Islamic Theological Perspectives on Human Rights: Bridging the Gap between Faith and Universal Principles

This research aims to examine how human rights (used here as HR) principles are interpreted and integrated within the context of Islamic theology, highlighting how Islamic teachings can support universal HR principles while maintaining a distinctive religious identity. The urgency of this study arises from the frequent discrepancies between global HR norms and legal and religious practices in predominantly Muslim countries, where conflicts in interpretation and application often pose significant social and political challenges. The methodology employed is qualitative with a content analysis approach, examining primary sources of Islamic religious texts such as the Qur'an and Hadith, as well as international HR documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. This study utilises extensive literature reviews, searching for interactions between religious principles and universal ethics to identify and understand differences and similarities in views on HR. Aligning with Indonesia's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting reduced inequalities and gender equality, this research explores the potential of Islamic teachings in supporting these objectives. The findings indicate that Islamic teachings, through texts like the Qur'an and Hadith, often uphold principles consistent with universal human rights, such as justice, equality, and human dignity. However, there is significant variation in the application of these principles depending on local interpretations and state policies. The discussion in this study also highlights how theories such as Maqasid al-Shariah (The Objectives of Sharia) and Fiqh al-Aqalliyyat (Jurisprudence of Minorities) can serve as bridges to integrate HR principles into Islamic practice, promoting intercultural dialogue and tolerance. In alignment with Indonesia's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities and Goal 5 on Gender Equality, the principles elucidated within Islamic teachings provide a robust theological foundation for advocating broader social justice and enhanced roles for women in society. The Qur'anic verses highlight the inherent value of equality and dignity for all, which not only supports efforts to diminish socio-economic disparities but also promotes gender equality as essential to societal well-being. Recommendations from this study include enhancing cooperation among scholars, legal experts, and policymakers to facilitate deeper integration of HR into religious practices and national law.