Keeping balance in justice


By Khalid Durrani

The very basis of creating this universe is the Divine plan of trial and justice. Ayaat 11 to 25 of Surah Al-Araaf (7) clearly state that Almighty Allah sent Adam and his wife to this world to establish the human race that shall live on earth till an appointed time.

Allah sent the divine code of conduct of man, through His books and messengers so that the human race may enjoy the blessings of nature in this world and also become entitled to the eternal life of peace and tranquillity in the world hereafter.

At the same time, he granted the request of Iblees (Satan) and gave him respite till the day of judgment, to try misguiding man and prove his assertion that human race is ungrateful and inferior to Iblees.

Allah said to Iblees, "Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow thee, hell will I fill with you all" (Ayat 18, Surah Al-Araaf). On the other hand, Ayat 25 of Surah Al-Baqara (2) promises reward to the righteous.

Justice or "Adl", as it is called in the Quran, is the most vital ingredient of the human society. Ayat 123 of Surah Al-Baqara (2) says "Then guard yourself against a day where no soul will be of use to another soul, in anything; no compensation will be accepted from anyone (for reduction in punishment), and no intercession will benefit anyone, nor is there any help for them (from outside)".

Allah expects his servants, the human race, to abide by the same principle of trial and justice for conduct of business on earth. The main ingredients of justice are:

* Justice on merit for all; rich or poor, friend or foe.

* No room for influence of wealth, position or recommendation (safarish).

* No concealment of witness or evidence.

* Enforcement of justice with an iron hand.

Ayat 58 of Surah An-Nisa (4) says, "Allah commands you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due. And when you judge between man and man, that you judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching that He gives you! For Allah is He, who hears and sees all things".

Justice is an attribute of Allah and to stand firm for justice is to be a witness to Allah, even though it may appear to us as detrimental to our interests or the interests of those who are near and dear to us.

Some people may be inclined to favour the rich and powerful, because they expect favours from them. Some people may be inclined to favour the poor because they are generally helpless. Partiality in either case is wrong. Both the rich and the poor are under Allah's protection as far as their legitimate interests are concerned.

Mercy and forgiveness are great virtues, but none can be favoured at the expense of others. Allah can protect their interests better than any man. Ayat 135 of Surah An-Nisa (4) says, "You who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts,) lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice), verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do".

The Latin principle of justice is, "Let justice be done though heaven should fall". The Islamic principle of justice is even higher than Roman or any other human law. It searches out the innermost motives, because we are to act as if in the presence of Allah, to whom all things, acts and motives are known.

Dispensation of justice, without fear or favour, is a sacred trust and has been declared by Almighty Allah, as an essential part of piety (Taqwa). Ayat 8 of Surah Al-Maidah (5) says, "O you who believe! stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do".

To do justice and act righteously in a favourable or neutral atmosphere is meritorious enough, but real test comes when you have to do justice to people who hate you or to whom you have an aversion.

Both Plato and Aristotle have defined justice as the virtue that gives every one his due. From this point of view, justice can be termed as the master virtue that encompasses most other virtues under its fold.

Almighty Allah has enlightened man about the vital importance of justice, through all His messengers. Ayaat 84 to 86 of Surah Hood (II) say, "to the Madyan people (we sent) Shuaib, who said: "O my people! Worship Allah: you have no other good but Him. And give not short measure or weight.... And O my people! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due ... that which is left to you by Allah, is best for you, if you (but) believed!"

Ayat 152 of Surah Al Anaam (6) categorically directs us to abide by the principles of fair play and justice, irrespective of whether the other party is weak or strong, akin to you or not.

"And come not near the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength, give measure and weight with (full) justice ... whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is considered: and fulfil the covenant of Allah: Thus does He command you, that you may remember".

The mission of Islam is commended beautifully in Ayat 15 of Surah Al-Shuara (42), "The more sectarianism and division there is in the world, the more need is there for the Gospel of unity.

Stand steadfast as you are commanded, not (you) follow their vain desires, but say: "I believe in the book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you.

Allah is our Lord and your Lord: For us (is the responsibility for) our deeds and for you, for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) final goal".

We must remember that no man, however powerful he may appear, has any authority to be unfair and unjust to people. If any of us shows injustice and hold a rightful entitlement from a person, or gives and undue favour to someone at the cost of others, then the divine justice plays its part.

Ayaat 38 to 48 of Surah An-Najm (53), "that no bearer of burden can bear the burden of another, that man can have nothing but what he strives for, that (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight, then will he be rewarded with a reward complete, that to you, Rabb is your final goal, that it is He (Allah) who grants laughter and tears, that it is He who grants death and life, that it is He who gives wealth and satisfaction".

Ayaat 7 to 9 of Surah Al-Rehman (55) say, "He has raised the sky high and He has set up the balance (of justice), so that you may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with justice and do not fall short in the balance".

The words, "balance of justice" in the above verses clearly guide us that we should act justly to each other and observe due balance in all our actions, not transgressing due bonds in anything.

Justice is a heavenly virtue. The heavens themselves are sustained by mathematical balance and the constellation Libra (the balance) is entered by the sun at the middle of the zodiacal year.

Taking the meaning of the above Ayaat, both literally and figuratively, man should be honest and just in all daily matters such as weighing-out things, which he is selling: and he should be straight, just and honest, in all the highest dealings and also in his obedience of the laws of Allah.

Ayat 8 of Surah Al-Mumtahinna (60) guides us to deal kindly and equitably even with unbelievers, unless they are rampant and out to destroy us and our faith. It says, "Allah does not forbid you from being kind and acting justly towards those who did not fight over faith with you, not expelled you from your homes, Allah indeed loves those who are just".

If we know the truth of any kind that is affecting the lives or interests of our fellow beings, we must bear witness to it firmly, without fear or favour. Ayaat 33-35 of Surah al-Muarij (70) say, "and those who stand firm in their testimonies and those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship, such will be the honoured ones in the gardens (of bliss)".

Almighty Allah commands us not only to be just in our decisions but also support the cause of justice with all our might. Ayat 9 of Surah Al-Hujrat (49) says, "If two parties among the believers fall into a quarrel, you make peace between them: but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other then fight against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah. But if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair (and just).

It is by no means enough to frame rules but leave people free to violate the law if they choose to do so. Justice and fair play must be enforced with iron hand in order to ensure a just, equitable and peaceful co-existence in society.

Ayat 25 of Surah Al-Hadeed (57) emphasizes this important point. It says, "When We sent our apostles with clear signs and sent down with them the book and the balance (of right and wrong), that men may stand forth in justice.

And we sent down iron in which is (material for) mighty war as well as many benefits for mankind that Allah may test, who it is that will help, unseen, Him and His apostles: For Allah is full of strength, exalted in might (and able to ensure His will)". From the above Ayat we conclude that there are some essentials for ensuring a peaceful coexistence in human society:

* Allah's guidance (revelation); which gives us the code of conduct.

* Justice; which ensures that each person gets his due without fear or favour.

* The strong arm of law, symbolized by iron, to deal firmly with evil-doers and violators of law, without discrimination.