“We have honoured the children of Adam…”
(Al-Qur’ān, 17:70)
The Qur’ān proclaims a powerful truth: every human being is inherently honoured. This divine recognition, rooted in the verse above, establishes the foundational principle that each individual deserves respect and dignity, regardless of faith, gender, ethnicity, or background.
This honour is not conditional. It is a God-given value to every human, reflecting their worth as a creation of the Divine. Therefore, respecting others isn’t merely a social courtesy it’s a spiritual and ethical obligation. When we honour others, we affirm their God-given dignity, creating connections built on trust, empathy, and goodwill.
Respect as a Human Imperative
Psychological research shows that being treated with respect positively impacts self-worth, emotional well-being, and social trust. According to behavioural scientists, when people feel valued:
• They are more likely to contribute positively to relationships.
• Psychological safety and openness increase.
• Trust and mutual engagement flourish.
Treating someone with respect means:
• Recognizing their abilities and inherent worth
• Valuing their thoughts and feelings, even during disagreement
• Accepting them as equals, offering the same dignity you expect for yourself
Respect is not only contagious it is transformative.
The Qur’anic Framework of Honour
The Qur’an not only affirms human dignity but also warns against behaviours that violate it:
“Do not ridicule one another, nor call each other by offensive nicknames, nor defame one another.” (Al-Qur’ān, 49:11)
These prohibited actions mockery, slander, and verbal abuse undermine the honour granted to others and lead to:
• Interpersonal conflict
• Emotional pain and hurt
• Erosion of trust and unity
Thus, respecting others is not optional; it’s an act of obedience to divine guidance.
The Prophet’s Example: Raising Self-Worth
A profound illustration of this Qur’anic ethic is found in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
While traveling through a dangerous region, the Prophet and his companions were confronted by a group of dacoits demanding money at sword point. The Prophet calmly asked, “Who are you?”
They replied, “We are despicable and bad people.”
The Prophet responded, “Who told you that you are despicable? You are honoured people.”
These unexpected words of dignity deeply touched the dacoits. They dropped their weapons, wept, and sought forgiveness confessing they had never been honoured by anyone before. Through this one act of recognition and respect, the Prophet transformed hearts and restored their sense of worth.
This is a living example of Qur’ān in action a model for interpersonal engagement grounded in honour.
Implications for Contemporary Society
1. Respect enhances human connection: Valuing others fosters closeness and trust
2. Reciprocity strengthens bonds: When respected, people mirror that behaviour
3. Dignity boosts well-being: Feeling honoured contributes to happiness and mental health
4. Applicable in modern systems: This model is relevant in education, management, training, and community development for fostering inclusion and psychological safety
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