How does the Quran deepen our understanding of social justice?

The Holy Quran, as the divine word and a comprehensive guide for humanity, presents a profound, multifaceted, and foundational approach to the concept of social justice that extends far beyond mere wealth distribution. This sacred book introduces justice as a fundamental divine principle interwoven into the fabric of creation and all human relations. To deeply understand social justice in the light of the Quran, we must pay attention to its intellectual foundations, ethical principles, and practical injunctions, which not only address overt oppressions but also establish just structures for human coexistence. One of the most crucial foundations of social justice in the Quran is the concept of Tawhid, or the Oneness of God. This principle asserts that all human beings, regardless of race, color, language, wealth, or social status, are creations of one single Lord. Therefore, no one has inherent superiority over another except by piety and righteousness (taqwa). This perspective uproots any basis for inequality and discrimination, paving the way for the equality of human dignity and fundamental rights. When all humans are considered equal before God, this equality manifests in social interactions, and any oppression, exploitation, or humiliation of another becomes a transgression against the rights established by God for His servants. This comprehensive outlook liberates humanity from racial and class limitations, opening wider horizons for solidarity and cooperation. With this foundation, the Quran challenges mindsets that lead to unjust societal divisions and paves the way for the creation of a society based on mutual respect and equal rights. This monotheistic foundation not only grants justice a divine dimension but also transforms it into an act of worship that must be observed in every aspect of a believer's life—from the smallest individual interactions to the largest governmental decisions. This ensures that social justice is not merely an external obligation but an intrinsic value and an integral part of one's faith. The Quran introduces two central concepts, 'Adl' (Justice) and 'Ihsan' (Benevolence), as the main pillars of social justice. 'Adl' means placing everything in its rightful place and establishing absolute balance and fairness. This principle demands that in all matters, from individual judgments to overarching social laws, the standard of truth and fairness must be followed. The Quran explicitly commands that even if upholding justice goes against one's own interests, parents, or close relatives, justice must still be implemented. This command signifies the undeniable importance of justice in the Islamic intellectual framework. Verse 135 of Surah An-Nisa is a prime example of this emphasis, calling believers to stand firm for justice, even against themselves or the rich and the poor. This verse defines the standard of action solely as truth and justice, not personal gain or kinship. On the other hand, 'Ihsan' means doing good and acting beyond mere justice. Ihsan adds a layer of generosity, kindness, and compassion to justice, saving society from the rigidity of mere laws. While 'Adl' refers to the minimum requirements for a healthy society, 'Ihsan' moves towards perfection, greater brotherhood, and solidarity. The combination of these two forms a society that is not only free from oppression but also full of love and empathy, where individuals do good to one another for divine pleasure. These two principles are complementary; 'Adl' provides the foundation, and 'Ihsan' adorns it with ethical and human virtues, and this balance contributes to the greater dynamism and health of society. Economic justice is one of the most prominent dimensions of social justice in the Quran. Islam strongly opposes the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few and the widespread poverty it creates. The Quran has ordained mechanisms like Zakat and Sadaqah for the redistribution of wealth and support for vulnerable segments of society. Zakat, which is a mandatory divine right, is collected from the wealthy to be distributed among the poor, the needy, debtors, travelers, and other deserving individuals. This is not merely an act of charity but a legal and moral right for the needy, through which social disparities are reduced. Furthermore, Riba (usury) is strictly prohibited in the Quran because it diverts capital from productive activities, unjustly concentrates wealth in the hands of major capitalists, and further impoverishes the poor. The Quran likens businesses based on Riba to waging war against Allah and His Messenger. Additionally, the Quran emphasizes fairness in transactions, avoiding short-changing and fraud, and respecting the rights of laborers. The purpose of these injunctions is to create an economic system built on balance, cooperation, and solidarity, not on exploitation and greed. From the Quranic perspective, worldly wealth is a divine trust that must be used in the way of Allah and for the benefit of society, and hoarding wealth is condemned. By outlining these mechanisms, the Quran seeks to establish a system where wealth circulates within society and does not remain concentrated in the hands of a few, which is a significant step towards achieving social justice. The Quran specifically emphasizes the protection of vulnerable and oppressed groups in society. Orphans, the poor, widows, and travelers are among the groups whose well-being and benevolent treatment are repeatedly highlighted in the Quran. The importance of protecting the rights of orphans and preventing the usurpation of their property is stressed with utmost seriousness in numerous verses. Furthermore, proper treatment of parents, especially in old age, is presented as one of the most crucial manifestations of benevolence and familial justice. These teachings guide societies towards solidarity and mutual responsibility, ensuring that no individual is deprived of their basic rights due to weakness or inability. Another aspect of social justice in the Quran is the establishment of justice within the judicial and legal system. The Quran commands judges and arbitrators to rule according to truth and and justice, without any discrimination or compromise, when adjudicating. Testimony for the sake of Allah must be free from any bias, even if it goes against oneself or one's relatives. This emphasis on impartiality and truthfulness in judgment lays the foundation for a just legal system where every individual can expect their rights to be upheld. The Quran also refers to justice in international relations, encouraging Muslims to adhere to treaties and to deal fairly even with enemies, unless there is a clear breach of agreements. This comprehensive approach demonstrates that justice should prevail not only within the borders of a society but also on a global scale. Moreover, the Quran emphasizes individual and collective responsibility for 'Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahi anil Munkar' – enjoining good and forbidding evil. This principle transforms society into an active and responsible observer that does not remain silent in the face of oppression and corruption, but strives to establish justice. This is not merely an ethical duty but a social and religious obligation that allows every individual in an Islamic society to play a role in reforming and improving society. The society envisioned by the Quran is one where there is awareness and vigilance regarding rights and duties, and individuals are not indifferent to one another. This 'Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahi anil Munkar' has various dimensions, from verbal admonition and advice to confronting oppressive structures and striving to change them. This proactive approach ensures that social justice is not merely a slogan but becomes a tangible reality in people's daily lives. Through these teachings, the Quran elevates our understanding of social justice from a purely legal concept to a comprehensive and life-giving principle rooted in Tawhid, ethics, and responsibility, aiming to create a balanced, humane, and God-centered society where the dignity of all human beings is upheld and no one is deprived of their rights. This divine framework outlines a path to a more just and compassionate world, allowing every human being to play a role in its establishment.