Editorial

Fair Enough Is Not Fair Enough

At its essence, justice is objectively clear and absolute. However, its implementation in our lives and how we incorporate an interpretation of it in our laws leaves ample room for discussion.

Is justice, as practiced and dispensed in courtrooms, really for all? Whose brand of justice do we advocate? Does justice mean only to defend people’s individual rights based on the written laws that constitute the legal structure of a country? As one ponders these questions, one might find that the definition of justice needs a benevolent touch.

Justice has to be more about what we can add to the world for other people. There is nothing just or fair about securing only one’s own welfare, piling up riches, and letting others suffer, even if the laws of the land allow it. Defending those who can’t defend themselves when no law requires you to do so is justice. Helping others when you don’t have to is also justice by virtue of mercy, charity, and kindness being intrinsic parts of what makes justice a positive value rather than a neutral one in Islam. Summarily, justice is a concept broader than applying laws equally to everyone. It is not just about finding a neutral ground where one neither violates the rights of others nor has their own violated. To be just is more than being a law-abiding citizen; it is to be righteous, especially in the sight of Allah, and spread the mercy with which He begins all the surahs of the Qur’an, except one. It would only be fair and just for us to do so as the servants of the One Who is so vastly, incomprehensibly merciful.

The hadith, “Be merciful on the earth, and you will be shown mercy from Who is above the heavens,” confirms that mercy is expected of us and shows us that it isn’t a supplementary element of human nature, a magnanimous hand we may choose to extend if it suits our purposes. It is an essential part of justice. That Allah never reciprocates a deed or action with injustice is a testament to that. He either rewards good actions with an abundance of blessings far beyond what they warrant, or at the very least, ten times their worth. As for transgressions, He either forgives them, imposes a reduced penalty, or gives the exact, just punishment they call for. This is His merciful justice.

In contrast to Islam’s understanding of justice entwined with mercy, there are many places in the world where laws purportedly envision a system of equal rights and opportunities yet only heighten the dramatic effect summarized in the famous expression, “some people are more equal than others.” Consequently, this creates a social evolution model that favors an “every-man-for-himself” understanding. The day we, as humanity, realize that survival of the fittest is no more important or worthy than the survival of the weakest is the day we achieve a vital aspect of true justice as intended by our Creator.

I hope to see you in the January issue inshallah.

M. Galip Dönmez