Upholding Justice

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

 

Every week, in almost every Mosque in the world, the Imam or Khateeb (Lecturer), in every country of the world, concludes the Friday Sermon with the reminder which is taken from the Holy Qur’an as follows:

Certainly, Allah commands Justice and (participation) in refinement (in all matters), giving from ones material assets to kith and kin; and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion. He instructs you that you may receive admonition. (16:90)

The Commands contained in this verse are many and comprehensive. It comprises of justice to oneself, to Allah, to family members, to neighbours and to society at large. It incorporates every aspect of life, individually, collectively and socially.

The first and most important requirement of every individual is to ensure that the principle of justice is given priority and importance in every aspect of life. By so doing everyone will get what is due to him or her. Allah says:

O you who believe, be staunch in justice, witnesses to Allah, even though it is against yourselves, parents, kindred, whether it is for a rich man or a poor man, for Allah is nearer to both of them. So follow not (your) passion lest you lapse from justice; and if you should lapse or fall away, then take note that Allah is well informed of all that you do. (4:135)

A Muslim is not only supposed to be just in all dealings, but is also required to promote this universal principle at all times. Allah says:

O you who believe, stand out firmly for Allah as a witness to fair dealings, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong, and depart from Justice. Be just, that is nearer to Righteousness, and fear Allah, for Allah is well acquainted with all that you do. (5:8)

One of the beauties of the Islamic Way of life is that no one is above the Law. All Muslims must respect and follow the Law. Allah says, to David, and this law is still binding upon us:

O David, We did indeed make you a vicegerent on earth; so you judge between men in truth and justice. Nor do you follow the lusts of your hearts, for they will mislead you from the Path of Allah. (38:26)

Every Muslim is required to abide by the Laws prescribed in Islam as it is the Perfect way of life, and is based on justice. The dos and don’ts are designed to keep us on the Straight Path. Anyone who does not uphold justice will be responsible to Allah and will have to answer to Him on the Day of Accountability. Allah says:

The blame is only against those who oppress men with wrongdoing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice. For such, there will be a grievous penalty. (42:42)

Some people sacrifice justice for personal material reasons. Perhaps they become prey to the temptations of Satan who decorates the evil and make it look attractive. Allah tells us about this in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an. He says:

Fair In the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to). (3:14)

Every right thinking person must aspire to be just to himself, to the rest of mankind and to his Lord in every matter, if he has hopes of passing through the world successfully, and to be rewarded in the Hereafter.

 

 

Transcript of discourse delivered by

Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
At his weekly Zikir session held at the Hermitage Masjid