same coin. To the degree to which each of us fulfils and discharges his own duties and obligations towards his fellow beings, he promotes the