Social Justice in Islam - Essay Example

Social justice in Islam Introduction The word social justice, in general, is related to economic justice orequal distribution of economic duties and rewards. According to the law, social justice is given the meaning equality or justice for all. Before the beginning of Islam, this category of social justice was almost unheard of either in theory or practice (Rosen, np). Nevertheless, Islam has been portrayed as a religion of violence by both historians and the media. Looking at all the religions across the world one cannot single out Islam as the most violent religion than others. Islam religion has only been associated with violence because of circumstances. Throughout centuries, the Islamic has been victimized due to circumstance. Many people have viewed the religion as oppressive and cruel particularly due to the excruciating extremism that is currently sweeping over the Arab countries. The notion began over a thousand years ago when the people belonging to Islam issue threats to the western world. According to research Islam, was the very first religion left to establish equal justice for the first time in mankind history (Steger, 71). Therefore, it is utterly unfair to view Islamic as a violent religion that do not support social justice. Islam religion encourages social justice as evidenced by research. The foundation of social justice in Islam Islamic religion rests on natural disposition. It takes note of the deepest subtleties of man, and it considers Almighty Allah as the one who understands mankind in a better way (Rosen, np). Therefore, the religion recognizes all concerning mankind. Islamic also recognizes that mankind differ both in their physical appearances as well as in their mental and psychological capabilities. The diversity also encompasses the conditions mankind undergo through, the environments they dwell in and the cultures inherited from past generations. Considering the above, it is almost impractical for mankind to map a balance and equal society devoid of defects. The Islamic religion offered the necessary fundamentals for the existence of such a balanced society providing an ideal sense of social justice as craved by all the right thinking people (Rosen, np). Social justice is one of the fundamental tenets of justice in Islam. According to Sayyed Qutb, in his book entitled Social Justice in Islam identifies three fundamental aspects of social justice in Islam. These essential elements of social justice include the absolute freedom of conscience, the total equality of all mankind as well as the social interdependence among society members. Arguments for and against the negative perception held by majority about Islam Islam religion is an institution of justice and moderation (Masroor, np). As per the religion, justice is a straight course that is practise in moderation and justice. The religion of Islam is grounded on justice, and if there are tears for the oppressed then there must be a sword for the oppressor. All Islam laws are considered just according to research and its violators merely do it on their own account. It is utterly unfairly to hold a negative opinion against Islam merely because of the unpleasant actions of a few Muslims. If the law provides the significance of preserving physical health, it also accentuates the importance of spiritual matters as well as a moral lift. If the law decrees prayers offering, it also ordains the payment of religious tax called zakat. These laws have been beneficial in many Arabic countries that have made impressive economic progress. Duty and responsibility of care is the ultimate goal of Islam. Should we, therefore, condemn all Muslims due to the barbaric actions of a few faithfuls of the religion? We need to rethink the matter and come to terms with the ultimate and ostensible truth that Islam is just, fair, and have profound laws guiding behaviours. In Islam religion, justice is the primary condition. According to studies, all the vital establishment and installations should be headed by just people, whose reputation has been good and are capable and pious. Further, the administration of justice according to Islam right from the magistrate (qazi) to the subordinates of the lower level, are required to uphold a high degree of truth (Rosen, np). The other aspect that reveals that the religion promotes justices is a requirement of all congregational prayers. The individuals who lead such prayers must be honest and just. In the matter of issuing information, it’s only the just and honest individuals must be relied upon by Islamic believers. In a nutshell, the Islamic religion has put in place immense stress on justice, and it is the ground on which all the problems that face the society including are decided. Moreover, the Islamic religion requires the Muslims to stand for justice and nothing else but justice alone. Their holy book point out that being just is regarded as close to Godliness (Salvatore, 30-31). The implication of the Quran is that Muslims religious, social responsibility is to