Utolsó frissítés: 2026.06.01. — Szerző: Anti-Propaganda News Blog
One of the primary and most sacred goals of Islamic theology and Sharia (Islamic law) is the protection of human life (Hifz an-Nafs). According to the Quran and the prophetic traditions (hadiths), human life is not a possession of man, but a sacred gift from God and a trust entrusted to him (Amana), which everyone has to take into account.
Here are the most important Islamic teachings and sources regarding the value of human life:
1. The universal value of a single life
The most frequently quoted and most significant statement in the Quran regarding the absolute and universal value of human life is found in Sura Al-Ma’idah. This verse makes it clear that the killing of a single innocent person is equivalent to a crime against all of humanity:
„…if anyone kills a person—without having committed murder or spread corruption on earth—it is as if they had killed all of humanity. And whoever saves a life, it is as if he had saved the lives of all mankind.”
(Quran 5:32)
This teaching makes no distinction based on religion, ethnicity, or social status; the taking of any innocent human life is considered a sin of cosmic proportions.
2. The sanctity of the blood of the innocent
The Quran emphasizes in several places that taking a life is one of the gravest sins, punishable in the afterlife, and that one of the primary duties of the Islamic community (Ummah) is to prevent bloodshed.
„And do not kill anyone whom Allah has made sacred, except for a just cause.”
(Quran 17:33)
(In Islamic law, the term „right” refers exclusively to the administration of justice following lawful judicial proceedings or to a just war of self-defense; individual acts of vigilantism are strictly prohibited.)
„Whoever deliberately kills a believer will be punished with Hell, where he will dwell forever. Allah’s wrath and curse will be upon him, and He has prepared a severe punishment for him.”
(Quran 4:93)
3. Human Dignity and the Crown of Creation
According to Islam, God created humankind as His representatives (caliph) placed him on the earth and endowed him with a special dignity over all other creatures.
„Indeed, we have honored the sons of Adam, carried them on land and sea, provided them with good things, and clearly favored them above many of those whom we have created.”
(Quran 17:70)
This „honor” (Karma) is a right to which every human being is entitled from birth. In light of this, the Prophet Muhammad, in his famous Farewell Sermon (Hajj al-Wada’), likened human life and dignity to the most sacred things:
„Your blood, your possessions, and your honor are as sacred to one another as this day of yours is sacred, in this holy month of yours, in this holy place of yours.”
(The Collection of Hadiths by Al-Bukhari)
4. The primacy of saving lives (the principle of Sharia)
Similarly, the Jewish Pikuach Nefesh In accordance with this principle, Islamic law also recognizes the principles of necessity and the preservation of life (The Necessary Evils – „Necessity justifies what is otherwise forbidden.”.
If a person’s life is in danger (for example, if they are on the brink of starvation), Islamic law permits the consumption of forbidden items (such as pork or alcoholic beverages) if this is the only way to survive. Ritual rules are immediately set aside when it comes to saving a human life.
Context for Media Analysis: Islam and Humanism
In modern geopolitical and hasbara narratives, Islam is often equated with a disregard for life, terrorism, and blind fanaticism. However, a deconstruction of the original theological texts and legal principles makes it clear that the Islamic legal system (fiqh) is founded on the protection of life. Any military or political action that involves the systematic and indiscriminate destruction of innocent civilians is in radical opposition to the fundamental commandments of the Quran outlined above.
