Dr. Zainab Turki Neama – University of Karbala – College of Islamic Sciences

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Social justice is considered one of the fundamental and longstanding principles, deeply rooted in history. Islam has embodied this principle through the system of wealth distribution within the Islamic society, providing elements and guarantees that ensure its ability to achieve justice. Islam has included social justice among its fundamental principles, defining and crystallizing this concept within a specific social framework, bringing it to life within a vibrant social reality where all its veins and arteries pulse with the overarching concept of Islamic justice.

The Islamic concept of social justice encompasses two general principles, each with its own dimensions and details. The first principle is general solidarity, which means that every Muslim individual is responsible for ensuring the livelihood and well-being of others within certain limits and according to their capacity. This principle must be implemented by Muslims. The second principle is social balance. When Islam established this principle, it defined its meaning: balance in its Islamic context is not about equalizing income levels but rather about ensuring balance among members of society in their standard of living. Balance in the standard of living implies that wealth circulates among them to an extent that allows every individual to live at the general societal level. This means that all individuals should live at a unified standard of living, albeit with varying degrees within that level. This variation, however, is a matter of degree and not a complete contradiction in standards ([i]). Through the Islamic concepts of solidarity and balance, social justice values are realized, and the Islamic model of social justice is established. Islam’s steps toward creating a humane society through its radiant historical experience were clear and explicit in emphasizing this fundamental cornerstone of its economy ([ii]).

This focus on social justice is reflected in the speech of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), which he delivered at the beginning of his mission in the new Islamic state. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said in his sermon:

“O people, prepare for yourselves. Verily, by Allah, one of you will be struck down, leaving his sheep without a shepherd. Then his Lord will say to him, ‘Did not My Messenger come to you and convey the message? Did I not provide you with wealth and grant you abundance?’ What have you prepared for yourself?’ Then he will look to his right and his left, seeing nothing, and he will look ahead and see nothing but Hell. So whoever can protect his face from the Fire, even with half a date, let him do so. And if he cannot find that, then with a kind word, for a good deed is rewarded tenfold up to seven hundredfold. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you” ([iii]).

The Prophet then implemented the principle of mutual solidarity among the emigrants (Muhajirun) and the supporters (Ansar) to achieve the social justice Islam seeks. Thus, the Islamic religion emphasized values such as equality, brotherhood, solidarity, cooperation, and justice, among others. The Holy Qur’an has explicitly mentioned this, as in the words of Allah Almighty:
“And if you judge between them, judge with justice. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly” ([iv]).
And His saying:
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives” ([v]).

These values delineated by Islam serve as legislative regulations that ensure the realization of solidarity and balance in their Islamic sense, thereby guaranteeing the attainment of social justice.

References:

[i] Wamadhat (Glimpses): Muhammad Baqir Al-Sadr, Dar Al-Sadir, 1434 AH, 17/151.

[ii] Iqtisaduna (Our Economics), Muhammad Baqir Al-Sadr, Bustan Foundation, 2nd ed., 1425 AH, p. 288.

[iii] Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Majlisi, Al-Wafa Foundation, Beirut, 1403 AH, 11/323.

[iv] Surah Al-Hashr, Verse 7.

[v] Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 42.

Dr. Zainab Turki Neama
College of Islamic Sciences / Department of Jurisprudence and its Principles