The Importance of Social Justice and Equality in Islam
By: Leyelle Mosallam / Arab America Contributing Writer
The entire religion of Islam is based on Tawhid, which is the practice of believing in the oneness of God. Tawhid is emphasized in the Shahada, which states “there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.” While believing in the oneness of God is the top priority of a Muslim, fighting for justice and equality is considered the supreme virtue in Islam.
The concept of Tawhid and justice go hand in hand. Islam teaches its followers that because God is one, He is the creator of all men and the universe. Since God has given each human life, it follows that, through Him, all men are equal and there is no substantial distinction that can be made among them regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and nationality.
The idea that we are all equal in the eyes of God, entails the concept of oneness in humanity. Islam does not seek to restrict basic needs and human rights that have been recognized and given to us by God, therefore it is obligated of all Muslims to support those who lack such needs and human rights. Justice standing as one of the main priorities of a Muslim is emphasized in multiple Quranic verses and Hadiths. The two most important duties of a Muslim, as revealed in the Quran, are to “enjoin the good and forbid the evil”.
“you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah” (3:110).
This Quranic verse is taught in many Islamic schools of thought because it expresses the principal duty of Muslims to acknowledge and command what is good, and reject what is bad.
Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil is also expressed in one of the most popular Hadiths (sayings of the prophet), which reads:
“Whoever witnesses something evil, let him change it with his hand, and if he is unable then with his tongue, and if he is unable then with his heart, but that is the weakest form of faith” (Hadith 34, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi).
In this hadith, the Prophet says that Islam does not permit one to be a bystander to any form of injustice. Everyone has a moral obligation to do everything in their power to stand against oppression. This hadith is important to Muslims because it emphasizes that Muslims have a duty to take visible and direct actions against injustice. While it is always an obligation to reject evil in one’s heart, those who take direct action against any form of injustice or oppression, either with his hands or with his words, will be given higher rewards.
Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil stresses that Islam is not all about how one ritualistically and spiritually practices. Isalm is founded on individual and collective responsibility and morality. If one is pious, it is not sufficient without performing deeds that serve their community. Since all humans are one in the eyes of God, it is the duty of a Muslim to preserve social order by adhering to the rights and privileges that are meant to be shared by all.
Allah also reminds his followers that standing against injustice remains a top priority, even if it acts as a barrier to our relationships. No matter who is performing such injustice, it still remains our duty to stand against it.
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.”
Justice in Wealth:
Social Justice refers to fairness in the distribution and allocation of goods for all members of society. One of the most fundamental duties of a Muslim is giving money to the poor, which is referred to as “Zakat” or alms-tax.
In the Quran, there are many verses that put multiple emphases on charity and equal distribution of wealth.
Islam ensures that the well-being of its followers is being met, and therefore ensures equitable distribution of wealth. The Quran says that those who give to charity will be rewarded.
“Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (Quran 2:277).
Allah also encourages his followers to be humble about our charity. In Islam, charity is not about showing off our good deeds to the world, but rather it is for Allah. Enjoining the good should always be done with pure intentions.
“If you disclose acts of charity, even so, it is well, but if you conceal them, and make them reach those really in need, that is best for you. It will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil” (2:271).
Misconceptions about Islam:
When we look at the many human rights violations taking place in the Arab world and the terrorism that is constantly associated with Islam, many might argue that human rights and Islam are not compatible. However, it is important to distinguish between Islam and political dictatorship and extremism. Islam very much seeks to see communities ensure basic needs and rights for all its citizens, however, when certain individuals seek power, they might misinterpret the Quran and the Hadith for their own benefit, which deceives the true meaning of God’s words and the Prophet.
In order to combat Islamophobia in the media, it is important to keep educating ourselves on Islam and not to mistake politics with religion.
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