Human rights in Islam

Human Rights
Islam has been from its inception very concerned with issues of human
rights. Privacy, freedom, dignity and equality are guaranteed in Islam.
The holy Qur'an states clearly:
"There is no compulsion in religion."
And there are no reliable reports to confirm the old accusations that when
the Muslim armies were expanding into Asia, Africa and Europe the people
were put to the sword if they failed to convert to Islam. The best proof is
that not only did the Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians and Hindus in those
areas not perish or otherwise disappear, they actually flourished as
protected minority, and many individuals rose to prominent positions in the
arts, sciences, even in government.
The lives, property and privacy of all citizens in an Islamic state are
considered sacred, whether or not the person is Muslim. Non-Muslims
have freedom of worship and to practice their religions, including their
own family laws and religious courts. They are obliged to pay a different
tax (Jizyah) instead of the Zakah, and the state is obligated to provide both
protection and government services. Before the modern era it was
extremely rare to find a state or government anywhere in the world that
was as solicitous of its minorities and their civil rights as the Islamic states.
In no other religion did women receive such a degree of legal and moral
equality and personal respect. Moreover, racism and tribalism are
incompatible with Islam, for the Qur'an speaks of human equality in the
following terms:
"Mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and
made you into nations and tribes, that you may come to know one
another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the
greatest of you in piety."