The Islamic Concept of Dignity

Al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwam reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “For one of you to take his rope and carry a bundle of wood to sell, by which Allah preserves his dignity, is better than begging from people who may give or withhold.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1471)

This hadith highlights a fundamental value in Islam – human dignity. It is one of the many Islamic values and principles that we at Akhuwat believe in. Our vision is to create a poverty-free world by enabling people to help themselves, better their lives and live with dignity.

Karamah al-Insaan

Human dignity is defined as the right of every person to be valued unconditionally. In Islam, this is embodied in the Quranic concept of ‘Karamah al-Insaan’ (human dignity). Every person, regardless of who he/she is, is to be respected and given certain rights. This right can never be lost or taken away from a human regardless of his/her actions, religion, orientation or status. Even a criminal has a right to dignity; and also while being punished. Punishment should not be intended to humiliate, but to reform or discipline.

Karamah al-Insaan guides and regulates all our relationships, including those between Muslims and non-Muslims. As Muslims, it’s important we live this through our words and actions by treating everyone with respect and fairness. In this way, we will follow the Hadith of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) while following a fundamental teaching of Islam.

“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Quran, 60:8)

The rights that others have over us are to be honoured just as we wish our rights to be honoured. Practically, this extends throughout our daily lives in everything we do and say and in all our engagements with others.

Abu Huraira narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim.” It was said to him: “Allah’s Messenger, what are these?” He replied: “When you meet him, offer him greetings; when he invites you accept it. when he seeks your council give him, and when he sneezes and says: “All praise is due to Allah,” you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you); and when he fails ill visit him; and when he dies follow his funeral.” (Muslim)

This shows that as Muslims, we are there for one another, or should be there for each other, offering whatever help or kindness we can. Remember too, that we help others in a way that ensures their rights to dignity are respected and preserved. And this is what we at Akhuwat strive for.

Restoring Dignity through Interest-free Loans – A Hand-Up, not a Handout

Our flagship project, Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance (AIM) facilitates access to finance through interest-free microlending. Our recipients are people who need a helping hand to better their lives, but because of their circumstances, do not qualify for loans from conventional banks. We grant small, short-term loans for investment into their homes, businesses, children’s education or health. The capital amounts of the loan are repaid and reinvested into the loan pool to be re-used again and again, making today’s borrowers tomorrow’s lenders. This funding model has proved to be sustainable – our loan repayment rate is 99% – the highest in the world. The AIM funding model is a real solution to ending poverty forever.

More importantly, getting a loan from AIM honours a person’s desire and right to be self-sufficient. It is in our nature to want to take care of ourselves and our dependants, but some people need a helping hand to do this. Our loans empower people giving them confidence while respecting and maintaining their dignity.

AIM in action – Family Enterprise Loan granted to Muhammad Yasir

AIM has assisted approximately 5 million Pakistani families to become independent in this way. For example, we granted a Family Enterprise Loan to Muhammad Yasir to invest in his small store. Muhammad Yasir lives in Khuiratta – a small town in Azad Kashmir, about 100 kilometres from Islamabad. Life was tough for him and his family. His informal fruit stall earned barely enough to sustain them. Akhuwat granted him a loan of PKRs 30,000. He was able to invest in upgrading his stall and purchasing stock to give his business a boost. He began repayments a month after and like the majority of our borrowers, we expect this amount to be paid off in the stipulated time, or even sooner. It will then be re-used as a new loan for another needy recipient.

How you can help

Would you like to be a part of this revolutionary funding model that restores and respects human dignity? We accept donations of Zakat, Sadaqah or Lillah that we lend out to needy recipients. And when the initial amount is repaid, it will be re-used again and again. Your initial donation is maximised, as will be your reward.

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