Social Justice in Islam: Some Glimpses from the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Abstract

The Quran considers justice to be a supreme virtue. One of the basic objectives of Sharia is to maintain justice in society. The Quran states: "Allah commands justice and fairness" (Quran 16:90). In another passage: "Let not the hatred of others make you to the wrong and depart from justice, be just, that is to piety." (Quran 5:8) Therefore, one may conclude that justice is an obligation of Islam and injustice is forbidden. The centrality of justice to the Quranic system is displayed by the following verse: "We sent Our Messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Measure to establish justice among the people" (Quran 57:25). The verse also shows that justice must be measured and implemented by the standards and guidelines set by revelation. Islam's approach to justice is comprehensive and all-embracing. Any path that leads to justice is deemed to be in harmony with Islamic Law. Allah has demanded justice and, although He has not prescribed a specific route, has provided general guidelines, on how to achieve it. He has neither prescribed a fixed means by which it can be obtained nor has He declared invalid any particular means or methods that can lead to justice. Therefore, all means, procedures, and methods that facilitate refining, and advancing the cause of justice, and do not violate the Islamic Law are valid. This article attempts to present some glimpses from the life of Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding social justice.