One of the great features of Islam is that it commands justice, meaning that we apply the same measures to people we like and to people we dislike. Justice in Islam can never be based on the social position of a person. In the Glorious Qur'an we find many explanations of the term justice and how it should be put into practice. As a matter of fact Allah has ordained justice on His Creations and it is the responsibility of every Muslim to implement justice wherever he can. “Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin.” (4:135) Meaning we need to be just, even if it is to the disadvantage of ourselves, our families or our friends. “O you who believe. Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety.” (5:8) Even if we do not like people and they don't like us, we need to be just and have to apply the laws ordained by Allah, regardless of the tribe, the name or the wealth of the people. If we need to give witness at court, at the scene of a car accident or in any other matter we have to be honest and just. “And whenever you give a word (give a testimony), say the truth even if a near relative is involved.” (6:152) What a revolutionary act it would be today in so many countries if in the justice system nothing but the truth would prevail and no attention would be given to the status, wealth, name or nationality of the concerned parties. But as we all know it was the way of life for our rightly guided ancestors, the companions of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), which was ordained on them by Allah Himself. The Caliph Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) found his shield, which he was missing, with a Christian man, and referred the matter of returning this shield to the Qadi Shurayh. Ali said, “It is my shield, I did not sell it or give it away.” Shurayh asked the Christian man, “What do you say about what ‘Ameer al-Mu'mineen' is saying?” The Christian said, “The shield is mine, but I would not say that ‘Ameer al-Mu'mineen' is lying.” Shurayh turned to Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and asked him, “O ‘Ameer al Mu'mineen' do you have any proof?” Ali answered, “I have no proof.” So Shurayh ruled that the shield belonged to the Christian, and he took it and walked away. But he had not gone more than a few steps before he came back and said, “I bear witness that this is the ruling of Prophets! The Caliph took me to his judge and he ruled against him! I bear witness that there is no God except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. The shield is yours, O Ameer al Mu'mineen. I was following the army when you were coming back from Siffeen and the shield fell from your camel.” Ali said, “As you have become a Muslim, it is yours,” and gave him a horse as well. This short episode, which may seem like a fairy tale in today's world, makes it absolutely clear what is meant by justice in Islam. “Surely, We have sent down to you the Book in truth, that you may judge between men by that which Allah has shown you, so be not be a pleader for the treacherous.” (4:105) During his reign as Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote a letter to his Qadi Abu Moosa Al-Ash'ari, advising him to treat people in a just manner when judging a matter between them. He said: “Treat the people equally with regard to the amount of attention you pay to them, the amount of time you sit with them and when you pass judgement between them, so that no nobleman will hope for your bias in his favor and no weak person will despair of your justice.” __
