—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
JAMAICA, New York (March 2, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) issued a press release today on the escalating violence in Bangladesh.
 
The current regime has introduced one-party rule in Bangladesh by silencing opposing views, and the country has quickly descended into anarchy. Extra-judicial killings, abduction, and murders of journalists and opposition figures are rampant.

The regime has created the International Crimes Tribunal under the guise of trying those responsible for 1971 war crimes. Instead, this court is being used to silence opposition figures such as well-known religious scholar Delware Hossain Sayedee, who was recently condemned to death without proper trial.

The regime has also organized massive rallies, utilizing the government apparatus to pressure judges for the death penalty while opposition rallies are being crushed. Just days ago police shot and killed 35 peaceful protestors who were protesting against unjust verdicts.

Ambassador-at-large Stephen Rapp, the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the International Bar Association and numerous other agencies have expressed serious concern that courts such as the International Crimes Tribunal are in violation of international laws.

ICNA President Naeem Baig appealed to the Obama administration and particularly the U.S. Department of State saying, “The International Crimes Tribunal is in serious violation of human rights. We must pressure the Bangladesh government to reconstitute the tribunal based on international standards and recommendations by Ambassador-at-Large Stephen Rapp.”

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.

—END—

Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail:
Office: (718) 658-1199

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Concept of human rights

Human rights are those kinds of rights to which every person ineligible as a human being. Obviously every individual is entitled to rights in accordance with the laws of human rights as defined by the state. Human rights are said to be same for everyone everywhere. Generally these kinds of laws are followed internationally. Another key player is non- governmental organizations which have roles to play in human rights and their implementation. Specifically if, we talk about those developed countries where there are much of focus on human rights, we would talk about the United Kingdom as one of those countries. In the UK human rights were defined in the bill of rights in 1689 which announced that this law would be a common law. As a citizen of United Kingdom, every individual resided in the country should follow the laws defined by the state. According to these laws as a law abiding citizen one must meet the standards defined by the government. Human rights can be said as the relationship between the state and the citizen. On the other hand, one must have some knowledge about the rights as a citizen. There are law enforcement agencies that have a bigger role to play in the implementation of the laws.

Addition of new clause

There are always some scenarios in which there are violations of human rights. As far as the United Kingdom is concerned human rights activists also play their part for a better the society. But there are imbalances in the society that creates the violance.When there is unequal distribution of the facilities between the individuals there would be human rights violation.When you are allowed to have the freedom speech, you must make sure that you use it wisely. In some cases, some individuals use this freedom without bothering about the fact that it may create problems in the societies, and for the same reason there are some additions in the clauses of the laws related to the human rights.

The purpose of amendment in the laws is due to the fact that there are some policies to be implemented in order to avoid the situation that create imbalance in the society. The street crime rate has drastically increased for the last two years or so and human rights conditions have a deeper role to play. There are some measurements taken by the United Kingdom government to ensure that there would be no more violations. The law of the United Kingdom provides protection to the individuals as far as the human rights are concerned. But there are some changes that are required by time. These changes are extremely beneficial to maintain a normal situation because when there is an inequality in the society that definitely affects the balance of the society.

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Human mind has the ability to think beyond imaginations. A human has been bestowed with the endless qualities and capabilities of the mind. God has given all humans the best of mind, soul and power to analyze and judge all things. Sometimes, human beings use this mind in the creation of different concepts about God. Faith is one of the most discussed and confusing topics these days. The new generations of the human kind are either the least interested or the most confused groups of people that have changed many concepts related to God. However, the most important question is that if human kind has actually conceptualized God.

Well, yes is the answer to this question. People have actually conceptualized God. These different concepts about the existence and qualities of God have their origin from the millions and billions of the human minds. All these concepts have been created since the creation of the human kind. People have proposed different things about God. The religious and cultural effects in turn influence all the concepts. People belonging to different parts of the world have different concepts about God. These concepts are entirely different from each other. Sometimes they contradict each other. Similarly, people belonging to different religions and cultural backgrounds also have an entirely different conceptualization of God.

It will not be a waste to mention here that even the educational status and mental caliber affect the idea of God to a great extent. This may be neglected in the most educated countries; however, this factor is quite valid for the countries where the literacy rate is low or variable. People who belong to the educated class can have a comparatively better concept. Nevertheless, this cannot be true always. This is quite possible that the most educated people are the most confused. Therefore, the causes vary in different circumstances.

In spite of all the data on the topic of conceptualization of God by the human kind, the clear understanding comes from a vast knowledge. You must know many things before you actually gain a satisfying concept and then a firm belief about God. You can search for all the concepts through the different religions around the world. You can also take a start from the self-observation and your instincts. However, it is you who has to take the plunge and dig out the most appropriate answer to your question regarding the concepts of God.

We can quote some points as examples. Many people around us question if God listens to us or not? Is He talking to us or not? People can also question about the different qualities of God. All these concepts are based upon the natural curiosity of the human mind, which ultimately reaches to the belief whatever it may be.

