Research Article

Disability in History and Islam's Perspective on Disability

Volume: 10 Number: Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı October 31, 2025
EN TR

Disability in History and Islam's Perspective on Disability

Abstract

In the history of Islamic civilization, the issue of disability is evaluated within the scope of the value that Islam places on human beings. This clearly demonstrates the positive attitude of Islam towards individuals with disabilities and those in need. However, even today, we are far from achieving this ideal. It is regrettable that in most Muslim countries, reaching this level remains very challenging. In our country, some remedial steps have recently been taken for parents of children with disabilities, widows, and the elderly. For example, the state provides regular financial support to families with disabled children. Such improvements undoubtedly bring happiness to those affected. However, the shortcomings of the policies implemented so far should be addressed, and new employment policies should be developed. This study emphasizes the importance of social assistance in Islam and highlights that individuals have different physical, mental, and spiritual abilities. It is crucial not to overlook these differences when formulating policies and social support systems. Keywords: In the history of Islamic civilization, the issue of disability is evaluated within the scope of the value that Islam places on human beings. This clearly demonstrates the positive attitude of Islam towards individuals with disabilities and those in need. However, even today, we are far from achieving this ideal. It is regrettable that in most Muslim countries, reaching this level remains very challenging. In our country, some remedial steps have recently been taken for parents of children with disabilities, widows, and the elderly. For example, the state provides regular financial support to families with disabled children. Such improvements undoubtedly bring happiness to those affected. However, the shortcomings of the policies implemented so far should be addressed, and new employment policies should be developed. This study emphasizes the importance of social assistance in Islam and highlights that individuals have different physical, mental, and spiritual abilities. It is crucial not to overlook these differences when formulating policies and social support systems.

Keywords

References

  1. Akdemir, Nuran, “Rehabilitation Services”, New Turkey, Health I, Ankara, 2001.
  2. Aydın, Mehmet, “The Reality of the Disabled and Islam in Our Country (symposium Evaluation Speech)”, D.İ.B., Ankara, 2003.
  3. Ahmed Bin Hanbel, El Müsned, 2 Cilt, Ansar, Istanbul, 2004.
  4. Balcı, S., Disabled Individuals and Disability Education in the Ottoman Empire: The School for the Deaf, Mute, and Blind, Libra Publishing, 2013.
  5. Barnes, C., ‘Work’ is a Four-Letter Word? Disability, Work, and Welfare, Cornell University Library, GLADNET Collection, 2003.
  6. Braddock, D. L., & Parish, S. L., The Institutional History of Disability (F. B. Aydar, Trans.), In D. Bezmez, S. Yardımcı & Y. Şentürk (Eds.), Disability Studies: A Social Science Perspective (pp. 101-186). Istanbul: Koç University Press, 2011. (Reprinted from Handbook of Disability Studies, pp. II-68, G. L. Albrecht, K.D. Selman & M. Bury, Eds., 2001, London: Sage).
  7. Burcu, E., Disability Identity and the Personal and Social Discourses of Labeling, Hacettepe University Faculty of Literature Journal, 23(2), 61-83, 2006.
  8. Burcu, E., Being a Disabled Individual in Turkey: Basic Sociological Characteristics and Issues, Ankara: Hacettepe University Press, 2007.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Archaeology (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 31, 2025

Submission Date

May 12, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 29, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 10 Number: Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı

APA
Şemşek, V. (2025). Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability. Vakanüvis - Uluslararası Tarih Araştırmaları Dergisi, 10(Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı), 1180-1206. https://doi.org/10.24186/vakanuvis.1697524
AMA
1.Şemşek V. Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability. VAKANUVIS. 2025;10(Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı):1180-1206. doi:10.24186/vakanuvis.1697524
Chicago
Şemşek, Vesile. 2025. “Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability”. Vakanüvis - Uluslararası Tarih Araştırmaları Dergisi 10 (Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı): 1180-1206. https://doi.org/10.24186/vakanuvis.1697524.
EndNote
Şemşek V (October 1, 2025) Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability. Vakanüvis - Uluslararası Tarih Araştırmaları Dergisi 10 Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı 1180–1206.
IEEE
[1]V. Şemşek, “Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability”, VAKANUVIS, vol. 10, no. Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı, pp. 1180–1206, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.24186/vakanuvis.1697524.
ISNAD
Şemşek, Vesile. “Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability”. Vakanüvis - Uluslararası Tarih Araştırmaları Dergisi 10/Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı (October 1, 2025): 1180-1206. https://doi.org/10.24186/vakanuvis.1697524.
JAMA
1.Şemşek V. Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability. VAKANUVIS. 2025;10:1180–1206.
MLA
Şemşek, Vesile. “Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability”. Vakanüvis - Uluslararası Tarih Araştırmaları Dergisi, vol. 10, no. Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı, Oct. 2025, pp. 1180-06, doi:10.24186/vakanuvis.1697524.
Vancouver
1.Vesile Şemşek. Disability in History and Islam’s Perspective on Disability. VAKANUVIS. 2025 Oct. 1;10(Vakanüvis 10. Yıl Özel Sayısı):1180-206. doi:10.24186/vakanuvis.1697524


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