The significance of justice in politics and government: A Qur'anic perspective

• Main Author: P. Rajanthiran, R. Sivaperegasam
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: JC Political theory
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/23072/1/ICSSR%202017%20114%20125.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/23072/

This paper revolves around the emphasis and practice of upholding justice (al-adalah) as an important characteristic of the state in Islam.The administration of justice should be impartial with no regard to one’s social status, financial assets, class, race, political affiliation or religious beliefs.The demand for providing justice at every level of society features very prominently in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.The believers (al-Mu’minin) as the Khalifah of Allah are required to discharge one’s responsibilities (amanah)in cognizance with the teachings of Islam. We live today in an unjust world order which has shattered humanity - which is a product of certain factors which over time have produced vicious cycles that constantly keep humanity in a state of turmoil.Hence, this paper attempts to discuss the role of government in the Muslim world – a government which feels strongly about the legitimacy of Qur’anic justice and endeavors to protect the dignity and welfare of its people. The role of government is emphasized because without political power, it will not be possible to put into place the values and principles of justice contained in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.A government which wants to implement true values and principles will create space in society for individuals and groups seeking to “enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong”. The ummah of today is confronted by a global Western system which is not only prejudiced towards Muslims but whose interests and orientations are inimical to Islamic notions of human dignity and social justice.The Muslim reaction towards such a phenomenon may in fact be a cry for justice. It is the world defined by the West which challenges Islam and Muslims today.