Human Dignity in Islamic Thought: A Comparative Analysis with Western Ideologies

Abstract

Human dignity is a fundamental concept in Islamic philosophy, ethics, and religious teachings, serving as the foundation for a set of human rights, privileges, and responsibilities. In Islam, human dignity is rooted not in social convention but in ontology and the inherent nature of creation, grounded in divine commands. In addition to intrinsic dignity, Islam recognizes acquired dignity, primarily based on piety and faith. The Qur’an emphasizes that intrinsic dignity reflects an innate honor encompassing reason, free will, the divine breath, and the power of choice, shared equally among all humans. This study aims to examine the foundations of human dignity in Islam and compare them with Western ideologies, including liberalism and fascism. Employing a descriptive–analytical methodology based on extensive library research, the study investigates how many Western schools limit human dignity to social, economic, racial, or individualistic conditions, often neglecting its ontological and ethical dimensions. Findings indicate that the Islamic perspective, emphasizing both intrinsic and acquired aspects of dignity, contrasts sharply with Western approaches that reduce human worth to external factors. The study concludes that the Islamic framework offers a comprehensive and morally grounded approach to human dignity, providing valuable insights for redefining human rights and ethical standards.