Justice, Social: An Islamic Perspective

Social Justice in Islam

Etymology and Translations

In Arabic, social justice is translated as العدالة الاجتماعية (al-adālah al-ijtimaʿiyyah). In Turkish, it is referred to as sosyal adalet. The term “justice” itself, العدالة (al-adālah), holds deep roots in Islamic jurisprudence and theology.

Historical Context

19th Century:

In the nineteenth century, the concept of social justice within Muslim thought emerged from two significant interchangeable factors:

1. Prevailing Backward Social and Economic Conditions: These were often overlooked by the traditional ulama (Islamic scholars).
2. Western Domination: The colonial powers did not attempt to improve the adverse social conditions of the colonized populations. This was a period marked by severe poverty, indigence, and helplessness among Muslims, often exacerbated by the exploitative nature of colonial systems.

20th Century:

The concept of social justice gained sharper definition in the twentieth century, particularly as peasants migrated en masse from rural to urban areas. This migration highlighted severe social crises in Egyptian and broader Arab societies.

The Muslim Brotherhood:

Founded in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood arose from these endemic social disparities, advocating for a reformation based on Islamic principles to address social injustices.

Sayyid Qutb’s Contributions:

In his seminal work, “Social Justice in Islam”, Sayyid Qutb outlined key principles for achieving social justice:

1. Absolute Freedom of Conscience: Respecting individual beliefs and protecting the right to personal faith.
2. Complete Equality of All People: Promoting equal treatment regardless of race, status, or nationality.
3. Mutual Responsibility of Society: Emphasizing society’s collective responsibility to care for its members.

According to Qutb, these principles stressed that justice extends beyond individual interests to societal welfare. Islam actively opposes monopolies, usury, corruption, wastefulness, and excessive luxury, advocating for an equitable distribution of resources.

Key Themes

• Charity (Sadaqah/Zakat): Islamic law mandates charitable acts to redistribute wealth and alleviate poverty.
• Economic Regulations: Prohibitions on usury (riba) and monopolistic practices illustrate Islam’s stance against economic exploitation.
• Legal-Cum-Moral Ethos: The principles of Shariah law aim to balance legal rulings with ethical considerations to foster a just society.

Suggested Readings

1. Qutb, Sayyid. “Social Justice in Islam”. An in-depth exploration of Qutb’s views on social justice from an Islamic perspective.
2. Lewis, Bernard. “What Went Wrong?” Analyzes socioeconomic factors relevant to Islamic and Middle Eastern history.
3. Weiss, Bernard G. “The Spirit of Islamic Law”. Offers an exploration of legal principles in the context of social justice.
4. Esposito, John L. “The Oxford History of Islam”. Provides broader historical context.

Takeaways

• Social justice in Islam is rooted in historical socio-economic conditions and becomes significant amid crises exacerbated by external domination and internal migrations.
• Core principles espoused by Islamic thinkers emphasize freedom, equality, and communal responsibility.
• Islam’s ethical and legal systems collectively challenge economic injustices such as monopolies, usury, and corruption.

Conclusion

The Islamic perspective on social justice offers a robust framework for addressing socio-economic disparities. It underscores the synthesis of legal provisions and moral imperatives aimed at fostering an equitable society, resonating significantly across different historical periods.

For further understanding of the depth and nuances of social justice in Islam, the suggested readings provide comprehensive insights into historical, legal, and philosophical dimensions of the subject.