Human life is so important that God mentions in the Quran its development step by step. In Islam, human life is considered sacred and of immense value, being a divine gift from God. The Quran emphasises the sanctity of life and prohibits the unjust taking of a human life, equating the killing of one person to the killing of all humanity, according to Islamic teachings. This value is rooted in the belief that humans are God’s creation and are entrusted with a unique status and responsibility. Allah says:

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ ۗ وَمَن قُتِلَ مَظْلُومًا فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيِّهِ سُلْطَانًا فَلَا يُسْرِف فِّي الْقَتْلِ

“Do not kill the soul which Allah has made sacred except by right of justice. Whoever is killed unjustly, We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed the limits in taking life.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:33)

Life must be appreciated and respected. Islam views life as a precious gift bestowed upon humanity by God. This gift is to be cherished and protected, and any violation of this sanctity is considered a grave offence. The Quran explicitly forbids the unjustified killing of humans, emphasising that taking a life unjustly is akin to killing all of humanity. Life is a God-given gift and a manifestation of His divine grace. Islam’s ethical code has its basis in the Quran and the life of the Prophet. Allah says:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وُدًّا

“Verily, for those who have believed and done righteous deeds, the Most Merciful will appoint for them affection.” (Surah Maryam 19:96)

Islam has laid down universal and fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed and respected under all circumstances. A human being is a noble-natured creature who is guided by two ways of good and evil and is inspired with virtues and vices to become perfect in the struggle he is in with the help of his freedom of choice. This feature is exclusive to him among all creatures, and this enables him to elevate higher than angels.

Here is some Importance of human rights in Islam:

1. Human rights focus on what is in your control & try your best
2. Human rights to refuse obedience to oppressive rulers
3. Human rights teach us to practice in our daily lives
4. Human rights bring civilisation and happiness
5. Human rights are considered an examination
6. Human rights are to know the purpose of life
7. Human rights and earning an honest living
8. Human rights, you will be accountable
9. Human rights benefit the community
10. Human rights: taking care of orphans
11. Human rights opposing oppression
12. Human rights put your trust in God
13. Human rights have a noble purpose 
14. Human rights stand up for justice
15. Human rights speaking the truth
16. Human rights provide for all families
17. Human rights to personal responsibility
18. Human rights and kindness to neighbours
19. Human rights to the protection of reputation
20. Human rights to struggle for a just social order
21. Human rights to sanity and intellectual freedom
22. Human rights mean everything comes from God
23. Human rights are enriched by respecting parents
24. Human rights recall  God’s Mercy and fear punishment
25. Human rights intimate the next life as well, and are our faith

Human life is one of the most sacred creations of God. Islamic law (Sharia) places a strong emphasis on the protection of human life, recognising it as a fundamental right and a cornerstone for other rights, according to Islamic scholars. Human beings have a great status in Islam. They are honoured by God and can act as God’s vicegerents on earth.

The reality of the human being and its different aspects, and functions:

• First, human beings are objective beings who are different from other objective beings with respect to freedom of choice, meaning that their actions and behaviours are a result of their reasoning and will, albeit relatively.
• Second, human beings are to a large extent affected by their surroundings, that is, the physical environment and other beings.
• Third, human beings are social beings who naturally interact with other human beings.
• Fourth, human beings are created by God, the Creator of the universe. This relation with God has different dimensions which affect them as persons and all of their relationships.

Islam teaches that every human being is to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs, as long as they do not actively oppose or conspire against Muslims or the Islamic state. Islam also made it clear that the taking of a human life is the responsibility of the highest authority, i.e. the judge. Life is a trust of God, and we must take care of it to our ability.

Islam provides many human rights for an Individual:

• Right to Freedom: Islam has strictly forbidden the fundamental practice of enslaving a free man and making him a slave or selling him into slavery.
• The right of Equality among Human Beings: Islam recognises the principle of absolute equality between men irrespective of colour, race or nationality. Racism is not allowed in Islam.
• Right to Equal Justice: Islam is the religion of peace and Justice.
• The right of Honour and Respect: Islam protects honour. In Islam, insulting others and making fun of them is not allowed, whether a person is a believer or a non-believer.
• Right to Basic Necessities of Life: Islam emphasises helping the poor and needy who need your help if you are more fortunate.
• Right to Privacy: It is a basic right of every citizen that their private life should be respected. He must enjoy moments of privacy at his home.
• Right to Life: The first and most important basic human right is the right to live and respect human life.

In Islam, human life is a divine gift. Muslims are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to strive for a life of virtue and righteousness, knowing that they will be held accountable for their deeds before God. The inherent moral sense in a human being allows him to recognise what is true and good from what is false and evil.

Allah Almighty says in The Glorious Quran:

• “Man is accountable for his actions.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:1)
• “Men were not created without a purpose.” (Quran 23:115)
• “And the Hereafter is better for you than the first life.” (Quran 93:4)
• “You have that day, nor for you will there be any denial.” (Quran 42:47)
• “Do not let your hatred of a people incite you to aggression.” (Quran 5:2)
• “The life of this world is merely the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 3:185)
• “I have not created men except that they should serve Me.” (Quran, 51:56)
• “Nor take life–which Allah has made sacred–except for just cause” (Quran 17:33)

Human beings have a great status in Islam. In Islam, life is sacred and one of the greatest gifts and blessings of God. Every moment of life has great value and is irreversible. Islamic teachings provide a guide for navigating life’s challenges, promoting virtues such as patience, kindness, honesty, and forgiveness. Islam lays down some basic human rights for all human beings, whether he is a believer or on non-believer. Allah says:

إِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدِي مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِينَ

“Verily, you do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills. He is most knowing of the rightly guided.” (Surah Al-Qasas 28:56)

All human beings are born free and equal in status and respect. Human rights are the basic rights that belong to every person in the world, from birth to death. Allah blessed humans with the distinctive title of “Best of creation”. Islam also emphasises the continuation of life after death, highlighting the importance of living a meaningful life that will be rewarded in the hereafter. Islam’s ethical code has its basis in the Quran and the life of the Prophet.

Purpose of Life According to Islam:

• Life is a Test: “He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed-and He is the Almighty, the Oft-Forgiving.” (Al-Mulk 67:2)
• Life is Momentary: The life that is currently lived on this earth will not last forever. It is only a momentary thing. “O, my people! This life of the world is only a (passing) enjoyment, and surely the hereafter is the abode to settle.” (Al-Mu’Min 40:39)
• Life in Heaven Will Be Better: That’s why it’s not good to only care about the materialistic things that exist in this life.
• Dutiful Worship: Muslims always remember Allah. This can be done by carrying out all the dutiful worship.
• Live According to the Rules of Islam: When a Muslim is willing to dedicate themselves to Allah, then they must live according to the rules of Islam.
• Life Motivation: If a Muslim doesn’t know what their life goal is, then they could lose the motivation to carry on with life.
• Live Life in Kindness: A Muslim must always remember to be kind while living on earth. Every living and non-living thing is Allah’s creation, and one should try to be kind to them all.

Islam declares all people equal in terms of human values, and all individuals are equal before the Islamic code of law. Thus, life is a gift of God, for which we are held responsible. Not only just God give life, but also God brings life to an end. Islam is a peaceful religion, and it has established rules where people respect each other and live together peacefully, without their lives being threatened. Therefore, when we speak of cultivating human values in Islam, we simply mean following the guidance of God.