Tausub Ki Laanat
TAG: Justice
Contribution Of Islam To The Human Thought
To arrive at a correct appraisal of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) contribution to human thought, one has to view it in the background of the history of the world as a whole. That would reveal that this unlettered dweller of the desert of Arabia, who was born in the “dark ages” some 1,400 years ago, was the real pioneer of the modern age and the true leader of humanity. He is not only the leader of those who accepts his leadership, but also of those also who do not acclaim him as such: even of those who denounce him! The only difference is that the latter are unaware of the fact that his guidance is still imperceptibly influencing their thoughts and their actions and is the governing principle of their lives and the very spirit of modern times. It was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who turned the course of human thought from superstition-mongering, love for the unnatural and the inexplicable, and monasticism towards a rational approach, love for reality, and a pious and balanced worldly life.
It was he who, in a world that regarded only supernatural happenings as miracles and demanded them for the verification of the truth of a religious mission, inspired the urge for rational proof and faith in them as the criterion of truth. It was he who, in place of baseless speculation, led human beings to the path of rational understanding and sound reasoning on the basis of observation, experiment, and research. It was he who clearly defined the limits and functions of sense perception, reason, and intuition. It was he who brought about a rapprochement between spiritual and material values. It was he who harmonized faith with knowledge and action. It was he who created the scientific spirit with the power of religion and who evolved true religiosity on the basis of the scientific spirit. It was he who eradicated idolatry, man-worship, and polytheism in all forms so thoroughly, and created such a firm faith in the unity of God that even those religions which were based entirely on superstitions and idolatry were compelled to adopt a monotheistic theme. It was he who changed the basic concepts of ethics and spirituality.
To those who believed that asceticism and self-annihilation alone formed the standard of moral and spiritual purity -that purity could not be achieved except by running away from worldly life, disregarding all the urges of the flesh, and subjecting the body to all types of tortures – it was he who showed the path or spiritual evolution, moral emancipation, and attainment of salvation through active participation in the practical affairs of the world around them. It was he who brought home to man his true worth and position; those who acknowledged only a God incarnate or a son of God as their moral preceptor or spiritual guide were told that a human being like them, having no pretension to godhead, could become the vicegerent of God on earth. It was he who stressed the point that no person could claim holiness, authority, or kingship as a birthright and that no person could be born with the stigma of untouchability, slavery, or serfdom on his person. It was he and his teachings that inspired the thoughts of the unity of mankind, equality of human beings, true democracy, and real freedom in the world. Leaving aside this realm of thought and moving a bit further, one will find countless practical results of the leadership of this unlettered person firmly impressed with the laws and ways of the world.
So many principles of good behavior, culture, civilization, purity of thought and deed, which are prevalent in the world today, owe their origin to him. The social laws which he gave have infiltrated deep into the structure of human social life, and this process continues up to this day. The basic principles of economics which he taught have ushered in many a movement in world history and hold out the same promise for the future. The laws of governance which he formulated brought about many an upheaval in political notions and theories of the world and continue to assert their influence even today. The fundamental principles of law and justice which bear the stamp of his genius have influenced, to a remarkable degree, the administration of justice in the courts of nations, and form a perpetual source of guidance for all legists to come. This unlettered Arab was the first person who set in motion for the first time practically the whole framework of international relations and regulated the laws of war and peace. For no one had previously even the remotest idea that there could be an ethical code of war or that relations between different nations could be regulated on the grounds of common humanity.
Principles Of Justice In Islam – Allah’s Command
Allah’s Quran 42:40]
[Principle #1:] An evil act should be retaliated by an equal act [eye for an eye]; however,
[principle #2:] God rewards those who pardon and lead a righteous life.
[Principle #3:] God does not love the wrongdoers [who retaliate excessively].
Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
[Malik’s Muwatta, Book #43, Hadith #43.21.15a] “Retaliation is between women as it is between men. That is because Allah, the Blessed, the Exalted, said in His Book, ‘We have written for them in it that it is a life for a life and an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, and an ear for an ear, and a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds there is retaliation.‘ (Sura 5 ayat 48) Allah, the Blessed, the Exalted, mentioned that it is a life for a life. It is the life of a free woman for the life of a free man, and her injury for his injury.” Malik said about a man who held a man fast for another man to hit, and he died on the spot, “If he held him and he thought that he meant to kill him, the two of them are both killed for him. If he held him and he thought that he meant to beat him as people sometimes do, and he did not think that he meant to kill him, the murderer is slain and the one who held him is punished with very severe punishment and jailed for a year. There is no killing against him.”
