ML 419 – Human Rights and Islam
Syllabus
The first part of this module seeks to examine and explores the following theoretical issues:
• The Islamic approach (Monotheistic) to human rights according to different interpretations of Islam
• The Western approach (Humanism) to human rights
• Comparative studies of human rights between Islam and the West
• Basic Human Rights such as: The Right to life, Individuals and Women’s rights, Human Dignity, The Right to a basic standard of life such as freedom and security, Children’s rights
The second part of the module aims at focusing on human rights in practice considering political issues such Human security and good governance. Each session will address the contemporary issues of special importance. Students are expected to join the discussion sessions on agreed themes. The topics covered in the second part of the module include:
• Politics and human rights,
• Islamic States and citizen’s rights
• Basic human rights; ethics and morality,
• Human rights at times of war and peace,
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
Assessment Scheme
Apart from class contributions, students are expected to develop their ideas through research and preparation leading to a research based essay and discuss the topic during class seminars. The module will be assessed by one 4,000 words assignment demonstrating significant research and should aim to critically evaluate a particular subject as suggested by the tutor.
Assessment Weighting
Individual coursework: 100 out of 100
Learning materials
Core readings
Ali, S. S. (2000) Gender and Human Rights in Islam and International Law. Equal before Allah, Unequal before Man? The Hague: Kluwer Law International
An-Naim, A. (ed.) (1992) Human Rights in Cross-Cultural Perspectives: A Quest for Consensus. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press
Akbarzadeh, S & MacQueen, B. (2008) Islam and Human rights in practice: perspectives across the Umaah. UK: Routledge
Baderin, M. (2005) International Human Rights and Islamic Law. Oxford Univ. Press
Cassese, A. (1991) Human Rights in a Changing World. US: Temple University Press
Dwyer, K. (1991) Arab Voices. The Human Rights Debate in the Middle East. University of California: Press, Berkeley
Hathout, Maher & Uzma J. (2006). In Pursuit of Justice: The Jurisprudence of Human Rights in Islam. UK: Muslim Public Affairs Council
Izzidien M (2004) Islamic Law, From Historical foundation to contemporary practice. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
Little, D, Kelsay J & Sachedina A.A (1988) Human Rights and the Conflict of Cultures: Western and Islamic Perspectives on Religious Liberty. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press
Sachedina, A.A (2009) Islam and the Challenge of Human Rights. Oxford Univ. Press
Sait, Siraj & Lim Hilary (2006) Land, Law and Islam: Property and Human Rights in the Muslim World. Zed Books Ltd.
