Part 3
Author: Abu Javed
In continuation of the discourse regarding the benefits of the Islamic system, today we present a few additional advantages of this system:
4: Implementation of Justice
The implementation of justice stands as one of the fundamental objectives of the Islamic system. It is often observed that other systems deviate from this principle. In such systems, individuals of higher status are sometimes exempt from punishments imposed on those of lower status, resulting in a blatant injustice. Conversely, the Islamic system is replete with instances of justice. An illustrative example is as follows:
Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, narrates in his Sahih al-Bukhari from Urwah ibn al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) through his chain of transmission:
Translation:
“During the conquest of Mecca, a woman committed theft. The people of her tribe approached Usama ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) to intercede on her behalf with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) concerning the prescribed punishment. When Usama (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned it to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), his face changed color. He said to Usama, ‘Do you intercede regarding one of the limits set by Allah, the Most Exalted?’ The narrator adds that in the evening, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stood up and delivered a sermon in which he said: ‘By Allah, those who came before you were destroyed because if a person of high status committed theft among them, they would spare him, but if a person of lower class committed theft, they would apply the punishment upon him. By Allah, if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad were to steal, I would have cut off her hand.'”
This hadith serves as a striking portrayal of the Islamic system’s stance on justice and its unwavering commitment to its enforcement, a stance often disregarded by individuals lacking understanding.
The caliphate of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz is also a shining example of justice. Even his opponents could not deny the justice he established. His justice extended so far that even birds benefited from it. During his rule, it became difficult to find individuals eligible for zakat (charity). This is because the Islamic system is rooted in Islam, which repeatedly emphasizes justice.
The Almighty Allah states:
اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَى وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ [سورة المائده ۸]
Translation:
“Be just; that is nearer to piety. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah, 8]
He further mentions:
“و إذا حَکَمتُم بَین الناس أَن تَحکُموا بالعَدل
[سورة النساء ۵۸]
Translation:
“And when you judge between people, judge with justice.” [Surah An-Nisa, 58]
To uphold justice, the Islamic system has laid down several principles, including:
1. Prohibition of Bribery: Muslims are forbidden from engaging in bribery, whether giving or receiving, in order to prevent the unjust accumulation of wealth.
2. Justice in Testimony: Witnesses are obligated to provide truthful testimony to prevent unjust verdicts and the infringement of justice.
3. Implementation of Hudood and Qisas: The prescribed penalties and retribution are enforced within the Islamic system to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes do not go unpunished.
These are just a few examples. Listing all would extend this discussion too far, so we limit ourselves to these three points.
To be continued…