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Passionate about writing, Muslim academy is perfect platform to get knowledge and Experience. Looking Forward for your feedback on my work.

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Human rights ensure the dignity to which every human being in this world is entitled. Moreover, human rights are also about the rule of law that has been designed to offer a great deal of respect to all human beings no matter what caste, color or religion they might belong to. Stemming tyranny, extremism and all forms of violence is the prime reason for which these rights have been formulated. Here, the rising violence against the Muslims also undermines the fact that The Great Prophet Muhammad PBUH was the first one to introduce the human rights into the lives of millions of Muslims and Non-Muslims during his rule.

Human rights protect those who have moved to any part of the world in order to save themselves and their children from tyranny and persecution. Moreover, the refugees also include those people who have been the victims of unjust discrimination in any part of the world. The modern world seems to lay a great deal of emphasis on human rights, but when it comes to Muslims, then all the human rights start to erode. Now this is indeed a clear cut sign about the rising discrimination and prejudice against the Muslims. There are a number of organizations in the United States of America that are working for the protection of those who belong to African. Mexican or any other ethnicity in the world. In lines to their views, they prefer to seek justice thorough the use of courts and other governing bodies which are responsible for protecting the rights of the people and for ensuring that justice is always served in an unbiased manner. But yet again, these court houses have failed to offer their best for the Muslims in those regions.

It is the need of the time that the Government should come into play in order to offer some protection to the Muslims and to deal with the times of hardship from which they are going through. The United States of America considers itself to be the ultimate leader in human rights, but when it comes to Muslims, all of these claims seem to fade out. There is another program that has been designed to turn down the acts of discrimination against the minorities that started to emerge in the United States, especially after the 9/11 attacks. The program has been named The Fighting Discrimination program and it has been offering its services since 2002. Core functions of the program involve fighting the rising waves of anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim and other forms of racial violence in the United States. In terms of their reports and surveys, the religion that is most hated and undermined in the United States is Islam. Moreover, with the passage of time it is said that there will come a time when no single Muslim will be allowed to stay in the domains of the country, which is an indicator about the involvement of various Non-Muslims extremist organizations. The only solution to this problem lies in the elimination of terrorism all over the world, in which the Muslim countries should join hands.

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writer @Omniya_Fareed on Twitter
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Islam is the religion of peace and love. It was the bright light of this glorious religion that illuminated the deserts of Arabia, which were darkened by ignorance. It was due to the teachings of Islam that the brutal people of Arabia changed into the most civilized nation of the world. They were changed to such an extent that even the people of west adopted their ways of spending lives. Before the arrival of Islam in Arabia, there was no such thing known human rights. Mankind was treated like animals by their fellow races. Superiority based only upon wealth, color, and creed. Servants and women in particular were given no importance and had no respect. But then the golden Principals of Islam arrived. Guided by the light of Holy Quran our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) told the people living at that time about the concept of human rights in Islam.

Islam is a religion that has been devised by the supreme creator Allah almighty his self and that is the reason it is in accordance and matches well with human nature. A lot of importance is placed on human rights in Islam. Being the only religion that focuses upon peace and brotherhood, Islam is very strict about the rights Muslims have upon each other. The rights of humans that are highly valued in Islam are the rights of property, wealth and life. It is bounded upon every Muslim to show respect towards the rights that other human have. One thing that Islam stresses in particular is that no one is superior to another on the bases of color, creed and wealth. In the eyes of Allah, only one who respects others can be respected by Allah almighty, himself.

If anyone wants to have a look at the details of human rights allotted by Islam, then the best example can be found from the life of Holy Prophet PBUH. In fact he presented a complete charter of human rights during his speech that he made in Makah at the event of Hajj. In that speech, great emphasis was laid by Prophet Muhammad PBUH upon the importance of human rights in Islam. The best example of equality among mankind that has been supported by Islam can be seen during the annual Pilgrimage of Makah where Muslims belonging to different colors, races, regions and backgrounds wear the same dress and perform Hajj.

Humans are all considered equal and no concept of superiority exists. The killing of a fellow human is strictly prohibited in Islam and is considers as a very bad act. Women are given special rights and their importance has been made prominent. Hence one can say that the human rights listed Islam are a complete package that gives every man and woman their due respect.

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Islam has given various human rights to every individual. Below is an overview of these:

An Islamic state ensures human rights by securing the life and property of every citizen, Muslim or non Muslim. It safeguards their honor, so that they are not to be insulted or ridiculed by anyone.  The Holy Prophet (PBUH) clearly mentioned this fact by saying:

“Surely your blood, property, and honor are unbreakable.” (Narrated by Sahih Bukhari and Musnad Ahmad)

Islam deeply condemns Racism and stresses human rights and equality.

“O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in Whom ye claim (your rights) of one another, and toward the wombs (that bare you). Lo! Allah hath been a watcher over you.” (Holy Quran 04:01)

Therefore it is very important that one must pay attention to human rights as this  has been mentioned in our religion many times. Unlike other religions, Islam is a strong supporter of human rights  and believes in justice and equality.

