“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.” [Quran, 4:135]
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.” [Quran, 4:135]
In an increasingly polarized world, it can sometimes feel the easy way out to remain neutral, to remain ‘outside’ of the debate in order to stay safe and guarded in a dangerous world. After all, if one is personally not attacked or oppressed, why risk anything or everything for those who are being attacked?
This kind of mentality, of fending off world issues in order to keep oneself safe and secure, however, will only harm us more in the end.
There is a reason why Islam places a duty on Muslims, no matter the odds, to stand up to injustice and to stand with the oppressed. There is a reason why we should not be neutral in the face of conflict, oppression, and injustice. And there is a reason why, as Muslims, we must consistently stand firm in our belief that we must actively pursue, protect, and enable justice in our world today.
Putting aside hadith, sunnah, and examples from our Islamic history, let us look towards the Holy Quran for why, as representatives of Allah’s justice and mercy here on earth, we must stand firm against oppression as Muslims:
1. Believers are tasked with upholding justice
“O you who believe, be upright for God, and be bearers of witness with justice!” [Quran, 5:8]
Being a believing Muslim is not a passive act – it means actively upholding and protecting values such as justice and equality.
2. Justice is a divine command
“God commands justice and fair dealing…” [Quran, 16:90]
In this verse, Allah directly commands Muslims to be just and deal fairly – as believers, we must consistently be aware that these values are an integral part of our faith.
3. Justice is a tool to maintain balance
“And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance. That you not transgress the balance. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.” [Quran, 55:7-9]
As with everything in the world, we must ensure we do not let evil injustices become more powerful than goodness – we must, at all costs, protect and support those who are oppressed or wronged in the pursuit of justice.
4. We must stand up for what is right even when it is hard
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.” [Quran, 4:135]
Allah reminds us that even if it be against our own parents, we must stand firm in establishing and believing in justice – it might be incredibly difficult, but it remains a duty upon us all.
5. Allah sees and hears all
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.” [Quran, 4:58]
At the end of the day, we must remember that everything we do here on earth should be for Allah – so when we fight for justice and protect the oppressed, remember that this is one way of showing our faith and devotion towards Allah.
