Fairness and justice: Islam’s path.

Justice and fairness are among the most important facets of human behaviour and Islam places great emphasis on them in its teachings. In Surah Al-Nisa and verse 135, Allah guides in the Quran saying: ‘ O believers! Be upholders of justice and bearers of witness to truth for the sake of Allah, even though it may be against yourselves or against your parents and kinsmen, or the rich or the poor, for Allah is more concerned with their wellbeing than you are. Do not, then, follow your own desires lest you keep away from justice. If you twist or turn away from (the truth), know that Allah is well aware of all that you do’.

This verse is perhaps the most comprehensive, concise and definitive guidance that may keep mankind on the paths of justice and fairness throughout their lives. All people are required to be just, be they believers in Allah or not. It not only enhances the welfare of humanity but also brings happiness to all those who are just in their dealings.  As a result hearts are satisfied, burdens are lifted and life prospers.

Islam and Islamic teachings can never condone any unfair attitudes or injustice in people’s conduct. No degree of religiousness or righteousness can ever be achieved by resorting to unfair or dishonest dealings with others. Muslim or non-Muslim, all of mankind will always be accountable for their own actions. In another Quranic verse, Allah, SWT, says: ‘Believers! Be upright bearers of witness for Allah, and do not let the enmity of any people move you to deviate from justice. Act justly, that is nearer to God-fearing. And fear Allah. Surely Allah is well aware of what you do.’ S5 V8

Where people unjustly differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims, they follow an un-Islamic path and those committing such an offence will be accountable to their Creator in the afterlife. They will surely be dealt with for this and all the other injustices they have committed in this world. It is the very worst of crimes as it concerns both people’s rights and their freedom.

The Islamic concept of human rights is the most comprehensive ever produced. However, it is not, seemingly, practised by most of us and stands as a root cause of many of the problems that we now face. Justice is the most basic of human rights and brings happiness into the hearts and blessings into the lives of those people who practise and receive it.  Those of us who fail to accept their responsibility towards others in this area also fail to recognise their accountability to Allah and continue to live, oblivious of their guilt, until it becomes too late to rectify the injustice.

Justice, when practiced correctly, can be beautiful. It is a very comprehensive concept in Islam covering every aspect of our lives. From an Islamic perspective a little clear thought will indicate to us that fairness begins with the sense of justice present in our belief in God the almighty and the Creator, in recognising Him and dedicating ourselves to him. By recognising Him, surely, we must also recognise the favour and goodness He bestows upon us to make life as pleasurable as possible.

Just as surely we cannot fail to understand and accept that everything we see and receive from Him has been beautifully designed by Him.  We have been given the gift of life by the originator of the heavens and the earth and it is only a matter of fairness and justice that we show our gratitude to our Creator, without associating anything with Him.

So, if our sense of justice and fairness starts when we recognise God our Creator,  surely it should then also have a domino effect on our attitudes and all other aspects of our lives, and ultimately create a sense of realisation and appreciation for all He has  bestowed upon us.

Being fair and delivering justice are blessings from Allah. Justice or injustice do not apply solely to our actions. Words we utter unthinkingly can be very unfair and deliver injustice as well. We sometimes falsely judge people and say things that adversely affect them and their lives, indeed, the spoken word can and has destroyed the lives of many people. We must all, therefore, be responsible and accountable for our words, and it is in this sense the Quran says: ‘when you speak, be just, even though it concerns a near of kin and fulfil the covenant of Allah’. S6 V152  

  

Straightforward speech and truth, is required of all people. Every spoken word is either a blessing and salvation for us and others or it contains a miserable outcome for others. If it is the latter and if we have a conscience, we would live for ever with the guilt. People slander, lay accusations and try to destroy lives of others, by spreading lies and misinformation. This should not be taken lightly as it is a matter of grave injustice, often prompted by personal greed and false ambition. Nothing is ignored in the justice of Allah until it is put right.

When people commit injustices, the term used to described the act is  ‘Dhulm’ or ‘Zulm’, and  it is regarded as the most heinous crime that one can commit. It is a curse and the Quran, with no ambiguity, says: ‘behold! Allah’s curse be upon the wrongdoers (those who commit Dhulm)’. S11 V18

Why do people commit the crimes of injustice and unfair dealing? A hadith of our Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, explains: ‘keep away from Dhulm (oppression and injustice), because a dhulm would be darkness on the Day of recompense. And keep away from greed as greed has destroyed people before you. It made them to shed their blood and violate their rights’. Narrated by Muslim

This is a very stark warning. Those of you, whose actions or words have adversely affected other people’s lives, would do well to heed these words of the Prophet.

Islam's code of justice is paramount in this life and if we are to experience the justice, mercy and rewards from Allah in the next, we must follow it, no matter what trial He imposes on us.  Being blessed with the mercy of Allah and His forgiveness or being made to suffer the consequence of our actions in our next life depends upon it.

No one can escape from the consequences of the injustices they have committed, neither in this world nor in the Hereafter. We all need to be continually mindful of this basic cornerstone of our belief.