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Our lexicographers define justice, variously, as
"to rule based on that contained in the Book of
God and the tradition (Sunna) of His Messenger
and refraining from ruling based on empty
opinion." It is also defined as "extending
inherent rights [to their possessors] equitably."
This latter definition emphasizes the importance
of equity as an essential aspect of distributive
justice.
The concept of justice is one of the essential
pillars in the maintenance of both the natural
and social orders. God, be He Exalted, has said,
He has established the scale, therefore, do not
transgress in the scale [of justice]. Undertake
the measuring with justice and do not cheat
concerning the scale. [55:78] Justice, as many
of our scholars point out, is one of the
underpinnings of the order that has been
established by God. This reality is also a
foundation of a healthy social order. God says in
that regard, O, You who believe! Be upright for
God, witnesses to justice; and do not let your
hatred of a people move you to a position where
you are unjust. Be just, that is closer to piety. Be
Surah Nisa'a: Verse 135
mindful of God! Verily God is well informed concerning all that you do.
[Quran 4:135]
This social aspect of justice has been beautifully summarized by Imam al
Qurtubi. He says, discussing the relationship between two words that are
usually translated as justice (al'Adl), and distributive justice (alQist),
"Justice is the basis of all human relations and a foundation of Islamic
rule." This saying is illustrative of the meaning conveyed by the saying of
God, Verily, we have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and we have
revealed unto them the Scripture and the Balance in order that they lead
people with justice... [Quran 57:25]
Imam alMawardi has summarized the social implications of distributive
justice in the following way:
One of the things that reforms worldly affairs is the principle of
distributive justice. It facilitates amicable relations between people,
engenders obedience to the Divine Law, and brings about the prosperity of
countries. It is the basis of a thriving economy, strong families, and stable
government. Nothing devastates the land nor corrupts the mind as quickly
as tyranny. That is because there are no acceptable limits [to regulate
tyranny].
For this reason, Ibn Taymiyya sees the responsibilities of Islamic
government emanating from a single verse in the Qur'an, God enjoins that
you deliver the Trusts to their rightful
possessors. And when you rule over [or
judge between] people, that you do so
with justice... [Quran 4:58] The Noble
Prophet has said in this context, "Surely
the most beloved of people with God and
the closest to Him on the Day of
Resurrection will be a just leader. And the
most hated of people and the furthest
removed from Him will be a tyrannical
leader."
Clearing himself from even an inadvertent association with oppressive,
unjust acts, our beloved Prophet is reported to have said:
You bring your disputes to me for adjudication; perhaps one of you is less
eloquent than another, and I rule against the wronged party on the basis of
what I have heard. Therefore, if I inadvertently grant one of you something
owed to his brother do not take it, for I am granting him something that
constitutes a piece of Hellfire.
Our impeccably just Khalifa 'Umar b. alKhattab uttered the following
penetrating words:
"Surely the most beloved of
people with God and the
closest to Him on the Day
of Resurrection will be a
just leader."
continued on pg 7....
A MUNA Youth Publication