- September, 1
- 2575
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Importance Of Time
Many people forget or neglect the importance of time although man’s life on earth is a span of time. Islam gives due attention to the issue of time because if people waste their time, they are actually wasting their life.
The Holy Qur’an gives due attention to the idea of time and this is clear in many verses of the Qur’an when Allah swears using the different places of times of the day to reveal the importance of time, “By the break of Day,” (Qur’an, 1:89) “By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),‘ (Qur’an, 1:103) …etc.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says in one of the Hadiths: “There are two things that people are not aware of how important they are: health and time.” This Hadith stresses two facts: People are not aware of the importance of being in good health till they fall ill and people are not aware of the importance of time and therefore waste their time doing trivial things.
There was nice research published in one of the magazines about how a man spends his time. The research revealed that if a man lives for 60 years, he spends one-third of his life sleeping because a man usually sleeps eight hours a day. The remaining years are spent on public transportation, watching TV, eating, in the bathroom…etc. This means that the larger part of man’s life is spent on worldly matters. Thus man has to make the best use of the other part in obeying and worshiping Allah and winning His approval.
Karen Armstrong, one of the most important contemporary orientalists, refers to this aspect of time in Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life. She indicated that what the Prophet (peace be upon him) did in 23 years was miraculous and what he accomplished required thousands of philosophers, reformers, intellectuals, and mentors to do over hundreds of years.
In other words, she said the most outstanding aspect of Prophet Muhammad’s achievement is the human values, ideals, principles, and ethics he introduced to the life of man in a short time. He made humanity re-discover the meanings of monotheism, faith, justice, tolerance, charity, compassion, etc…etc and realize that all people are equal and what distinguishes one person from another is a deep faith in Allah and piety.
This means that he devoted all his time to reforming people and making them see life in a new light, that is, based on faith and noble human values.
Fair Dealing In Islam
Jurists have defined justice and equality as keeping a thing in its right place or keeping the balance. It is this which keeps the sky and the earth in their right places. If today justice were to be excluded from this world, there would be such a deluge of cruelty and brutality as would sweep off even our foundations.
The life of nations depends upon justice. This is a very important and valuable right that Islam has given to man.
The Holy Qur’an has laid down: “… And let not the hatred of some in stopping you from Masjid Al-Haram lead you to transgression …” (5:2). “And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is near to piety; and fear Allah …”( 5:8). Stressing this point the Qur’an again says: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, even though it be against yourselves, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better protector …” (4:135) This makes the point clear that Muslims have to be just not only with ordinary human beings but even with their enemies.
Justice and equality were the two main factors for the expansion of the Islamic state from Arabia to Spain and from there to India. Some Christians and Hindus say that Islam was spread at the point of the sword. But the sword the Muslims had in their hands was justice. Take any book of history you will find this event recorded therein. When Abu Obaida, the Muslim supreme commander of Syria, had to evacuate the Syrian town of Hims, in the face of a sudden attack by a superior Roman force, he summoned the padres and the elite of the town and said to them:
“We received revenue from you, so that we may spend it on your defense and betterment. But we cannot do it any longer, as we have to evacuate this town under duress. Therefore take back the seven hundred thousand dirhams you paid to us as revenue and tribute.” On seeing this astounding and unparalleled justice of their Muslim rulers, Chief Padre said: “No deed of justice and equality can excel this unrivaled masterpiece of yours. I give you my pledge that if ever we are at liberty to choose our rulers, we shall choose you Muslims and none other.”
- August, 22
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Business Ethics In Islam
As Muslims, we have to adhere to ethical standards, not only in business but also in all aspects of life. Both business and ethics are interrelated. There is a reference to this point in the Qur’an: For you in the Messenger of Allah is a fine example to follow. (Al-Ahzab 33:21).
It is worth stressing here that when Muslims stick to ethics in their daily lives, they will become good examples to emulate in today’s world. They will help rectify some aspects of the distorted image of Islam in today’s world and thus they will become worthy ambassadors of their religion.
