Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, whom God Almighty glorifies.
I was genuinely touched to receive an invitation from the Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking (PIMAHT) to join the Multisectoral Conference on Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia. This gathering represents a hopeful opportunity for us to unite in our struggle against the devastating issue of human trafficking in our region. It is heartbreaking to recognize that this problem extends beyond Southeast Asia and has become a global crisis that affects countless lives.
In light of this, our focus should not only be on sharing statistics but also instead on collaborating to find meaningful solutions to end this intolerable violation of human dignity. Every major religion teaches us that we must respect and protect individuals, and there is no justification for treating human beings as commodities. Human trafficking, in any form or context, is a moral tragedy that must be condemned unequivocally.
Islamic teachings remind us of the importance of Sharia law, which is intended to safeguard five vital aspects of human life:
- Maintaining Religion: Respecting everyone’s right to practice their faith freely.
- Protecting the Soul: Valuing human life and preventing violence.
- Protecting Reason: Ensuring our minds are free from harmful influences.
- Protecting Descendants: Supporting family structures and the well-being of future generations.
- Protecting Property: Advocating for fair distribution of resources and safeguarding individual rights.
Through the lens of Islamic Sharia, we are called to honour and protect these fundamental aspects of life, emphasizing the freedom and rights of every individual to live according to their beliefs. Together, let us work with compassion and determination to put an end to human trafficking and restore dignity to those who have been affected.
From an Islamic perspective, human trafficking is unequivocally prohibited. Islamic principles deeply emphasize the inherent value of every individual’s soul, mind, and body. Similarly, humanitarian theories champion the idea that no one should partake in actions that lack ethical approval.
In this context, it becomes essential to safeguard these fundamental aspects of human dignity. The mission of Islam began with a powerful call to liberate humanity from the grip of slavery in Arab societies, where individuals were unjustly treated as mere Property and stripped of their fundamental rights and dignity.
The Prophet Muhammad fervently worked to dismantle this oppressive system, combating the Jahiliyyah culture that allowed such injustices. Slavery stands in stark contrast to the essential humanitarian mission of every person on this earth. According to Islamic teachings, the divine purpose of human life is to be Allah’s representative, where the recognition and protection of individual rights shine brightly as a guiding light.
Even though we have established various strategies and policies, the heartbreaking reality is that human trafficking will persist if community groups continue to view this issue as normal. We must cooperate in cross-faith to raise awareness and urgently combat this grave injustice.
For over 30 years, the Asian Muslim Action Network, an interfaith organization, has dedicated itself to addressing humanitarian issues across Asia. By uniting individuals from different countries and faiths, we can strengthen our campaigns and take meaningful actions to put an end to human trafficking.
As we gather today, we truly hope that the outcomes of this meeting will resonate deeply with our members in Southeast Asia and South Asia—areas that are tragically vulnerable to the main actors perpetuating human trafficking.
In this struggle, we find solace in believing that God is always watchful and caring. We pray earnestly for the swift abolition of this crime of slavery, as the fleeting benefits gained from such actions can never outweigh the lasting grief and suffering endured by the victims. Their pain reminds us of our shared responsibility and the compassion that drives us to stand together in prayer and action.
