Women, Justice, and Power: Lessons from Nahjul Balagha

Imam Ali’s declaration, “Justice is the foundation on which the world rests,” (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 216) speaks volumes. Justice, as he saw it, was not confined to legalities. It is the pillar upon which societal balance is built, permeating all aspects of life—economic, social, and political.

Imam Ali urges us to understand that without justice, there can be no peace, no dignity, and no true progress. Economic growth that ignores the needs of the vulnerable is not real development; it’s exploitation. Policies that promote social justice—such as progressive taxation, affirmative action, and universal social security—are not just policy preferences. They are moral imperatives.

This article explores the profound teachings of Imam Ali from Nahjul Balagha on justice, focusing on their relevance to contemporary issues of gender justice and women’s rights. It delves into Imam Ali’s conception of justice as a societal foundation, emphasising the moral imperative to protect and uplift the vulnerable, particularly women.

By examining modern inequalities such as the wage gap, job discrimination, and violence against women, the article highlights the need for policies and cultural shifts that align with Imam Ali’s call for fairness, equality, and empowerment.

Today, the stark inequalities that Imam Ali cautioned against remain painfully visible. The marginalisation of the vulnerable, women, and the economically disadvantaged continues, their rights often overlooked. Any society that prides itself on development cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this discrimination.

Imam Ali’s guidance requires governments, community leaders, and all those with influence to rise to the challenge. Laws must be enacted and enforced, labor rights protected, and equal access to essential services such as healthcare and education must be guaranteed. A society that neglects the vulnerable, Imam Ali reminds us, is a society built on injustice.

His teachings resonate deeply in today’s fight for gender justice. Imam Ali’s wisdom carries a message that reverberates powerfully: “Fear Allah in matters concerning orphans and women, and be mindful of the rights of those who are weaker than you” (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 47).

These are not merely moral suggestions; they are mandates. Those in positions of power bear an ethical responsibility to protect and uplift the vulnerable. This is not a passive avoidance of harm but an active demand for justice, especially for women, whose rights have been historically denied.

The specific injustices faced by women are a glaring reminder of how far society is from achieving justice. The wage gap, job discrimination, and daily violence women endure are stark indicators of this reality. Imam Ali’s teachings, with their unwavering call for justice, demand that we confront and challenge these inequities.

His statement—“Do not be among those who help the oppressor or the oppressor; resist oppression, for it is the greatest form of injustice” (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 192)—is a powerful reminder that discrimination is not merely a social ill but an act of oppression requiring our resistance. Women’s struggles are not marginal issues; they lie at the heart of societal injustice.

Consider the modern labor market, where women are systematically paid less, pushed into lower-paying jobs, and forced to take on the burden of unpaid labor. Imam Ali’s conception of justice compels us to address this. Policies ensuring equal pay, providing paid parental leave, and opening leadership opportunities for women are not just economic fixes; they are revolutionary shifts toward justice. Anything less is a betrayal of the principle Imam Ali fiercely championed.

His statement that “Injustice, even when it is small, destroys society; justice, even when it is small, strengthens it” (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 214) encapsulates the power of small acts of justice to transform society. Each time we empower a woman and dismantle a barrier, we are fortifying the foundation of justice upon which society rests.

Cultural and social systems that silence women’s voices and restrict their freedom are equally culpable. Justice in the social realm means breaking down these norms and creating a society where women’s contributions are valued equally with men’s, where they have the same opportunities to shape their futures.

Imam Ali’s statement, “They are like flowers, not servants. Treat them gently and be kind to them” (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 31), pushes against every cultural narrative that relegates women to secondary roles. It’s not enough to protect women from violence or exploitation; we must also create conditions in which women are fully empowered to lead, contribute, and shape society. 

Justice, in its truest sense, is not merely about preventing harm but fostering empowerment. Women, when educated and empowered, become moral guides, shaping future generations. This is why it is critical to invest in women’s education, remove the barriers that hold them back, and create spaces where they can thrive.

Empowering women, as Imam Ali taught, is not just a matter of justice but a societal necessity. Women play a crucial role in shaping the moral compass of society. Imam Ali recognised this, calling for a society that values women not as servants but as central figures in the moral and ethical development of the community. 

He also says that, “The best wealth is knowledge, and the best dignity is kindness” (Nahjul Balagha, Saying 145). In practical terms, this means policies that prioritise equal access to education, address gender-based violence and discrimination, and ensure women can fully participate in the workforce and leadership roles.

Social justice demands that we build systems that allow women to flourish, and by doing so, we strengthen society as a whole. Imam Ali’s teachings on justice serve as a blueprint for this: small acts of justice, especially for women, ripple through society, fortifying its very foundations.

As we reflect on these teachings, it becomes clear that justice and the respect for women are intertwined. Imam Ali’s insistence on kindness and equality offers a roadmap to a better, more just world. His words remind us that the foundation of a righteous society is built on the empowerment of the marginalised and the protection of the vulnerable.

If we are serious about building such a society, we must heed his call to justice. We must dismantle the structures of oppression that continue to hold women back and work toward a world where every person, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect.

In conclusion, Imam Ali’s timeless wisdom holds profound relevance in today’s world. His call to uplift and protect the marginalised, particularly women, echoes through history and challenges us to act.

To build a just and equitable society, we must not only avoid harm but actively work to empower those who have been left behind. Only then can we truly embody the justice that Imam Ali so powerfully advocated for.