Prophet Muhammad and Justice

The essence of justice is the recognition that all

humans are equal.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was able to establish a model society based in Madinah, on the firm foundation of universally-recognized moral principles. Among these principles, equality and justice were given supreme importance; and this is evident in the life and practice of the Prophet. The Constitution of Madinah which the Prophet drew up with the multi-religious community of Madinah, soon after his arrival there, remains a shining model for communities that strive for social justice to this day.

This document guaranteed the freedom of worship to all religious communities. And the spirit evidenced there shone into the hearts of all the followers of the Prophet. That is the spirit of equity, tolerance and understanding.
This was quite in keeping with the verse in the Noble Quran that say that He has made people into nations and tribes so that they can know and deal with each other in an equal temper of kindness and generosity:
[O humankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know and deal with each other in kindness (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God (is he who is) the most righteous of you, and God is Knower, Aware.] (Al-Hujurat 49:13)
The above verse emphasizes the point that in Islam there is no place for intolerance, prejudice and bigotry, based on color, race, nationality or any of such considerations. This all-encompassing tolerance of Islam applied to all aspects of the Prophet's life, and to the diverse aspects of the life and affairs of his followers.
The Prophet came to Madinah after a period of thirteen years of preaching Islam to the Quraish. Here he found many who were ready to receive him and help him in his mission. At that time, the city of Madinah and its surrounding area were home to many Jewish and Arabian tribes. There were also people of various racial and national origins including Romans, Persians and Ethiopians.
Taking into consideration the hopes and aspirations of this community of multi-ethnic, multi-religious background, Prophet Muhammad drew up the basic principles of a pluralistic constitution. The new constitution helped the strengthening of the unity and brotherhood between the emigrants from Makkah and their helpers in Madinah. And more, it established the rights and equality of every citizen, irrespective of their religious orientation, before the law, as well as freedom of religion, trade, and speech.

The Prophet insisted that the lack of tolerance towards the non-Muslims, under Islamic rule, is a grave offense. The Constitution of Madinah was a magnificent historical document, authored and dictated by Prophet Muhammad. This document secured and promoted cooperation and fraternity among all people of any creed, color, ethnicity, and lineage. And it setdown the criterion of righteousness as the basis of distinction.

The Prophet used to visit the sick people among the Muslims, as well as non-Muslims; and when on one occasion the funeral procession of a Jew passed before him, he stood up as a sign of respect for the deceased. He was asked "Why did you stand up for a Jewish funeral?" He replied: "Is it not a human soul?"
In this age of double standards and deceitful treaties that tarnish interpersonal and international relations, the following statement of the Prophet may sound other-worldly to the "civilized world":
"Let it be known, if any one (Muslim) commits injustice, insults, aggravates, mistreats, or abuses a person of the People of the Book (protected, by the state or an agreement), he will have to answer me (for his immoral action) on the Day of Judgment." (Abu-Dawud)
In other words, the Prophet insisted that the lack of tolerance towards the non-Muslims, under Islamic rule, is a grave offense.
The Prophet started preaching Islam in Makkah as one man in the midst of all those polytheists. How could Arabia become almost completely Muslim, if his policy had been one of blind intolerance? He was not a king or a ruler; but eventually the people accepted him as the unquestioned Ruler of Arabia; and every letter of the Book of God he gave them, became law.
The Prophet's approach to the Jews, the Christians, and the Zoroastrians was one of kindness and consideration. The Charter which the Prophet granted to the Christian monks of Sinai is still extant. It is a testimony of his respect for them. The Prophet was never aggressive to any particular man or class of men; he never made war on any people on the ground of belief, but only on the ground of conduct.
Rules of conduct as to how a Muslim should treat his or her spouse, parents, neighbors, friends, and enemies, that are clearly laid out in the Noble Quran, are exemplified in the life and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Even in the matter of inviting people to the Islamic faith, the Prophet was always wise, sensitive, humble and considerate. The principle that guided him in this matter was particularly what the Quran teaches in this verse:
[Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and discuss with them in ways that are best and most gracious.] (An-Nahl 16:25)
The Prophet's acceptance of the Jews and Christians (People of the Book) as authentic religious communities was in accordance with this command of Allah the Almighty in the Noble Quran:
[And dispute not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong and injury.] (Al-`Ankabut 29:46)
The Prophet was careful in taking all measures to avoid dispute, anger, or other negative feelings between him and others. In fact the essence of the Quranic view was: "Here is a Prophet living in your midst exemplifying the truth of all the earlier scriptures. This book and this Prophet came to confirm the truth of all the revelations before them or the truth of all revealed religions."
The Prophet taught that the term kafir (non-believer) was not to be applied to anyone who said "salam" (peace) to the Muslims. From the point of view of the Quran, the kafirun (non-believers) are the conscious rejecters of truth in any race or community.
[O you who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.] (Al-Ma'idah 5: Cool

Islam is strongly opposed to all forms of injustice. And the Prophet took all measures to ensure that justice prevailed in every dealing he had undertaken with people.
Indeed, Islam teaches that the Quran was not just revealed for Muslims, but for all people, including Jews and Christians. Prophet Muhammad was in the line of previous prophets of God, including Prophets Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all).
And the essence of justice is the recognition that all humans are equal. Once we accept the principle of human equality, then we need to reject all racism, jingoism, and ethnocentrism. This is something some people find difficult to accept; but that is the one remedy leading us towards justice and peace.
The Prophet has taught:
"He is not a believer who eats his fill when his neighbor beside him is hungry"; and: "He does not believe whose neighbors are not safe from his injurious conduct."
That is to say, the essence of lasting peace is the recognition of the brotherhood of all humans irrespective of color, language, nationality, and so on.
In this age of "apartheid" and "racial profiling", Prophet Muhammad's teaching of human brotherhood and justice based on human equality, shows the way like a brilliant star.

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