The Meknes Declaration for Human Rights 1777 A Historical Event Ahead of Its Time:
Article One:
The redemption of captives—both Muslim and Christian—shall be conducted on the basis of one head for one head: a Muslim in exchange for a Christian, and a Christian in exchange for a Muslim. Nothing more shall be added by either side.
Article Two:
If you hold captives with us while you have no Muslim captives with you to redeem your brothers, or if we hold captives with you while we have none of your people to redeem our captives, then the side that has no captives shall pay one hundred large riyals for each captive. All captives are equal; no distinction shall be made between rich and poor, nor shall any rank or status be considered.
Article Three:
At the beginning of each year, the redemption of captives shall be carried out in the manner described above: one for one if captives exist on both sides, or one hundred riyals for each captive on the side that has none. No captive shall remain in captivity for more than one year. If a captive is held by any subject of the realm, the Sultan shall compel that subject to redeem him according to the said terms.
Article Four:
An elder who has passed seventy years of age, and any woman whatsoever—whether old or young—shall not be subject to capture by anyone, and they shall not be taken as captives.
Article Five:
Any ship carrying provisions—which means wheat, barley, rice, and all grains (condiments such as oil, ghee, meat, and honey are not considered provisions)—whether these provisions are carried from Muslim lands or Christian lands, shall not be interfered with by any Muslim or Christian. For it may be bound for a starving people, and if they are prevented from receiving these provisions, they will perish, causing the destruction of a group of God’s creatures. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is a reward for every living being with a moist liver.”
If a provision ship also carries money or merchandise, the money and merchandise may be taken, but the ship itself, its crew, and the provisions shall not be molested by anyone.
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