Most Muslim majority countries are not ruled entirely by Sharia, it is considered a source for lawmaking and govermence. The legal systems in most Muslim countries are the result not only religious ruling but also of historical and political traditions and cultural circumstance. Laws and practice concerning human rights also depend on all these factors and therefore vary across the Muslim world. .
The following research look at some human rights and how they have been viewed be general international practice, by Sharia, and in various Muslim majority countries. International practice is based on standards established by the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights. .
Freedom of Religion :.
International Practice .
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees equality to everyone regardless of his or her religion. It states that everyone has the right to freedom of thoughts, conscience, and religion. Each person has the right to practice his or her religion though worship, teaching, or other observances in public or in private. People also have the right to change their religion if they wish to do so . .
Sharia .
According to Sharia, as it has been interpreted over the centuries, Muslims should always rule in countries that have large Muslim populations. Jihad, holy war, is an important principle in the Quran that implores Muslims to fight the non-believer and bring their lands under the control of Islam. Sharia does not support the concept that all religions should be treated equally.
In states governed in accordance with Sharia, Christianity and Judaisn are tolerated religions, as opposed to polytheistic faiths, such as Hindusim and Buddhism, which are not allowed to exist at all. Jews and Christians, who are referred to as dhimmis, have fewer legal and social rights than Muslims.
Dhimmis were historically required to accept the primacy of Islam through defeat or surrender, submission, and payment of a special tax.
