Page 17 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

Islam Early Islamic teachings emphasized justice (ad), equality, and the protection of life, property,

and dignity.

The Qur’an and Hadith promoted charity, rights of women, and the protection of orphans and the

poor.

3. The Middle Ages

Magna Carta (1215, England)

Limited the power of the king and guaranteed certain rights to nobles and free citizens.

Established legal principles like protection from arbitrary punishment and the right to a fair trial.

Introduced the idea that rulers are not above the law.

Other European Charters

Various medieval charters and city laws protected merchants, guild members, and townspeople.

Focused on property rights, fair trade, and local self-government.

4. Renaissance and Early Modern Era

Renaissance thinkers emphasized human dignity, reason, and individual rights.

Philosophers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued for natural rights,

social contracts, and the protection of liberty and property.

These ideas heavily influenced later documents such as:

American Declaration of Independence (1776)

French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789)

5. Key Features of Early Foundations

15 Academic Year 2025/2026