work for just causes. The Islamic faith requires its believers to stand as witnesses to justice, fairness and equality both in utterance and in practice. In fact, the Quran states that “be just, that is closest to Godliness”. From this, it is clear that the faith do not encourage unjust practices. The Quran thus advocates Muslims to stand for justice all the time and at all cost, even if it requires one to defy family or friends. For the Islamic religion, social justice begins from home (Salvatore, 32). The faith of the Muslims requires them to be fair and just to their wives and children because they will be judged on duties and responsibilities on judgement day. Thus, a true Muslim is obliged to do anything possible to maintain a good relationship with family and friends. What is more, the social justice according to Islam extends beyond relatives to people such as neighbours, orphans and the needy. It is against the Quran teaching for a true believer to go to sleep with a full stomach whereas a neighbour is hungry. The faith obliges the Muslims to help the needy by sharing with them a portion of their wealth through paying Zakat. To Islam, social justice is all about the fight against inequality (Kamali, Mohammad & Islamic, np). The Muslims are mandated by the Quran to fight against poverty and other social injustices. The Islamic religion opposes the waste of excess amount of wealth in the developed world whereas in elsewhere many people die of hunger. Islam supports the development of initiatives that would aid to do away with poverty and fight other sources of inequality. The Islamic religion teaches its believers to be always ready to share whatever they have with others and more so to ensure their use their wealth to fight inequalities. The divine social justice supported by Islam is the integrated system of justice commanded by the Creator of humankind and all other creatures. The Almighty Allah cannot be said to be biased to any caste, race or tribe because it is God who created all of them. This divine justice commanded by Allah was to be practiced by parents, friends, enemies, men, women and children. The prophet has provided the most outstanding examples of social justice. One of the examples is the moral manners in which he observed justice to all the people without discrimination of any sort (Khan, np). The companionship offered by the prophet provided a splendid example of showing social solidarity between the rich and the poor. The approach of justice by Islamic is comprehensive and complete. Any paths that pave the way to justice are considered to be in agreement with the Islamic law. God has ordained justice, and although he has not prescribed a particular path to be followed, He gave the general guidelines and how to accomplish them. The Quran do not specify a set means of achieving justice neither does it state invalid any particular formula or ways that could lead to justice. The Holy Islamic book standards of justice rise above considerations of race, religion, colour and faith. The believers of the Islamic faith are decreed to be just to everybody including friends and enemies as well as being fair at all levels. Thus, in the view of the Quran justice is an obligation to all people that faithful believe in it. Quran has some specific examples and instances that it encourages. For one, it promotes fair dealings in the measurements and weights (Khan, np). There is a whole Quran chapter, Surah al-Mutaffifeen that dwells on the issue. Moreover, in relation to justice also occurs in the polygamy context. The Holy book commands an impartial handling of all wives. The polygamy verse starts by referring to orphaned girls who may be subjected to injustice and deprivation. The Quran asserts that at the marriageable age, such girls should be married off, even if it be into a polygamous relationship. Conclusion Social justice is one of the key objectives of Islam. Rendering justice according to the Quran is considered as the noble of acts that are ought to be followed by all Muslims. It is the greatest responsibilities that are entrusted to the believers. Therefore, from the illustration in the paper, it evidently clear that Islam promotes social justice in all dimensions. Works cited Kamali, Mohammad Hashim, and Islamic Texts Society. Freedom, equality and justice in Islam. Cambridge: Islamic Texts Society, 2002. Masroor, A. "Islam Encourages Social Justice." New Statesman : Britains Current Affairs & Politics Magazine. N.p., 20 Mar. 2007. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. Rosen, Lawrence. The justice of Islam: Comparative perspectives on Islamic law and society. Oxford University Press, 2000. Rosen, Lawrence. The justice of Islam: Comparative perspectives on Islamic law and society. Oxford University Press, 2001. Salvatore, Armando. The public sphere: liberal modernity, Catholicism, Islam. Macmillan, 2007. Steger, Manfred B. Ideology. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2002. Khan, M. "Social Justice in Islam." newstateman 25 Mar. 2009: n. pag. Print. Read More