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Hadith on Rights: Human Rights and Basic Needs

📖Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2341
‘Uthman bin ‘Affan narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w) said: “There is no right for the son of Adam in other than these things: A house which he lives in, a garment which covers his nakedness, and Jilf (a piece of bread) and water.”

In this narration from Jami` at-Tirmidhi, ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan relays the words of the Prophet (s.a.w) regarding the basic rights and necessities of a person. The meaning of the statement is as follows:  The son of Adam (referring to every human being) has fundamental rights that are essential for their well-being. These rights encompass three main things:

  1. A house to live in: Every individual has a right to a place of shelter, a home where they can find safety, security, and privacy.
  2. A garment to cover their nakedness: Clothing is necessary to preserve one’s dignity and protect their body from exposure.
  3. Jilf (a piece of bread) and water: These represent the basic sustenance needed for survival. It signifies that every person has a right to obtain food and water to satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst.

This narration highlights the fundamental rights that should be provided to every human being, emphasizing the importance of providing shelter, clothing, and basic sustenance as essential aspects of human dignity and well-being.