Historical Roots of Human Dignity and Rights in the Middle East Challenge Western-Centric Narratives

A recent tweet by commentator Corey Walker asserting that "Concepts such as human dignity and individual rights are Western, not rooted in Middle Eastern culture" has sparked discussion, yet historical and philosophical analyses reveal a rich and long-standing tradition of these principles within Middle Eastern thought, particularly in Islamic contexts. Walker's statement, made on social media, suggests a singular Western origin for these universal values.

However, academic research, including the work "Dignity in the 21st Century: Middle East and West" by Doris Schroeder and Abol-Hassan Bani-Sadr, highlights that the concept of dignity (Arabic: karama) is deeply embedded in Islamic tradition. The Quran, for instance, posits that all creation is inherently noble and dignified, linking human dignity to intelligent life and the divine. This perspective aligns with the Catholic belief in God-given dignity and Kantian notions of dignity tied to rationality, suggesting a shared, rather than exclusive, heritage.

Furthermore, the notion of individual rights and freedoms is also present in Islamic texts. The Quran emphasizes that individuals are born free and with dignity, possessing inherent rights and the responsibility to defend them, irrespective of belief or origin. This includes fundamental freedoms such as choosing guiding principles, setting goals, establishing free relations, and pursuing knowledge and creativity. Such interpretations suggest that human rights are not solely a modern Western construct but have been articulated in various forms across diverse cultures for centuries.

The historical record also shows that prominent Asian scholars, such as Charles Malik from Lebanon and P.C. Chang from China, played crucial roles in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This involvement underscores that the modern human rights framework is a product of global collaboration, incorporating diverse cultural and philosophical traditions. The idea that all major religions, including Christianity, have roots in Asia further challenges the notion of human dignity and rights being exclusively Western.

Ultimately, the assertion that human dignity and individual rights are alien to Middle Eastern culture overlooks centuries of philosophical and religious discourse that champion these very ideals. Rather than being solely Western imports, these concepts resonate with deeply ingrained values found across a spectrum of global civilizations.