Justice in islam: In this present climate, with so much corruption, dishonesty & unfair dealings that are destroying people and creating strife within the family circle & population, it is now more important than ever to return to the ways of the Prophet of Islam (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).
There is a wave of change sweeping through this ummah. Nowadays, we seem to be drowning in information, from the media moulanas to Mufti Google Ibn Internet. Yet the wisdom of it all has been lost. We, as the muslim ummah, need to take a step back and re-evaluate our current position.
Now, you might be thinking, at this point, “Easier said than done”. While that may be true, to a point, it’s also not impossible. So the next obvious question then will be: “But how?”
That, dear reader… is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? So let’s take a little step back in time, before the messenger Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam officially even became the last prophet on this earth (not that he wasn’t but, officially, he only started prophethood at aged 40).
He was known for his brutal honesty and fair judgment. He was known as “the Truthful One” and, from just his example, brought trust, respect and, when he started his preaching, caused people to come to the fold of Islam by this alone.
A saying attributed to Umar Ibn Khattab, Radi Allahu Anhu, comes to mind: “Invite people to Islam, even without words”. The people asked, “How?” Umar Ibn Khattab replied, “With good manners”.
Let’s take a look now at some amazing examples of justice as displayed and explained by Rasoolallah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam & his companions.
It is recorded that, after the conquest of Makkah, there was a female from the powerful Bani Makzhoom tribe who was found guilty of stealing. The Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, ordered her hands to be cut off. Being a powerful tribe, many thought it will would bring dishonour and disgrace to the tribe.
No-one dared to speak up, but finally, a one of the sahaba did. The Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, red with anger replied: “Many nations before you were punished because of the same thing. Whenever a powerful person committed a crime, it was ignored and when a poor person did such, he was punished.
By Allah! If the daughter of Muhammed, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, Fatima Radi Allahu Anha had stolen, then I would also cut her hand.”
Hold up! Press pause… Did he just say speak against his own daughter if she stole? The daughter whom he adored and loved? Subhanallah! Look at the fairness of our beloved messenger. How fast we tend to cover up for our kids, make excuses for them.
Let’s look at another example: It’s reported that onceUmar Ibn Khattab (Radi Allahu Anhu) was once delivering a khutbah when he asked, “If I lean towards the world & become lazy in some aspects, what will you people do?” A sahabi pulled out his sword and said, “We will behead you.”
Umar Ibn Khattab (Radi Allahu An) asked angrily (merely to see if he was true in his claim), “Are you saying this to a person like me?” The sahaba replied in the affirmative.
Umar Ibn Khattab (Radi Allahu An) then said, “Praise be to Allah! There are still such people who will correct me even if I make a mistake.”
Now, ponder on this .. how quick we are to argue? How quickly we say “oh, how can you tell me I’m wrong?” Replay this scenario in your head.
This was Umar Ibn Khattab (Radi Allahu An), one of the first four caliphas. As great as all the sahaba were, he was one of the elite.
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good and forbidding all that is evil. And it is they who are the successful.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:104]
This Quran verse sums this up beautifully … “Enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil.”
Within oneself (first of all), within others (by example) & then within society.
Even peace has to come with a struggle. This was the example set by the last messenger and his companions. This is what made the ummah and the messenger himself so great.
Now, fast forward again to the present day … what have we done? What is the current state of this ummah? Our families? Ourselves? Think about it, will you?
