The Importance of Security in Islam (Part 15)

Author: Abu Ayesha

The Importance of Security in Islam (Part 15)

Factors Affecting Social Security

In order to better understand how social security is provided and what its solutions are, we must consider the factors that create security. Because without these factors, we cannot achieve an ideal society and the desired security. Although these factors are numerous, we will address some of them below:

1. Justice: Security is closely related to the fulfillment of all people’s rights, which is the definition of justice in the Islamic system. This system does not waste forces, and no action is left unrewarded. Allah Almighty says:

«وَأَنْفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ وَأَحْسِنُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ» (“And spend in the way of Allah, and do not throw yourselves into destruction, and do good, for Allah loves those who do good.”) It is taken into account piece by piece.

In another place, He says:

«فَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ [٧] وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَهُ [٨]» (“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it [in reward], and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it [in punishment].”) This itself is proof of the existence of justice in the Islamic system.

The Holy Qur’an has clearly established social justice as the purpose of sending the Prophets, peace be upon them:

«لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنْزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ» (“Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the balance so that the people may maintain justice.”) The prophets were sent to establish justice [this is the purpose Allah stated for their mission].

Justice plays a fundamental role in social security. If there is justice in a society, no one will violate the rights of others, and at the same time, individuals will not demand anything more than their rightful share. As a result, there will be no incentive to infringe upon the rights of others. Justice is one of the essential foundations of social security, without which security cannot be realized in any way.

Social justice is a value that, when widespread, provides fields in which people can claim their rights, and the affairs of society will be proportional and balanced. By rectifying deviations and their capacity in power, justice serves as the criterion for both power and society, thereby creating security, comfort, and trust among members of society. If justice is upheld, legitimacy is cultivated; otherwise, legitimacy is compromised, and it loses its credibility. This means that Allah’s satisfaction and people’s satisfaction are intertwined.

Through justice, we can maintain our security in all aspects of life, and when justice is achieved, security will also continue, Allah willing.

One of the governors wrote a letter to Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him: “Our city has been destroyed. If Amir al-Mu’minin deems it appropriate and allocates part of the property for the restoration and reconstruction of our city, it would be very good.” Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, responded to the governor: “When my letter reaches you and you read it, restore the city with justice and keep its path free from oppression; this is development.”

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz was famous for his justice, fairness, and equality among people during his caliphate. That is why he advised his governors to do the same.

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