Allah Almighty says: And to the Madyan (Midian) people (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other ilah (god) but Him, and give not short measure or weight. I see you in prosperity and verily, I fear for you the torment of a Day encompassing. And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to the people, and do not commit mischief in the land, causing corruption.“ (Hud 11:84-85)
Prophet Shu`aib (peace be upon him) was a great prophet of Allah. He was sent to the people of Madyan around the time of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). Prophet Shu`aib was sent among people who were very much involved in the business. These people were very proud of their business acumen and success, but they were dishonest. He told them to observe ethics in business. They became very angry with him and told him, “Don’t mix religion with business.” The Qur’an tells us that Allah’s punishment came upon those people and only Prophet Shu`aib and his followers were saved.
It is indeed important that every man must adhere to ethical standards in the business. Business and ethics are not separate, rather they are interconnected. Allah says in the Qur’an:“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad, peace be upon him) you have a good example to follow . . .” (Al-Ahzab 33:21).
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an ideal human being in every respect. He was the best teacher, preacher, and guide; the best statesman, lawgiver, judge, diplomat, negotiator of treaties, and military commander; the best family man, a good husband, a compassionate father and grandfather, a good neighbor, and friend of his people. He was also a very honest and successful businessman.
Prophet Muhammad was chosen by God to be His last Prophet and Messenger at the age of 40. Before that, he was very much involved in the business. He was born in Makkah, which was a popular trade center in Arabia. Caravans from Syria in the north and Yemen in the south used to pass by Makkah. Prophet Muhammad would join in these caravans. It is reported that he traveled to Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and many other places in Arabia in these caravans. Some historians have also suggested that he probably traveled to Iraq and Ethiopia.
Concept Of Hereafter
Many people wonder how a person with a scientific and logical temperament, can lend any credence to the belief in life after death. People assume that anyone believing in the hereafter is doing so on the basis of blind belief.
This concept has been given to mankind by God in his book “Qur’an Kareem” which has more than a thousand verses containing scientific facts. Some have been discovered by science and others will be discovered as science advances.
The concept of peace, human values, and good or bad are useless without the concept of the hereafter. One thing or act can be bad in the eyes of a person but could be good or beneficial for another one.
Every human being wants justice: Does human law provide justice to all humankind?
The people who do injustice should be punished: Can we punish a murderer of 100 people as compared to a murderer of a single person?
This life is a test for the hereafter: If it is not, then why few people are wealthy and enjoying the luxuries of life, and why few are poor and don’t even have enough food to eat? Life is a test for both of them.
Final justice on the day of judgment. No human law can provide 100% justice to all humankind. There will be definitely a day of judgment for final justice. We all are in the examination hall and we will be given results on the day of judgment.
When it is dead sure that there will be a day of judgment and life after death, one should follow the religion instead of passing life in his own style.
All religions basically exhort mankind to be righteous and eschew evil. but Islam goes beyond that. It guides us toward practical ways of achieving righteousness and eliminating evil from our individual ad collective lives. Islam takes into account human nature and the complexities of human society. Islam is Guidance from the creator himself. Therefore, Islam is also called The “Deen-ul-Fitrah” (the natural religion).
According to Muslims the only true religion on earth is ISLAM. Everyone has their own choice to find out the truth but one must not decide anything just by seeing the followers only. Rather one must study sacred scripture to find out the truth. ISLAM is for the whole of mankind so whoever accepts it and follows it will get successful. Accepting is not enough till we follow it in true spirit.
We should hurry to ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and start following true religion before the end of our life. Life is too short(who knows tomorrow we will get up from sleep or not!).
AHKAM AL-HAKIMEEN
AHKAM AL-HAKIMEEN
The Most Just Judge
Is Allah not the Most Just Judge? (Surat at-Tin, 95:8)
Allah passes judgment on each matter and concludes them. All events evolve and develop upon His command and wish. Each of His judgments contains many hidden divine purposes. However, most people do not really understand His commands, for, given their limited intelligence, their ability to do so is also limited.
Furthermore, Allah is infinitely wise, exalted above time and space, and the One Who created and bound humanity to these concepts. A person can never know what will happen the next day or even in an hour. When Allah gives a command, however, He has total knowledge of all of its consequences, regardless of time or place. Consequently, Allah creates everything in compliance with His plan and for a divine purpose.
