Freedom of Religion and Belief, a Universal Principle between Islam, International Law and the Ontology of Being

Description for Knowledge Commons Works: In this insightful article for The Geneva Times, Boumédiène Benyahia investigates how the Islamic concept of Forb—a principle rooted in divine justice and universal dignity—can illuminate and enrich contemporary international law frameworks. Drawing from both Islamic jurisprudence and modern legal traditions, the author explores resonances between the Sharīʿah (particularly its ethical dimensions) and established principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), such as those reflected in the Geneva Conventions. By weaving together historical insights and legal analysis, the article demonstrates : Philosophical alignment: How Forb—understood as divine justice and compassionate order—parallels IHL's foundational aims of protecting human dignity and regulating armed conflict. Practical convergence : Instances where Muslim-majority delegations invoked Islamic legal norms during the drafting of the 1977 Geneva Additional Protocols, asserting that their religious-ethical heritage already encompassed the modern rules of war Normative relevance : A strong case that grounding international legal standards in diverse cultural traditions—notably Islamic—enhances their universal legitimacy and boosts universal compliance The article argues for acknowledging Forb as a universal principle, capable of bridging legal traditions and enriching the normative architecture of international law. It also suggests that humanitarian actors and international bodies should integrate these insights to foster broader acceptance—especially in Muslim contexts—of fundamental legal norms.