Will consider the teachings of equality and human rights in the Christian and Muslim communities. I will also be examining the work of Martin Luther King, a Christian leader and Malcolm X, a Muslim leader, who have both fought against inequality

Christians believe people of all races should be respected. It doesn't matter if you are black or white, everybody should have equal respect and rights. The old testaments says 'treat aliens well in your land'.

I will now look at the Muslim teachings on equality and human rights. Muslims believe all people are Allah's creation and should all be treated with respect. The Ummah (the brotherhood of Islam) is multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-lingual. It consists of Muslims from all backgrounds.

'And among his signs ...are the variations in your language and colours'

Muslims believe that everyone is equal and have equal rights.

'Everyone is equal like a tooth of a comb'.

On the Hajj (pilgrimage) all Muslims perform the same duties and dress the same, reinforcing equality in the Ummah.

A Muslim has a duty to protect human rights given by Allah. They must stand against tyranny (an oppressive regime, with a dictator who tries to put their own rules into practice).

Islamic law states:

'No blood should be spilt without a cause'

This means that unlawful killings are 'haram' (forbidden).

Muslims have a duty to help those in need. They are judged on 'Zakah'. 2 1/2% of their income has to be given to charity. This is part of their worship. The 'Quran' (Muslim bible) tells Muslims to 'feed the hungry and needy'.

Muslims also believe that if someone steals because they are in need, the 'Ummah' is guilty of not taking care of them. However, if someone steals out of greed, their hand will be cut off as a punishment for their bad deed.

Men a women have equal religious and civil rights:

'Whether male or female, whoever does a good deed will have a good life and be rewarded'

Muhammed (the prophet of Allah) once said:

'There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab or for a non-Arab over an Arab, neither for a white man over a black man or a black man over a white man'

His first 'muezzin' was a former African slave.

There are many examples of leaders who have fought against inequality, but two in particular have made many changes.

Firstly, Martin Luther King, a Christian human rights leader, had a non-violent approach to his work and still succeeded in making changes. He followed Jesus's teachings on pacifying and principles of non-violence.

'If someone hits you on the left cheek, offer your right' (new testament).

Jesus also said there should be no violence toward our enemies:

'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'.

Martin Luther King lead the civil rights movement in the United States. He protested against segregation and racial discrimination. One example of this was that he changed the bus law which had previously made a black person give up their seat for a white person:

'I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character'. Quoted from the civil rights speech to supporters at the march in Washington in August 1963.

Secondly, Malcolm X, a Muslim human rights leader who advocated black nationalism and promoted black self-respect and economic self-help.

He made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964 and became an Orthodox Sunni Muslim, on his return to the United States he held the first rally for a black nationalist group he had founded, the OAAU (Organisation of Afro-American Unity).

'We can never get civil rights in America until our human rights are first restored. We will never be recognised as humans'. Quoted from the Egyptian Gazette, August 25, 1964.

'It is easier to keep quiet and listen when faced with injustice'

This quote can be viewed in different ways. Some people would argue this statement. A non-religious person may agree with it as it may be safe to keep quiet and should you argue you could have more rights taken away from you. On the other hand some people may disagree and believe that you should stand up for your rights. After all they are your rights and you are entitled to them.

Religious people may have different reasons, for example, Christians believe in Liberation Theology, this is where believers protest. They do this because the regime where they live is brutal and people have no rights. Christians believe they and the responsibility to protest.

'if an authority is doing thigs against the teachings of Jesus, then we must obey God not man' the bible also says 'Everyone must obey the authority'.

Some Christians believe this is impossible when Governments are corrupt and deny rights.

Muslims believe they should protest peacefully for their rights and killing is not allowed. They believe that they should speak out for rights as Allah gave everyone equal rights.

In my opinion I think that you shouldn't keep quiet, you should fight for your rights in a non-violent way. Everyone should be treated equally and fairly. There should be no prejudice or discrimination of any kind.