Justice, Concepts of

Justice, Concepts of

Etymology and Translation

• Arabic: العدل (Al-Adl), القسط (Al-Qist), المعروف (Al-Maruf), الإحسان (Al-Ihsan)
• Turkish: Adalet, Hakkaniyet

Introduction

The concept of justice in Islamic tradition is robust and multifaceted, rooted in the fundamental teachings of the Qur’an. Two primary terms that encapsulate the notion of justice in Islamic parlance are “adl” (العدل) and “qist” (القسط). Additionally, the Qur’anic terms “maruf” (المعروف – the known, the good) and “ihsan” (الإحسان – doing good) further embed the ideals of justice in daily moral and ethical conduct.

Historical Context and Debates

In medieval Islamic jurisprudence and theology, the notions of justice were intensely debated. These discussions often centered around the sovereignty of God (Tawhid) and human free will versus God’s predestination.

• Divine Control and Human Responsibility: A major point of contention was whether God determines human actions fully or if humans exercise free will to act righteously or wickedly. Schools of thought diverged:
  • Qadariyya (Advocates of Human Free Will): This group asserted that individuals have full control over their actions and thus bear complete responsibility for them.
  • Jabariyya (Determinists): They maintained that God creates both potentialities and actions, arguing that people act upon the potentialities God has created.
  • Ashariyya (Intermediary View): While recognizing God’s omnipotence, they posited that God imbues humans with the capacity to exercise their own will within the divine framework.

These theological differences reflect profound inquiries into the nature of justice, accountability, and divine justice.

Conceptual Framework

Islamic scholars have underscored certain central characteristics reflective of justice:

• Reciprocal Relationships: Justice regulates the relationships among individuals and between humanity and God. These relationships are reciprocal and align with the principle of Mutual Benefit. This reciprocity ensures balance and fairness in societal duties and divine obligations.
• Contextual Justice: Islamic justice is not monolithic; it varies with context. The contextual approach suggests that justice should be perceptible through actions and enactments, adapting to diverse social settings rather than adhering to a static, abstract principle.

Philosophical Considerations

Islamic scholarship often grapples with two philosophical questions:

• Objective versus Revealed Justice: Can justice be understood objectively through reason, or must it be exclusively derived through revelation?
  • Some philosophers, such as Al-Farabi and Maimonides, have argued for an objective rational foundation for justice.
  • Contrarily, others aver that true justice must stem from divine revelation, as elucidated in the sacred texts, including the Qur’an and Hadith.

Recommended Further Reading

1. “Islamic Philosophy, Science, Culture, and Religion: Studies in Honor of Dimitri Gutas” - Cemil Aydin, Michael Bonner: This collection includes essays that delve into the philosophical and theological underpinnings of justice in Islamic thought.
2. “The Justice of God: A Fresh Look at the Old Doctrine of Justification by Faith” - James B. Coffey: A comparative study that explores theories of divine justice in both Islamic and Christian contexts.
3. “Islamic Law and Ethics: The Kitāb al-Adab by al-Māwardī” - Ibn Ali al-Mawardi: Demonstrates how justice forms an overarching ethical principle within Islamic legal theory.
4. “Moral Agents and Their Deserts: The Character of Mu’tazilite Ethics” - Michael E. Marmura: Examines the rational-ethical schools of Mu’tazilite thought concerning justice.

Takeaways and Conclusion

Justice in Islam encompasses various layers, from individual accountability and widespread social ethics to divine justice. The nuanced and diverse debates illustrate that in both medieval and contemporary Islamic thought, justice is not merely a static or simplistic concept, but one deeply intertwined with beliefs about morality, divine authority, and human freedom. As scholars continue to explore these rich themes, the quest for a fuller understanding of justice remains dynamic and evolving.