Human Rights Violations against People Affected with Leprosy-Related Disability: An Islamic Critique

Abstract

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, remains associated with stigma and discrimination, often leading to serious violations of the rights of persons living with leprosy-related disabilities. These violations may appear in social exclusion, as well as in access to education, employment, and in some cases, legal and institutional marginalisation. This study examines these misconceptions and human rights abuses from an Islamic perspective and considers the extent to which prevailing social practices conform to, or depart from, Islamic ethical and legal principles. Using a simple doctrinal and analytical research method, the paper relies on primary Islamic sources, especially the Qur’an and Hadith, together with relevant human rights materials. It argues that Islam strongly upholds the dignity (karāmah) and equality of all human beings, while rejecting discrimination, injustice, and exclusion. The study further finds that many of the rights violations experienced by persons affected by leprosy-related disabilities are rooted more in cultural misconceptions than in authentic Islamic teachings. It concludes that Islamic principles such as justice (adl), compassion (raḥmah), and human dignity (karāmah) offer a strong basis for addressing these challenges.