Islamic Debt Solutions The concept of social justice is paramount in Islam. Social justice includes a fair and equitable distribution of wealth as well as protection of the weak from economic exploitation by the strong. Allah commands Muslims to stand firm for justice at all costs: “O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both.” (4:135) Striving for social justice involves the struggle against poverty and inequality. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “He who sleeps on a full stomach whilst his neighbour goes hungry is not one of us,” (reported by Bukhari and Muslim) and also, “If someone among you sees wrong he must right it by his hand if he can (deed, conduct, action). If he cannot, then by his tongue (speak up, verbally oppose); if he cannot, then by his gaze (silent expression of disapproval); and if he cannot, then in his heart. The last is the minimum expression of his conviction (faith, courage)” (reported by Muslim). The importance of justice as a human value is emphasised in the following verse: “Be just, that is closest to Godliness”. (5:8)
Posted on: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:08:54 +0000