Islam is against giving extra favors to any individual on the grounds of power; possession or race. God has created all humans as equal, and their superiority over one another is only due to piety. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said in his last sermon:

“All mankind is children of Adam and Eve, and there is no superiority for an Arab over a non Arab or a non Arab over an Arab; similarly there is neither any superiority for a white over a black nor a black over white except by piety.”

Racism is amongst the greatest troubles, mankind is facing today. The developed nations are powerful enough to send a person on the moon but are powerless to stop a tiff between the two. Islam has laid so many wonderful examples since the era of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), to favor human rights and to eliminate racism. Hajj or Pilgrimage to Makkah is one of the best examples of Muslim brotherhood, where millions of Muslims across the globe gather at one place, irrespective of nation or race.

Islam is the most just religion. God commands us be just with enemies as well by stating:

 “…And let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice.  Be just: that is nearer to piety….”

(Quran 5:8)

Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

“There are seven categories of people whom God will shelter under His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His.  [One is] the just leader.”(Sahih Muslim)

Holy Prophet (PBUH) ensured those who are not dealt justice or are deprived of their rights in this world, to be compensated on the Day of Resurrection, by saying:

“On the Day of Judgment, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed)…” (Sahih Muslim # 2582, Musnad Ahmad 7163)

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Typical food lover Die Hard cricket fan specially Pakistan Cricket Team. Hipster-friendly twitter guru. Music ninja. Freelance writer.

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No other religion guarantees and safeguards the human rights more than the religion of peace, Islam. Islam has this distinguished status that as soon as it arrived many centuries ago, it has brought the revolutionary change in people’s lives. Before the advent of Islam, daughters were slaughtered, inequality of law was prevailing, human lives were not secured, women were deprived of their basic rights, and it was the time of anarchy, and disorder. Islam made sure that people’s rights were protected, without making any discrimination among various religions, genders, tribes, sects, races, colors, castes, etc. An Islamic state was formed by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) and the world witnessed that no other state or society has ever been established in the history other than that Islamic state which was a model of a society where people’s welfare, social security and the dominance of human rights were prevailing at their best.

Islam makes sure that human rights are well preserved and people have the freedom to lead their lives without any danger, or unnecessary compulsions. Here we are going to highlight a few of basic human rights among many which are dignified and perceivable in the view of Islam.

Human rights of life and property:

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) said while addressing the people on the farewell pilgrimage, that ‘your lives and your properties are prohibited to each other until the doomsday when you will meet your Lord’.  Here it is clear that Islam preserves the lives and properties of the people. In Islam, no one is allowed to even kill a non-Muslim, if someone does so, according the prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) fragrance of the paradise will not come to him.

Right of honor:

Islam makes sure that the dignity and honor of every human being is well secured and respected. The almighty Allah forbids the Muslims to defame each other. Likewise, according to Islam, making fun of each other, using nicknames, and backbiting etc. are forbidden.

Right of freedom:

Islam makes sure that each human being has access to justice. Islam gives the right to human beings that they have to the freedom to prove themselves right and innocence, in case they have been alleged to commit any crime.

Freedom of association:

According to Islam, each human being has the right to form his personal organization or association. However, Islam imposes certain rules which a person has to follow while forming his association.

Freedom of conviction and consciousness:

Islam is a religion of tolerance and peace. It has clearly been stated in the holy Quran that ‘in the issue of conviction, there is no compulsion’. Islam allows every person to worship according to his beliefs, no matter which religion he belongs to. Moreover, Islam asks the Muslims to respect the non-Muslims’ beliefs and their sacred religious places.

Right to become a ruler:

Islam believes in its own democratic principles. It allows every Muslim to become a ruler of the state, if he has the faith, piousness and the support of the people.

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Marianne Møllmann of Amnesty International welcomes FIFA's recent decision to lift its ban on women footballers wearing headscarves and also the news that several gulf countries are for the first time sending female athletes (wearing headscarves) to the Olympics. She notes, however, that more and more European countries are imposing restrictions on the wearing of headscarves or face-veils in public.

RH Reality Check, 23 July 2012

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The people who anonymously distributed anti-Islamic pamphlets to Canberra and Queanbeyan homes over the Christmas holidays are unlikely to have breached ACT law, the Human Rights Commissioner has found.

The Canberra Times revealed in January that the small, cartoon-style leaflets were hand-delivered to letterboxes in Queanbeyan, Kingston, Braddon, Lyneham and Civic, and included titles such as Is Allah Like You? and Allah Has No Son.

In a letter to Attorney-General Simon Corbell outlining her findings, Helen Watchirs said that while the characters drawn in the pamphlet appeared Middle Eastern and lived in a desert environment, precedent meant it was unlikely to meet the ACT's high thresholds for racial vilification.

Canberra Times, 18 April 2012

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