Towards a Qur’anic Inclusive Ethics: Reinterpreting Disability Verses through the Lens of Karāmah al-Insān

Anwar Sadat; Nuraini Muhammad Daud; Zamakhsyari Bin Hasballah Thaib; Ratna Rintaningrum; Karimuddin Abdullah Lawang

doi:10.59373/drs.v4i2.83

Authors

Anwar Sadat Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Indonesia
Nuraini Muhammad Daud MIN 34 Aceh Utara, Indonesia
Zamakhsyari Bin Hasballah Thaib Universitas Dharmawangsa, Indonesia
Ratna Rintaningrum Institute of Technology Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia
Karimuddin Abdullah Lawang Universitas Islam Al-Aziziyah Indonesia, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59373/drs.v4i2.83

Keywords:

Qur’anic Ethics, Disability, Karāmah al-Insān, Inclusive Islam

Abstract

This study addresses the persistent issue of ableism in classical Qur’anic exegesis, where disability is often framed within a charity-based and deficit-oriented perspective rather than as an expression of inherent human dignity. Such interpretations risk reinforcing exclusionary attitudes that are inconsistent with the universal ethical vision of the Qur’an. This article aims to reinterpret disability-related Qur’anic verses through the lens of karāmah al-insān (human dignity) in order to construct a more inclusive Islamic ethical framework. Employing a qualitative library-based approach, this study utilizes contextual Qur’anic interpretation combined with a normative-philosophical analysis to examine key disability-related terms and their exegetical trajectories critically. The findings reveal that many classical interpretations are influenced by socio-historical contexts that implicitly marginalize persons with disabilities. Through a dignity-based reinterpretation, this study reconstructs the meaning of disability beyond physical limitation, emphasizing ontological equality and moral worth. Furthermore, it proposes a conceptual framework of Qur’anic inclusive ethics grounded in four key principles: dignity, equality, non-discrimination, and social inclusion. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the Qur’an provides a robust ethical foundation for an inclusive understanding of disability when interpreted through a karāmah-based lens. The contribution of this research lies in offering a novel theoretical framework that bridges Qur’anic studies and contemporary disability discourse, while also providing ethical guidance for fostering inclusive Muslim societies.

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