Cultural Heritage Protection in Islamic Tradition

Abstract

AbstractCultural heritage is a crucial component that plays a fundamental role in defining an individual’s identity and advancing the protection of his or her human rights. Reinforcing cultural distinctions and human differences are significant and therefore recognized in Islam. This article enhances the understanding of an Islamic approach to cultural heritage and human rights through the lens offered by three examples: the right to education, freedom of religion, and the right to development. The discussion of the protection of cultural heritage in Islam is essential because Islam is one of the legal sources in many Muslim states, and, therefore, the examination of its intersection with international law could enhance the protection of cultural heritage and promote human rights in the Islamic world. The article develops principles of cultural heritage protection that are in conformity with international law. These principles are the promising common ground for the possibility of universal cultural heritage policy. Despite the fact that there is no clear reference to the notion of cultural heritage in Islamic teaching, this article shows that principles of the protection of cultural heritage are established.