Dhaka: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain emphasized the pioneering role of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in establishing human rights nearly 1,500 years ago during a discussion and prize-giving ceremony at Jagannath University (JnU) on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, JnU Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Rezaul Karim delivered the welcome speech at the event. Dr. Khalid highlighted that what the modern world now recognizes as human rights, including the rights of men, women, children, and freedom of expression, were proclaimed by the Prophet (PBUH) long ago. He noted that the Prophet not only theorized these rights but also practiced them.
Dr. Khalid referenced a Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) to illustrate his stance against racial and ethnic discrimination, emphasizing that no person has superiority over another based on race or ethnicity. He also mentioned the Charter of Medina as the first written constitution in history, introduced by the Prophet, which set the foundation for governance by constitutions.
Highlighting the Prophet’s contributions to women’s rights, Dr. Khalid contrasted the negative perceptions of women in ancient Rome, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent with the dignity afforded to women by the Prophet’s declaration that “Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers.” He also cited the Prophet’s support for the education and empowerment of Hazrat Ayesha (RA) as an example of his commitment to women’s empowerment.
Dr. Khalid urged attendees to follow the teachings of the Prophet’s Sirah (lifestyle) as a means to enlighten their lives. The discussion was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Roich Uddin, Chairman of the Department of Islamic Studies at JnU, and included speeches by JnU Treasurer Professor Dr. Sabina Sharmin, Director General of Islamic Foundation A Salam Khan, and JnU Teachers’ Association President Professor Dr. Md. Mosharraf Hossain.
Eminent Islamic thinker Mufti Abdul Munayim Khan delivered a sermon on the life and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH). The event concluded with the distribution of prizes among the winners of Quran recitation, Naat-e-Rasul (PBUH), calligraphy, and essay competitions celebrating Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH).