Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, in his book titled “Social Psychology and Empathy” published by Timaş Publications, compared the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the fundamental reference texts of the modern world, with the Medina Charter on a sociological and psychological basis.
Tarhan pointed out that the Medina Charter, which is more advanced than Magna Carta, offers a vision beyond modern human rights texts, noting that one of the most striking aspects of the charter is its anti-racist and anti-slavery approach, which, unlike modern ideologies aiming to create a single type of person 13 centuries ago, represents a deep respect for differences.
Tarhan also stated that it would not be wrong to call the Medina Charter, which centers on social empathy, mutual responsibility, and justice, a treaty that could prevent World War III amidst today's global tensions, adding that the perspective in this charter is much needed today as income inequality and animosity towards wealth are increasing.
Üsküdar University Founding Rector and Head of the Board of Trustees, Author Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, in his book titled “Social Psychology and Empathy” published by Timaş Publications, compared the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the fundamental reference texts of the modern world, with the Medina Charter on a sociological and psychological basis.
According to Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, the humanitarian and universal values that the Western world achieved in 1948 after the devastating consequences of World War II were put into practice by Islamic civilization in 622, exactly 1326 years earlier, with the Medina Charter.
The first written constitution in human history: The Medina Charter
The Medina Charter, prepared by Prophet Muhammad in 622 to encompass Muslims, Jews, and pagan communities, is not merely a peace protocol; it is considered a comprehensive social consensus document that defines the rights, responsibilities, and principles of coexistence for communities with different beliefs and cultures.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, in his book, characterized the Medina Charter as the first written constitution in human history, making the following assessment:
“The Medina Charter is a text that clearly defines the boundaries between individuals, cultural groups, and political authority; it centers on social empathy, mutual responsibility, and justice. In this respect, it is not only a religious revolution but also a sociological and psychological one.”
Empathy and the culture of coexistence
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that both the Medina Charter and the 1948 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged after deep sociological and psychological traumas, but he emphasized that the fundamental difference between the two texts lies in their perspective.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “The UN Declaration primarily focuses on a vertical relationship, regulating the rights of individuals vis-à-vis the state. The Medina Charter, on the other hand, is a text that prioritizes horizontal relationships, dialogue, and social consensus among individuals.”
The Medina Charter offers a vision beyond modern human rights texts…
According to Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, the Medina Charter, in some respects, offers a vision that goes beyond even modern human rights texts. Foremost among these is the “multi-legal system,” which is not found in today's declarations and constitutions. Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated, “The Medina Charter granted Jews the right to live according to their own religious laws and regulate their civil relations. This represents a deep respect for differences, unlike modern ideologies that aim to create a single type of person.”
A blow to racism and slavery from 13 centuries ago
One of the most striking aspects of the Medina Charter is its anti-racist and anti-slavery approach. According to Prof. Dr. Tarhan, the principle in the charter stating that “the person under protection shall be considered equal to the protector” is the product of a revolutionary understanding aimed at gradually abolishing slavery and eliminating marginalization.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan also stated, “While the Western world today still struggles with xenophobia and lifestyle racism, the Medina Charter put forth a concept of equality based on human dignity 13 centuries ago.”
Social empathy and the concept of “reasonableness”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan pointed out that the frequently appearing concept of “makul” (reasonable) in the charter is a language of compromise and a call for empathy, continuing his words by saying, “The Medina Charter, with its principles commanding assistance to anyone who is oppressed, regardless of religion, language, or race, offers a universal understanding of social responsibility. The principle of aiding the oppressed forms the basis of modern human rights discourse. This principle was applied as a legal norm in Medina.”
More advanced than Magna Carta…
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that the Medina Charter is even more comprehensive when compared to Magna Carta, one of the important texts in Western legal history, stating, “The first social contract of modern society is the Medina Charter. Magna Carta is its second stage. The third is the United Nations Declaration. The Medina Charter is even more advanced than Magna Carta. But unfortunately, it is not known, it is not taught.”
The seeds of wisdom were sown in the East
These analyses in the book “Social Psychology and Empathy” reveal that the struggle for human rights is not merely a modern achievement unique to the West; its roots lie in Islamic civilization's understanding of justice, empathy, and coexistence.
A charter that will prevent World War III…
Tarhan stated that it would not be wrong to call the Medina Charter, amidst today's tensions, “a charter that will prevent World War III,” adding, “As income inequality and animosity towards wealth are increasing, we desperately need the perspective offered in this charter.”