Rights of Disabled in Islam

Allah orders us to never look down, label, or ridicule others – such as people with disabilities – because “perhaps they may be better than them”. (Surah al-hujurat, 11)

According to Islam, integrating disabled people into the society is crucial in regards to their emotional and mental well-being. For a successful integration, it encourages us to have empathy and a sense of care for each other and to treat disabled people as being part and parcel of our society. Therefore, Islam grants them rights while assisting them in their needs.

In Islam, disabled people have the right to be respected and enjoy social justice; they are to be provided with basic needs such as food and clothes (Surah an-Nur, 61) and receive treatment and rehabilitation. Disabled people in a country where the Shariah rules might receive portion from the zakat, and certain religious duties might be reduced or waived completely due to their condition.

At the same time, our beautiful religion encourages assisting the disabled to carry out their duties. They must be included in the life of the family as a full member, attend celebration on holidays, receive proper Islamic education, and even be able to marry – obviously while considering their abilities.

Islamic History: The Way Disabled People were Treated

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab

Once a father came to the second caliph, complaining that his son, a blind man, was unable to reach the mosque to offer his prayers in congregation due to his disability. Omar then provided him with housing near the mosque.

Umar ibn Abdul Aziz

The notable Umayyad caliph “asked rulers of the provinces to send him the names of all those who are blind, crippled, or with a chronic illness that prevented them from establishing their prayers. When they sent him their names, he, in turn, ordered that every blind man should have an employee to guide and look after him, and that every two chronically ill persons — those with special needs — be attended by a servant to serve and care for them.”

Certainly, it’s often challenging to have a disability or to live with a disabled person; but frankly, life is all about challenges. Whose life is free from tests and trials?

Suffering from the cruelness of an abusive husband; raising a child all alone; not being able to get out of the cycle of an addiction; losing all your wealth and finding yourself sleeping in the metro underground; suffering from poverty and hunger. Would these cases – which millions face – be any better than disability?

Source: Aboutislam