11. The Role of Islam in Human Rights and Development in Muslim States

Abstract

This chapter examines the role that Islam as a religion can play in the promotion of human rights and development in Muslim States. Rather than presenting human rights as a form of alternative ideology, the chapter advocates the possibility of harmonising Islam and human rights as parallel forms of social ordering in predominantly Muslim States. It analyzes the relevant theoretical, transitional and substantive perspectives. The analysis advocates with relevant evidence and arguments that due to its very significant role in Muslim States, Islam can and should, where employed appropriately, provide the glue that can make human rights to stick and a channel to promote development in Muslim States. Keywords: human rights; Islam; Muslim states; transitional perspectives