As far as human rights are concerned, the Qur'an and Hadith have more than adequately enough highlighted the Islamic viewpoint. To add impetus to that, the life of our noble master, Rasulullah [Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam], serves as an excellent and unparalleled example and role model. The Qur'an speaks of Rasulullah [Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam] being 'rahmatul-lil-alimin' which means a mercy unto the entire universe. Not only did Rasulullah [Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam] show compassion, mercy and kindness to man but even to the animal kingdom. He also taught us our responsibility regarding the environment around us.

In Islam, we afford humans those rights which Allah Ta'ala has enshrined in the Qur'an and Rasulullah [Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam] has highlighted in the Ahadith. Allah Ta'ala has not left it to our understanding and puny intellects to decide the rights that are due to humans. Furthermore, one must also understand the balanced nature of Islam. Islam does not only stress upon human rights but Islam teaches us to first understand the rights that we as the creation owe to our creator, Allah Ta'ala. When a person will understand those rights, he will naturally realise that a component of those rights, is to fulfil the rights of the creation of Allah Ta'ala as well.

Today, when the basic rights of men, woman and children are violated by the so called guardians of human rights, it becomes the incumbent duty of the Ummah to increase in their efforts of disseminating the light of Islam which protects the rights of humans as no other ism does and which lays more emphasis on the fulfilling of rights rather than the demanding of rights. Fulfilling rights breeds a culture of unity and mutual compassion while demanding rights breeds a culture of conflict and animosity.

As far as the Ummat's responsibility to the poor and indigenous communities is concerned, we should bear the following points in mind:

• Rasulullah [Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam] had great love for the poor and sat in their company and exhorted his Ummah to do the same.
• History has proven that many of the initial followers of the Ambiya, who made great sacrifices, were poor and downtrodden people.
• It is the responsibility of those upon whom Allah Ta'ala has bestowed his favours in the form of wealth etc. to fulfil their duty towards the poor by going to them, attending to their needs and initiating schemes to uplift them materially as well as morally and spiritually.
• Support all those who are making an effort in this direction.
• Assist in setting up musallas (basic structures for salah etc.) and maktabs (primary madrasahs) in the local areas.
• Increase efforts in da'wah (propagation) of Islam. Remember! Actions speak louder then words. Thus, together with verbal invitation to Islam, let our practical lives be an attraction to Islam.
• Develop love in the heart for revert Muslims. Take them as brothers and overlook their faults and mistakes.
• Muslims should endeavour to live as an integrated and united society with all –the poor, and revert Muslims and those Muslims who hail from foreign lands etc. Remember! United we stand and divided we fall.
• Superiority in the sight of Allah Ta'ala is based on taqwa (piety) and not on colour, creed, race or financial standing. Therefore, we should totally avoid all kinds of racial discrimination, bigotry and exploitation.