The Compatibility between International Human Rights and Islamic Law (Shari’a): A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This paper seeks to establish the relationship between and between universal human rights and Islamic law (Shari’a) for comparison purposes. Laying interest on the main subject human rights when it comes to religion, women’s rights, freedom of speech and the right to life, the study explores how these rights are addressed in Islamic law and areas of inconsistency with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The study evaluates the likelihood of possible solutions to the integration of Shari’ah with international human right laws, with reference to the reinterpretation of the law, legal reform, and international organizations. The objective is to provide some suggestions over how the gap between Shari’a and global human rights can be closed.