The Quran and the Constitution are mutually supportive Supreme texts. One does not negate the other.
In light of the above statement examine the nature and purpose of the Quran in the protection of basic human rights.
The Quran is the holy book of the laws of Allah Revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through Angel Jibril for the guidance and welfare of humankind.
The verses in the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and compiled through Memorization and Compilation.
The Quran comprises 114 chapters, with Surrat Al Bakarah being the longest and Surrat Al Kauthar being the shortest.
The Quran is Supreme law and the primary source of legislation in the Islamic faith. This is further proved according to Surat Asshu'ara (26: 192- 195), which provides for how the Quran is from the creator himself, the almighty Allah, for the guidance of humankind.
Other sources of law such as the Shariah, Hadith, Sunnah all derive their validity from the Quran; hence the Quran is the principal source of Islamic Law.
Any practices, laws, or acts that are inconsistent or contradict the sayings of the Quran are considered void to the extent of their inconsistency. The Quran is the source of the first instance.
Article 2(2) provides that the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended) is the Supreme Law of the land.
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This means that all other laws are subject to the Constitution, and their validity is checked on whether they are inconsistent with the Constitution. This means that every law that is inconsistent with the Constitution shall be declared null and void.
The Quran and the Constitution of Uganda are mutually supportive texts and do not negate each other as provided for under Article 7 of the Constitution provides for the state not adopting a single religion. In conjunction with Article 29 (1) (c) provides for the right of freedom of worship which allows for the Islamic faith to prevail.
Both the Quran and the Ugandan Constitution uphold and promote Human rights.
The Quran safeguards the essential of life in two premises;
- Through encouraging, facilitating, lawful acts and rewarding those who obey.
- Through discouraging, restricting, condemning unlawful acts, and punishing those who do not obey
The Quran protects and promotes human rights in the following ways;
Life
- The Quran discourages acts that endanger life, such as Suicide and the unlawful taking of another's life. This is illustrated in Surat An Nisa 4:29, which states: "do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you." This is contrasted by Article 22 of the Constitution that protects the right to life.
- The Quran establishes lawful eating foods that are not harmful to life. The Quran encourages to consumption of halal foods and discourages haram foods such as Pork and Port products, uncertified meat.
- It encourages Muslim brotherhood. This reduces the enmity that would arise and cause killings of one another.
- The Quran establishes punishment for those who consume the prohibited foods. For example, Hudud crimes such as apostasy, revolt against the ruler, theft, highway robbery, adultery, slander, and drinking alcohol carry penalties such as the amputation of hands and feet, flogging, and death.
- The Quran discourages one from engaging in acts that endanger one's life.
- The Quran encourages the reproduction of children as it springs continuity of life and promotion of the right to life.
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Religion
- The Quran establishes the Five pillars of Islam, i.e. Confession of the existence of Allah and belief in Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as his prophet, Salah, Zakat, and the Hajji.
- The Quran establishes punishments for those who do not obey the five pillars of Islam.
- The Quran discourages disbelief and apostasy.
Property
- The Quran discourages laziness and encourages people to work. This is also provided for under the Constitution under Article 26 provides for the right of persons to own property.
- It discourages all illegal means of attaining property such as stealing, robbery, and theft.
- The Quran goes ahead to provide punishments for those who steal. For example, Surah Al-Maidah 38-39 states that "[As for] the thief, the male and the female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.".
- The Quran encourages people to work and attain their property by lawful means.
- The Quran encourages the giving of Zakat. Giving Zakat helps create a sense of balance between the rich and the poor, thus preventing envy.
Offspring
- The Quran discourages acts of Celibacy. The Quran goes ahead to condemn acts of premarital sex.
- The Quran promotes marriage. For example, Quran (78:8) states that "And We created you in pairs." This indicates that Allah created Male and females and endorsed marriage.
- The Quran discourages harmful acts to life, such as prostitution, abortion, fornication (Zina). For example, Surah An-nur 24:2-3 states that 'outside marriage and concubinage, Islamic law prohibits sexual relations as Zina.'
- This is also seen under Article 22(2), which prohibits unlawful termination of lives of unborn children.
Intellect
- The Quran encourages the continued search for knowledge because it is food for the brain.
- Similarly in the Constitution under Article 30 provides for the right to education.
- The Quran discourages the consumption of intoxicants that lead to perturbing of the mind. Surah 4:43 that talks about the prohibition of Khamr states, "O you who acknowledge Do not go near prayer, (Salat) while you are stupefied until you know what you are saying"
Apart from the five significant aspects of fundamental human rights, below are the ways
How the Quran also Promotes Other Human Rights;
Promotion of Women's Rights
- The Quran recognizes the economic rights of women for example, in Ayan an-Nisa 4:4, "And give women their dowries as a gift, but if they of themselves be pleased to give up to you a portion of it, then eat it with enjoyment and with wholesome result"
This indicates how women's rights are recognized in the Quran.
Rights of other Religious Groups
- The Quran encourages the excellent treatment of people of other faith, the existence of disbelievers, and allows them the freedom to choose whether to believe or not. This was illustrated in Sura Al-Kahf-29 "This is the truth from your Lord," then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve."
Equality
- The Quran recognizes the equality of human beings. For example, it considers all males and females to be descendants of Adam. This was illustrated under Surat Al Isra 17: 70 "And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good…"
Thus proving equality in the eyes of Allah.
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In a nutshell, The Quran is a holy book with superior powers and laws that Muslims must abide by. It promotes fundamental human rights embedded in the five significant aspects of existence, contrasting with the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended). In addition, other rights are also promoted, all for the guidance and welfare of humankind.