Universal Values (in Britain)
Posted by The Platform | Posted in Platform Updates, Universal Values | Posted on 24-01-2010
6
Monday 25 January to Sunday 31 January 2010
Editorial
We open the discourse of this blog with an issue which has perhaps dogged humanity from our very existence, and one which has perhaps posed the most questions for us in the last decade than ever before: what are the values which are universal to all of us? Are those values common to everyone or confined to a particular community or country?
Universal values are those which are common to all – values which transcend all race, religion, colour and creed. In the last ten years much has been made of the very things which divide us, whether it concerns our religious beliefs and practices, or even the actual principles which strike at the fabric our society: the freedoms which we hold to. For, as the Holy Qur’an reminds humanity, “… God loves those who are fair and just” (49:9).
It is a term which denotes the principles that apply to all humanity. The Qur’an highlights our relation to one another – pointedly in our humanity: “It is He Who created you from a single being” (7:189). As humans, we are all essentially a form of holy product, emerged from a single being and unified in origin. And it is this which we must remember when dealing with one another.
What is clear is that what binds and unites us as people outweighs that which divides us. For, as human beings, our aspirations are the same: to make a living for ourselves and our families, to do well and to enrich and better our society. As we enter a new decade, it is an issue which perhaps poses profound challenges: are we to hold on to those values? Are they outdated? Do we have more that divides us than that which unites us? Do we need to re-think our values and principles? What are the values that matter to us most in the UK? Should we care to assist one another and society, or is our sole responsibility to simply protect our personal well-being? With growing diversity, is there a clash of civilisations in our country?
These are the very questions which will riddle this new decade and these are the questions we will seek to explore over these first two weeks of The Platform. In week one, we will focus on Britain and week two will see the exploration of the wider World. And, as is the very purpose of this blog, we want to hear from you! What do you think? Time for a revolution in values or the need to anchor that which has stood the test of time? And how?
Have your say.
The Platform Editorial Team
Values set by a divine being always stand the test of time, and are accurate for the past, present and future for the divine being is all knowledgeable and all aware. Those laws take into consideration all that has and can happen and are based on sound, just, principles. Man-made laws are limited to the understanding, rationale and intellect of those who set, approve and uphold them, and as we have seen they are subject to change as understanding and rationales evolve through time.
Every sane human being is pre-installed with an understanding of justice and equality. This conscience is what sets us apart from the other creatures whom transverse the earth. We all know right from wrong, regardless of race, colour or creed. But whether we decide to employ those God given faculties and ignore our hearts desires is another question.
I personally believe that what I have stated above is the basis of universal values for all of mankind.
Currently with globalisation of culture, we seemed to have lost our connection and natural roots to the sets of universal values that we all call the “norm”. This has led to many being viewed as ultra liberalists and super conservatives. I think we need to find the balance again and embark in this journey we call life, on a straight path rather than any crooked one.
A good place to start the search for univeral values that are not specific to any religion is the Universal Declarationof Human Rights, which can be found at http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
I see you are an avid blogger. Please submit articles to us on the relevant topics we will be discussing on The Platform. Insh’Allah we will have them published!
You have done a great job. This is a very useful blog,
Wish you all the best. Congratulation.
Unfortunately, Islam has set up a barrier between Muslim and kuffar, mandating one set of values between Muslim and Muslim, and another in the dealings of Muslims with the infidels.
The very verse you cite, Koran 49:9, is followed immediately by 49:10, which reads “Only the faithful are brethren;”. The context is very clear that Allah expects fair and impartial judgement between Muslims only. If we are to truly embrace universal values, the divison between Muslim an Kuffar that pervades the Koran will have to be renounced.