On the subject of human rights, Islam is as balanced, broad, and universal as possible. Except for those who deserve death, like rebels against the

legal administration or murderers, the Qur'an teaches us that killing a person unjustly is a crime against humanity (al-Ma'ida, 5/32). Such an evaluation cannot be found in any other religion or modern system, and such high value was never given to humanity by any human rights commission or organization. Islam accepted the killing of one person as the killing of all humanity, for the murder of one person gives the idea that any person can be killed.

Adam's son Cain was the first person to shed blood. Although their names are not mentioned specifically in the Qur'an or Sunna, we learn from previous Scriptures that a misunderstanding took place between the two brothers Cain and Abel and, that Cain unjustly kills Abel out of jealousy, thereby opening the era of bloodshed. For this reason, in one of the hadiths the Messenger of God says: "Whenever a person is killed unjustly, part of the sin for that murder is credited to Cain, for he was the first to open the way of unjust killing to humanity."

This event, with an important lesson, is expressed in the Qur'an: "Explain truthfully to them the news of Adam's two sons: When they each presented a sacrificial lamb, and one was accepted and the other rejected (because of jealousy and ill-intention.) He said: 'I swear I'm going to kill you.' The other said: 'God will only accept from those who are pious.' He added, 'I swear that even if you reach out your hand to kill me, I will not reach out my hand to kill you. I fear God, the Lord of the Worlds.'"

The following judgment is given: "On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a person unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land—it would be as if he or she slew everyone: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he or she saved the life of everyone" (5/32). This is universal and therefore valid for all times.

Another verse states: "If someone kills a believer intentionally, his (or her) recompense is Hell, to abide therein (for ever): and the wrath and the curse of God are upon him (or her), and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him (or her)."

In another hadith our Prophet stated: "Whoever is killed while defending their property is a martyr. Whoever is killed while defending their blood (life) is a martyr. Whoever is killed while defending their religion is a martyr. Whoever is killed while defending their family is a martyr." (Tirmidhi, "Diyat," 22; Abu Dawud, "Sunna," 32) All the values mentioned in this hadith have been protected as separate principles in all legal systems. These matters are given importance in the fundamental books comprising our law as "indispensable." From this respect, religion, life, reproduction, the mind, and property are basic essentials that everyone is responsible for protecting. In a sense, Islam approaches human rights from the angle of these basic principles.

Only Islam honors humanity with the title of "God's vicegerent." No other system or religion does this. In addition, Islam allows humanity the opportunity to intervene with other things due to its superiority with respect to such freedoms as working and initiating. How could a religion that gives such importance neglect a person's human rights? Camci & Unal, 223–226