Social Justice Foundations in Islam

Islam establishes social justice—whose general nature we have already outlined—on firm foundations and specifies definite means to achieve its aims. It does not leave the matter as a vague concept or a mere general call. By its very nature, Islam is a religion of implementation and practical action in real life, not merely a religion of abstract preaching and guidance in the realm of ideals.

Islam’s Comprehensive Vision

We have already seen that Islam holds a fundamental conception of divinity, the universe, life, and the human being. We also understand that the foundation of social justice in Islam is influenced by this fundamental conception and is part of its overall framework. Islam’s view of human life makes social justice a comprehensive human justice that embraces all components of human life. It does not stop at material or economic aspects alone, for values in this life are both material and spiritual at the same time, inseparable in their united nature.

Humanity, in Islam’s perspective, is a cooperative and harmonious whole, not a set of conflicting or antagonistic groups.

Reality in the Islamic Perspective

At times, reality may seem to contradict this foundational Islamic idea. But first, we must understand: what does Islam regard as “reality”?

The reality that Islam recognizes is not the reality of a single individual, nor of a single nation, nor of a single generation. That is only the small, limited, temporary reality which is perceived by finite human minds when they confine their vision and fail to look toward the greater, more comprehensive reality of humanity’s long existence and the life of the whole universe.

Islam, however, looks toward all horizons, considers all interests, and aims to achieve an end that encompasses all of humanity—from the beginning to the end.

Thus, what may appear to be a conflict within a limited, short-term reality may not appear so when we look to the comprehensive reality—the reality of all humankind, not merely that of an individual, a nation, or a generation.

The Far-Reaching View of Social Justice

This long-range, universal outlook on social justice explains many of the systems in Islam, which cannot be fully understood if viewed in isolation or only from the standpoint of the individual, a single group, a single nation, or a single generation.

It is this vision that clarifies for us the system of private ownership, the inheritance system, the zakat system, the system of governance, and the system of transactions—and all other systems in Islam that address individuals, groups, nations, and generations alike.

Scope of the Discussion

Here, we will not discuss all of these systems in detail. We will limit ourselves to the general principles upon which Islam builds social justice—within the bounds of its comprehensive vision.

We will see that Islam looks at the unity of soul and body within the individual, at the unity of moral and material aspects in life, at the unity of purpose between the individual and the community, at the unity of interest between different groups in the same nation, at the unity of aim between nations of humanity, and at the unity of connection between successive generations despite their differing short-term interests.

The Three Foundations of Social Justice in Islam

1.     Absolute freedom of conscience

2.    Complete Equality of all men

3.    firm mutual responsibility of society

Read Also:

• The One Hundred Concepts Related to the Islamic Project
•  Islamic Globalization: A Civilization of Dialogue and Persuasion

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- Book “Social Justice in Islam” by Sayyid Qutb