But unbelievers can never understand Allah’s purposes, for they base their worldview on certain causes and then think that everything evolves randomly and coincidentally. Therefore, they fail to understand that Allah controls everything. Believers, however, strive to grasp the divine purposes in Allah’s judgments and comprehend that He gives the best judgments. In the Qur’an, Allah commands the following:
Follow what has been revealed to you, and be steadfast until Allah’s judgment comes. He is the Best of Judges. (Surah Yunus, 10:109)
Nuh (Noah – peace be upon him) called out to his Lord and said: “My Lord, my son is one of my family. Your promise is surely the truth, and You are the Most Just Judge.” (Surah Hud, 11:45)
The Basic Duties Of A Muslim
Muslims, as individuals and groups, have to fulfill certain basic duties which summarize the universal values of Islam. When these duties are observed they bring justice, peace, and happiness in this world and they will indeed bring success and salvation in the Hereafter.
“In the Glorious Qur’an, Allah, Most High, says: “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. and that you be dutiful to your parents. If one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor.
And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they did bring me up when I was young.’ Your Lord knows best what is in your inner selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance.
“And give to the kinsman his due and to Miskin (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift.
Verily, the spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatin (devils) and the Shaitan (Devil-Satan)is ever ungrateful to his Lord.”
” And even if you (O Muhammad, peace be upon him) turn away from them (kindred, poor, wayfarer, whom We have ordered you to give their rights, but if you have no money at the time they ask for it) and you are awaiting mercy from you, Lord for which you hope, then, speak unto them a soft, kind word ( i.e. Allah will give me and I shall give you). (17: 23-28) ”
Surat al-Isra’ was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Makkah after his Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem. In this surah, Allah mentions some basic commitments of Muslims. Without fulfilling these commitments no individual or group can succeed. Muslims have to live by these values and should invite humanity to these principles. These principles are not limited to one race, tribe or group; they are universal in their scope and application. These are also called the Hikmah or the teachings of wisdom. It is wise for everyone to follow them. If followed properly they are capable of increasing the goodness and wisdom of all people.
These principles are:
1. To worship Allah alone: This means to recognize Allah as the ultimate reality and to recognize Allah as the Lord, to worship Him with all sincerity, and to submit to Him in every aspect of life. A Muslim’s life is nothing but a total commitment to Allah. We are not only monotheists (people of Tawhid) but we are also theocentric people. Allah is the center of our life and He is our total and ultimate concern.
Faith In Religion
When Ali bin Abu Talib RA was asked about Faith in Religion, he replied that the structure of faith is supported by four pillars: endurance, conviction, justice, and jihad.
Endurance is composed of four attributes: eagerness, fear, piety, and anticipation (of death). so whoever is eager for Paradise will ignore temptations; whoever fears the fire of Hell will abstain from sins; whoever practices piety will easily bear the difficulties of life and whoever anticipates death will hasten towards good deeds.
Conviction has also four aspects to guard oneself against infatuations of sin; to search for an explanation of truth through knowledge; to gain lessons from instructive things and to follow the precedent of the past people, because whoever wants to guard himself against vices and sins will have to search for the true causes of infatuation and the true ways of combating them out and to find those true ways one has to search them with the help of knowledge, whoever gets fully acquainted with various branches of knowledge will take lessons from life and whoever tries to take lessons from life is actually engaged in the study of the causes of rising and fall of previous civilizations.
Justice also has four aspects depth of understanding, the profoundness of knowledge, fairness of judgment, and dearness of mind; because whoever tries his best to under- stand a problem will have to study it, and whoever has the practice of studying the subject is to deal with, will develop a clear mind and will always come to correct decisions, whoever tries to achieve all this will have to develop ample patience and forbearance and whoever does this has done justice to the cause of religion and has led a life of good repute and fame.
Jihad is divided into four branches: to persuade people to be obedient to Allah; to prohibit them from sin and vice; to struggle (in the cause of Allah) sincerely and firmly on all occasions and to detest the vicious. Whoever persuades people to obey the orders of Allah provides strength to the believers; whoever dissuades them from vices and sins humiliates the unbelievers; whoever struggles on all occasions discharges all his obligations and whoever detests the vicious only for the sake of Allah, then Allah will take revenge on his enemies and will be pleased with Him on the Day of Judgment.
[Nahj ul Balagha]