Author: M. Farahi Tujegi
Islam and Democracy (Part 62)
Principles of the Islamic Political System
4. Justice
One of the fundamental principles of Islamic government is to observe justice in all matters. In Islamic thought, justice constitutes the basis of the creation of existence, and the entire universe is based on divine justice. Therefore, to understand the concept of justice, we will discuss it in detail.
The word “justice” in Arabic means anti-oppression, steadfastness, fairness, judging the truth, moderation, and balance in matters without excess or deficiency. Justice, according to the Quran, is putting everything in its rightful place. The word “qost” is also used in the Quran to refer to justice. In a more general sense, justice refers to observing moderation in all matters and preventing infringement on the rights of others.
Justice is the axis of the system of existence. Allah Almighty says: «وَالسَّمَاءَ رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ الْمِيزَانَ أَلَّا تَطْغَوْا فِي الْمِيزَانِ وَأَقِيمُوا الْوَزْنَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا تُخْسِرُوا الْمِيزَانَ» [1] Translation: “He raised the heaven and set the measure, so that you do not exceed the measure. Set the weight in justice and do not reduce the balance.”
These verses emphasize that the system of creation is based on precise rules and regulations, and human society cannot be an exception to this law. True justice means that everything is in its place. Any deviation or excess is against the principle of justice and, like a disorder in the human body, makes society sick.
Allah has introduced justice as one of the main purposes of sending the prophets: «لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ»؛ [2] Translation: “We sent our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance that people may stand up for justice.”
This verse refers to three prerequisites for establishing justice:
1. Clear proofs: Clear proofs, including miracles and rational proofs for the truthfulness of the messengers.
2. Books: Divine books that contain knowledge, beliefs, rulings, and morals.
3. Balance: Laws for measuring right and wrong, good and evil.
Equipping the prophets with these three tools enabled them to mobilize people to establish justice.
The Quran considers justice to be the foundation of human society and the Islamic state: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَى أَهْلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُمْ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَنْ تَحْكُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ»؛ [3] Translation: “Allah commands you to render back the trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, judge with justice.”
The word “people” in this verse indicates that justice must be established among all human beings, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity.
Islam places great emphasis on establishing justice and strongly condemns injustice: «يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَى أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَى»؛ [4] Translation: “O you who have believed, be steadfast in justice for the sake of Allah, and let not hatred of your people prevent you from justice. Do justice, for that is nearer to piety.”
The Responsibility of Rulers in Imparting Justice
Everyone is obligated to observe justice according to their responsibility; but rulers, due to the breadth of their responsibilities, have a greater duty to establish justice. Islam places great emphasis on the establishment of justice by rulers and asks them to avoid oppression, tyranny, and lawlessness.
Islam considers justice not only the foundation of Islamic government but also the foundation of the system of creation. Establishing justice is the duty of every Muslim, especially rulers, because without justice, society will decline and distance itself from the ideals of Allah.
Continues…
[1]. Ar-Rahman: 7-9.
[2]. Al-Hadid: 25.
[3]. An-Nisa: 58.
[4]. Al-Ma’idah: 8.
