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.
to be continued . . . .
No comments:
Post a Comment