The Qur’an and Justice

The Qur’an teaches that judgement and punishment ultimately belongs

to God.

However, God demands all people show justice and mercy to all other
people.

Teachings:

‘Stand up firmly for justice, as a witness to God, even as against

yourselves or your parents or your kin, and whether it be against rich or
poor.’ Surah 4:135
Meaning justice is for all. Everyone should put justice first, even before
their family.

‘If anyone does evil or wrongs his own soul, but afterwards seeks God’s
forgiveness, he will find Him most forgiving and merciful.’ Surah 4:110
Meaning Allah is merciful to those who seek His forgiveness.

‘My Lord hath commanded justice.’ Surah 7:29

Meaning justice is an central part of God’s character.

‘Act against those who oppress people and transgress (sin) against justice.
They will have an agonizing punishment - though, if a person is patient
and forgives, this is one of the greatest things.’ Surah 42:42-43
Meaning Muslims should act against injustice. However, for a victim to
forgive a person’s injustice, is far better.
 Zakah and Justice

Zakah is the third pillar of Islam. The 5 pillars of Islam are 5 basic
beliefs of Islam that all Muslims should adhere to.
Zakah requires Muslims to give 2.5% of their income to the poor,
this is taken as tax. This helps to share wealth more equally and
create a more equal and just society.
Also as part of Zakah, Muslims are encouraged to give Sadaqah
(voluntary charity). This could be giving money to a charity
voluntarily or acting in a charitable way and acting
compassionately and generously.
The Islamic Relief Zakat Guide says, “Zakat creates love and
brotherhood between rich and poor, it minimises social tension
and bridges the gap between them and it provides social and
economic security for the whole society”.
Muslims always remember that God is watching everything they
do, including sticking to the 5 pillars of Islam. They believe that
on the Last Day God will judge them on how just they have acted
on the Day of Judgement.
 Shari’ah Law and Justice

Shari’ah Law is the moral code and religious law of Islam. They believe that
they should follow Shari’ah Law and the law of the country that they are in,
even if the laws are not Islamic.

Shari’ah Law requires justice for everyone and says that everyone is equal.

Shari’ah Law deals with many topics addressed by government, including

crime, politics, and economics, but they also deal with personal matters such
as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet, prayer, everyday etiquette and fasting.

Some Shari’ah courts exist in the UK and settle minor disputes in family cases
and financial matters.

To ensure that the Shari’ah courts are fair they have very strict rules eg. trials
have to be public so that justice can be seen and done and the judge should
not work and decide on a case if he is angry/hungry/distracted as this could
lead to an unjust outcome.

Shari’ah law does not just deal with disputes and crimes but also has rules to
help society work in a just way that is fair for everyone. One example is that
Shari’ah Law does not allow people to make money on money, this means they
don’t agree with charging interest because it makes the rich richer and poor
poorer. For this reason some Muslims will not take out a traditional mortgage
in Britain, some banks are starting to offer mortgages that comply with
Shari’ah Law.
 Muhammad and Justice

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) acted with justice.

When he acted with justice he did not only act justly with
Muslims but with everybody, it did not matter what religion
they were or if they weren’t religious at all.

Hadiths are a collection of sayings of the Prophet

Muhammad, many of these spoke about justice.

"The just and fair will be seated on chairs of light before God.
Such people are those who decide with justice and deal justly
in matters relating to their families and other affairs
entrusted to them."
"O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and
have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one
another."
Oppress means to keep someone in subjection and hardship,
especially by the unjust force of authority.