Islam on Disability and Its Cultural Conceptualization

Abstract

The objective of this paper is the provision of an analytical and logical view to understand Islamic philosophy on physical disability with reference to some texts from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Being one of the three main global religions, Islam is a source of both complete and partial legislation in Muslim counties. The view of disability, however, may vary from country to country that causes barriers within society and differentiate between cultural practices and real Islamic perspectives on disability. Study briefly covers the part played by culture in creating the societal image of disability. It also gives some snapshot of the presence of efforts for the betterment of the disadvantageous segment of the society since the beginning of Islam and highlights that how Quran presented the idea of collective responsibility towards each other which was later adopted and approached by social model of disability and UNCRPD.