People who Strive to Establish Justice

The Concept of Justice in Islam

We live in a world where there are people who commit crimes and create chaos in society. There are people who commit thefts. There are people who vandalize cities. There are people who torment others. There are people who are not fair and just when it comes to their dealings with people. Often times, they get away with their wrongdoings. When so much wrong exists, sometimes, seeing the good in society can become difficult. We find ourselves wondering, “There were just Prophets and Messengers sent by Allah (swt) in the past. Are there not any just people today?” By the Mercy of Allah (swt), there are always some people out there in this world who have the taqwa of Allah (swt), and will judge between people with justice.

Allah says in Surah Al-A’raf, verse 181:

“And of those whom We have created, there is a community who guides (others) with the truth, and establishes justice therewith.” (Al-A’raf: 181)

Let’s take a brief tangent here. We now know that there will always be a community who guides others to the truth, and establishes justice with Allah’s guidance. A question might arise from this. What do we do when those people are not in authority? In today’s world, rulers strive for power and fame, and it may be impossible to find a ruler who establishes the law of justice based on the guidelines of our Creator. What do we do in this situation? The answer is in Surah Al-Asr.

Allah says:

“Verily Man is in loss. Except those who have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.” (Al-Asr: 3 – 4)

These ayaat tell us that mankind is lost. Only those who have true faith in Allah, do righteous deeds, and join together in the mutual teaching of truth, and of patience have saved themselves from this loss. The wisdom behind having a Khalifah in Islam to rule us is that we always have an authority that will stand for the truth, and rule people with justice in accordance to Allah’s Commands. Unfortunately, we do not have a Khalifah in this day and age. Often times, there are situations that need to be dealt with justly on a higher level, and our leaders are not willing to take that step. When we ourselves are not capable of taking the lead of establishing justice at an upper level, what can we do? We should always stick to the truth, and have patience. We must do our part in trying to bring about a change, but until that change comes, we must be patient. Patience is the key to success.

Source: The Concept of Justice in Islam

to be continued . . . .

How to Judge Between People?

The Concept of Justice in Islam

In Surah S’ad, verses 20 – 26, Allah (swt) tells us the story of Daawud (as), and when Allah (swt) tested him to see how he would judge between two people. We can take good lesson from this story.

Allah (swt) says:

“We made his (Daawud’s) kingdom strong, and gave him wisdom, and sound judgment in speech and decision.” (Surah S’ad: 20)

“Has the story of the disputants reached you? When they climbed over the wall of the private chamber.” (Surah S’ad: 21)

“When they entered in upon Daawud, he was terrified of them. They said, “Fear not. (We are) two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other. Therefore, judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way.” (Surah S’ad: 22)

“Verily, this my brother has ninety-nine ewes, while I have (only) one ewe, and he says: “Hand it over to me, and he overpowered me in speech.” (Surah S’ad: 23)

“Daawud said, (immediately without listening to the opponent): “He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes. And verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are few.” And Daawud realized that We have tried him, and he sought forgiveness from his Lord, and he fell down in prostration, and turned (to Allah) in repentance.” (Surah S’ad: 24)

“So We forgave him for that, and verily, for him is a near access to Us, and a good place of (final) return (Paradise).” (Surah S’ad: 25)

“Oh Daawud! Verily, We have placed you a successor on the earth; so judge you between men in truth (and justice), and follow not your desire – for it will mislead you from the path of Allah. Verily, those who wander astray from the path of Allah (shall) have a severe torment, because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.” (Surah S’ad: 26)

We learn from these ayaat the importance of hearing both sides of the story before passing any judgment between two people. Sometimes, the truth is not spoken by one party, and the one who is judging can get misled without hearing the voice of other side. Allah (swt) tested Daawud (as) by sending him two disputants. When Daawud (as) heard the story from one side, he passed his judgment, without realizing that he should have heard what the other person had to say first. He then realized his mistake and turned to Allah in repentance. In order to pass a fair judgment, one must listen to both parties, evaluate the situation, and then, come to a conclusion. This is a fundamental crux for judging between two or more people or groups. If we just turn our head around and see, we will find numerous examples at an individual and societal level and also at national and inter-national level where this fundamental principle is violated.

Source: The Concept of Justice in Islam

to be continued . . . .

Justice in Action

The Concept of Justice in Islam

When Allah (swt) commanded us to be just, He (swt) did not just leave us there to sit and wonder about ‘how’ we can practice justice. Throughout the Quran, Allah has given us numerous guidelines on how to act justly in various situations. Here are a few examples.

Allah (swt) says in Surah Al-Hujraat, verse 9:

“And if two parties among the Believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both: but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the Command of Allah. Then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them with justice, and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair (and just).” (Al-Hujraat: 9)

This ayah gives us the answers to four important points:

What to do when two believers are fighting?

·         First, try to make peace between them.

What if that doesn’t work?

·         Then fight against the one who is transgressing.

What to do if the transgressor straightens out?

·         Then if the one who was transgressing complies with the Command of Allah, once again, try to make reconciliation between them with justice.

Why?

·         Because Allah (swt) loves those who are fair and just.

·          

Allah says in Surah Al-An’am, verse 152:

“And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence), say the truth, even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allah. This He commands you, that you may remember.” (Surah Al-An’am: 152)

This ayah gives us the answers to three main points.

What to do with an orphan’s wealth?

·         Nothing. Stay away from it. Don’t come near it.

·         If you must do something, do so only to improve it in a way that it will benefit the orphan.

·   When the orphans attain the age of full strength, give them their wealth in full measure and in full weight with justice.

How should you give your word?

·         When you judge between men or give evidence, say the truth! Say the truth even when a relative is concerned.

Why?

·         We must fulfill the Covenant of Allah (swt). This is His Command.

·          

Allah says in Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 45:

“And We ordained therein for them: Life for a life, eye for an eye, nose for a nose, ear for an ear, tooth for a tooth, and wounds equal for equal. But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him, an expiation. And whosoever does not judge by that which Allah has revealed, such are the wrong-doers.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah: 45)

We find the answers to several questions regarding the implication of justice, in this ayah.

What should be done in the case of intentional murder?

·         Death penalty. Allah says: “A life for a life…”

What should be done if someone hurts you?

·         Hurt them, just as they hurt you. No more than that.

Is it a MUST to retaliate?

·         No, you do not have to retaliate, although you have the full right to do so. Allah (swt) says, “But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him, an expiation.” If someone commits an injustice towards you, and you forgive them for the sake of Allah (swt), and remit retaliation, Allah (swt) will forgive your sins in return for that noble deed.

·          

What if someone wishes to retaliate in a way other than that which Allah revealed?

·         We cannot base our judgment on anything other than what Allah (swt) has revealed. We cannot go beyond our limits when retaliating. Allah (swt) (swt) says, “And whosoever does not judge by that which Allah has revealed, such are the wrong-doers.”We must judge and retaliate in the way Allah has revealed. Any person who goes against Allah’s guidelines falls into the category of wrongdoers.

These were just some examples of ayaat where Allah (swt) tells us ‘how’ to implement justice in different scenarios of life. The Quran goes into extensive detail in explaining the implementation of justice in many other issues, such as divorce, inheritance, theft, and so on. For the sake of brevity of the paper, we hope that these three examples will be sufficient.

Source: The Concept of Justice in Islam

to be continued . . . .