Islam & The Ways of Justice Adl in Islam |
Written by Nuraz |
Salaam (WRWB). Living in a society like America, when you fall into trouble and skirmishes with other people and end up being damaged or harmed, most people end up taking them to court. The court system, and an event takes place there’s a judgement, with the infamous “case closed.” Jury comes up with his statement, decides the plaintiff and defendants fate, and boom justice is served. Despite it’s practically, court cases end up facing corruption here and there. But did you know there is also an Islamic court? You can laugh at me as much as you like, but it really does exist.
Unlike the American court system, there is a code of law tailored to all practicing Muslims, such as the Sharia law. In the Sharia Law, practices are made from compiled Hadiths and the Quran. As Shariah by itself, as an Arabic word means, “The clear, well trodden path of water”. As I had just mentioned the Quran plays a huge role in this code of law. One of Allah (SWT)’s names is “Al-Adl” The justice maker.
The Quran has mentioned the concept of justice making, providing us information about the ultimate day of justice, The Day of Judgement. The day in which fates will be shown, the wrongful will be proven guilty, whilst those who suffered will obtain justice.
Allah (SWT) mentions in the Quran, representing his justice,
فَكَيۡفَ إِذَا جِئۡنَا مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةِۭ بِشَهِيدٖ وَجِئۡنَا بِكَ عَلَىٰ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ شَهِيدٗا
Meaning - Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom’s weight; while if there is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward. (4:40)
Could you imagine, atoms obtaining justice. We can’t even see atoms without justice making, and yet Allah (SWT) talks about the atoms justice.
Another ayat that represents the concept of punishment and justice is mentioned in the Surah after.
Allah (SWT) proclaims,
وَٱلسَّارِقُ وَٱلسَّارِقَةُ فَٱقۡطَعُوٓاْ أَيۡدِيَهُمَا جَزَآءَۢ بِمَا كَسَبَا نَكَٰلٗا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٞ
Meaning - [As for] the thief, the male and the female, amputate their hands in recompense for what they committed as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. (5:38)
I can go on and on about the amount of times that justice is shown in the Quran, but the memo is that the Sharia law’s main purpose is to provide justice.
But it doesn’t provide justice to just sins and normal tides. The Sharia law is meant to be like the laws of the life of a Muslim. Whether it’s social or economic ties, and not just solely the 5 pillars or any testament of fate.
What do we know about Islam?
Islam is the submission of our lives to worship Allah (SWT) and to worship him alone. As Islam isn’t just going to the Masjid and praying 5 times a day, fasting all 30 days in Ramadan, or going to Hajj. Rather it is to submit in all aspects of life. Do good in your daily lives for the sake of worshipping Allah (SWT).
The Sharia law also serves in family ties, when it comes to family divorce, skirmishes, and matters to government regulations and to criminals. It isn’t meant to replace the Quran or Hadith, rather to strengthen our faith with it. It wasn’t derived from one just person, all the Islamic scholars and companions came together to make this code of law be.
And it is no surprise that many modern countries follow it. Tie in this justice making in the modern world, countries like the laws of Saudi Arabia and Iran have a lot of laws to do with Islam and belief.
But when such law occurred after the Prophet (PBUH), there were times in which the Muslims were divided. Already just a few decades later after the Prophet (PBUH), lots of tension arose with the Shias and Sunnis.
As this topic is so deep, it is hard to add this complicated topic here as we in Fityah Institute do not promote any secular Islamic faith by any means, so for the purpose of that we will leave that aside.
Coming to the modern day, you have many many faiths that lie even under Islam. These sects (chains of thought) are known as Madhzab. You have Hannafi’s; very popular in South Asia and one of the most widespread chains of thought. Maliki’s, primarily followed in North Africa. Shafi’s practiced in various parts of Africa and the Middle East. Hanbali which is a conservative form of reasoning as it’s followed throughout the Arabian peninsula.
The main message I want to bring here is, whether you're Hannafi, Shafee or Hanbali, you still have to pray 5 times, give zakat, go to Hajj, and it makes no difference as an obligation. These topics are highly flammable and super controversial to some. But there is no better source other than the Hadith or Quran, the elite sources.
It is also to be said that political governments often intervene with the Shariah Law, like Turkey and Indonesia, implementing some aspects but adding their own government regulations. Critics believe that this code of law is against human rights, which to be honest should not take away anything for us. Whether a critic rants about this or not, it is our duty of Muslims to believe and solely worship Allah (SWT), not any other individual in particular.
Even if you're abused and oppressed by somebody, even if there is no action taken in that particular moment, punishing the person, Allah (SWT) is always watching and justice will be served. And no matter how much power, money, and status they have, it is true justice for individuals.
And if you're confused, there are many scholars and sources you can divert to for attention. It is better to obtain knowledge from more than one singular source so you intake the best of both for Islam. As Islam is meant to be one and not a choice worship, as then it defeats the purpose of a pure worship. As this topic is really hard to cover off the bat and hard to cover without a proper article, so check that out if it's out.
There will be a point in time where the ummah will be so divided, very few will be able to follow and worship in the correct one.
The Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith,
“My ummah will split into seventy-three sects, all of whom will be in the Fire except one sect.” They said: Who are they, O Messenger of Allah? He said: “[Those who follow] the path which I and my companions follow.” - Tirmidhi
So May Allah (SWT) forgive our sins and put us in that one path. Salaam (WRWB)