Introduction to Modern Human Rights and Rebutting Argument That It Is Contrary to Islam

The idea of modern human rights as espoused in ‘The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948’ (UDHR 1948) are often held hostage by cultural relativists for two reasons. Firstly, UDHR 1948 is not concurrent with the Sharia. Secondly, UDHR 1948 is a Western product and not suitable to be fully implemented in the East. This paper will attempt to answer one of the cultural relativists argument that the UDHR 1948 is contrary to Islam. The essence of the paper explain how the teachings of Islam in line with the concept of Modern Human Rights as reflected in the UDHR 1948. For this purpose, using eclectic approach between ‘verstehen und verständigung’ and unity in plurality framework, hostile experiences and glorious episode from Islamic civilization in the East and Western civilizations are highlighted in depth. At the end, understanding and clear communication between the two poles of thought can be integrated