Islamic Perspective of Adl or Justice

on Sunday, March 10, 2013

 

Islam is the biggest supporter of Adl and gives unprecedented rights to all humans. The Source of Islamic injunctions and laws is Allah Almighty’s infinite and Divine wisdom revealed directly to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and are undoubtedly most perfect and applicable for all times.  It is no wonder that it advocates peace, justice, equality and humanity like no other system.

Adl

Adl is the central theme of Quran and Sunnah. Adl represents fairness, justice, equality, and balance. Adl is a virtue which Allah Almighty – All Wise has chosen for Himself and made Zulm (injustice or not giving what’s due) haram for His slaves. Moreover Allah Almighty has mentioned at countless places in the Holy Quran that He loves establishers of Adl.

Adl is the most basic of human rights from which all the other rights are derived. It is such a universal right that He Almighty commands us to practice justice even for non Muslims and enemies.

“O believers, be the establishers of justice, giving witness for the sake of Allah, and do not let your animosity towards any people incite you against practicing justice. Be just! That is the pious way.” (Holy Quran 5:8)

Adl, which essentially means giving everyone and everything its due, is to be observed regardless of cast creed, status, religion  and nationality and even if it disfavors one’s own relatives .

Holy Quran clearly says,

 “O believers, be the establishers of justice, giving witness for the sake of Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents or your kith and kin. Whether they are rich or poor, Allah has more rights than any on them. Do not let pursuing your desires come in the way of being just.” (4:135)

Harvard Law School has described the above verse as the greatest expression of justice in history.

Adl is very extensive concept and includes fairness in everything we do or say.

And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a close relative.”(6:152)

It encompasses all comments and judgments, and all unfair treatments, be it inside court or outside; in selecting candidates, marking papers and all such situations.

Equality

Islam has made it mandatory to treat all people black or white, slave or master, man or a woman, and Arab or non Arab with equality

Holy Prophet (PBUH) in his last sermon said,

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety  and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Justice and Islamic society:

Allah is Just and enjoins His slaves to be just in all their dealings, and words.  All Islamic societies should strive to make Adl their aim. Justice is compromised when peoples self interests, biases, prejudices, fears and insecurities come into play. When rich and influential of the society are given concessions and bails, when relatives are preferred and exceptions are made based on nationality or race frustration and unrest starts to prevail. Holy Prophet (PBUH) once ruled to sever hand of a woman named Fatimah for theft who came from a noble family. People sent His (PBUH)’s loved ones to seek pardon for her. He (PBUH) became angry and said. “O people! Those before you went astray because they let go the influential while the common folks were punished. By Allah, had it been my own daughter, Fatimah, I would have cut her hand as well.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
This immaculate justice was the reason many accepted Islam knowing that this type of rulings can only come from the religion of Allah.

The dream of universal peace can’t be realized unless there is absolute justice in societies.  Allah has given those who practice and propagate Adl glad tiding of Jannah. It is about time that we rise above the inconsequential and short term favors of this world and strive for the Eternal Gardens by making Adl the only way to go.
 

 



View the
Original article

0 comments: