A Review of The Teachings on The Protection of Special Individuals in Semitic Religions

Abstract

The protection and care of special individuals, particularly persons with disabilities, occupies a profound moral space within the ethical frameworks of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These Semitic faiths intertwine divine justice with human compassion, calling adherents to actively uphold the dignity of vulnerable communities. In Judaism, the Torah’s commandments such as “You shall not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind” (Leviticus 19:14)Establish a foundation for non-discrimination, framing disability not as a deficit but as a call for societal solidarity. Early Jewish texts further stress communal responsibility, urging support that empowers rather than marginalizes. Christianity amplifies this ethos through the ministry of Jesus, who prioritized healing the sick, embracing outcasts, and redefining strength through vulnerability. Christ’s parable of the Good Samaritan, for instance, transforms care for the marginalized into a sacred act of neighborly love. Similarly, Islamic teachings, rooted in the Quran’s assertion that “no soul bears the burden of another” (Quran 53:38), reject stigmatization, emphasizing that disabilities are tests of character, not markers of divine disfavor.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ embodied this principle, fostering inclusion through actions like modifying communal prayers for a blind companion or appointing Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, a visually impaired man, as a leader in Medina. Together, these traditions forge a vision where social welfare is inseparable from spiritual integrity—a timeless reminder that inclusivity is not merely policy but a reflection of holiness. By weaving theological principles with lived ethics, this study illuminates how ancient wisdom continues to inspire modern advocacy for disability rights and dignity.