Redressing Wrong with Justice

By Ayyan Qayyum, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

“Allah will not destroy a people for wrongdoing if amongst them are people that are trying to rectify” (Surah Hud 117). “Repel [evil] by that which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend” (Surah Fussilat 34).

Something that we have to recognize about society in the Western world is that people are frightened. People are frightened of us, but rather it is human nature to be scared of the unknown. Muslims in other countries are just as scared as the people living in the West because they are uneducated in their ways. But it seems that they are not only afraid of Muslims because they are uneducated in our religion, but because they believe the propaganda about our religion that leads them to believe it is based on hatred and the spread of terrorism. Whenever we, as Muslims encounter something like that, we have a responsibility to correct and enlighten them in a respectful manner so as not to further their misunderstandings.

When events such as the attack in San Bernardino five years ago take place, people start to panic and doubt our religion as a whole. The man associated in the attack did not seem to be radical, even to the Muslims, yet he seemed to go ballistic. This made the western world extremely suspicious of the intentions of Muslims who follow a religion that is based solely on peace and spreading kindness. “Maybe he seems normal but look at that guy wearing a sirwal…” My own family got worried about me wearing a thobe during prayer. Fear is everywhere. The world is afraid of the unknown, and unfortunately the unknown is Islam and its intentions. We have to recognize that this fear exists in many hearts and to be aware of the age we’re living in.

It is a shame, but nowadays events have the power to taint the reputation of a particular minority and create stereotypes that are untrue of the rest of that group. This created hatred can get so serious, that people similar to the looks, religion, or culture of the tainted group are sometimes made to fear for their life although the deed may have been done what seems like an eternity ago. We see this today with the way African Americans are treated today, the way Mexicans-Americans are treated, the way Muslims are treated, the way Asian-Americans are treated… “Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better” (Surah Fussilat 34). Don’t return a wrong with another wrong. You can redress wrong with justice. People forget these ayat of the Quran.

If you want to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), reach out to your enemies. He used to even sit with them.

When his wife’s mother came to Medina, she wouldn’t sit with her daughter because she was a hypocrite and a disbeliever (mushrik). When the verse was revealed, “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion” (Al-Mumtahanah: 8), Allah said to bring her in. Treat her well. This is our religion. ‘Then the one you had animosity towards is suddenly your best friend.’ The people that hate Islam the most become the best supporters of Islam, according to the Prophet (ﷺ).

It’s important to know that this type of thinking isn’t limited to just Islam and Muslims. Justice, in as much as it can be served, will be served. Whether it’ll be in this world or in the next is up to Allah (SWT), but this is the best way to redress past wrongs with justice. Don’t do anything which will cause them to enforce their stereotypical views of Islam because it will do more harm than good. If something cannot be resolved peacefully and respectfully, it may be best to stay quiet, the Prophet (ﷺ) said.

May Allah (SWT) give all the Muslims the strength to stay steadfast in their religion despite any opposition they may receive. May Allah (SWT) help all Muslims to represent their religion properly and to openly practice the religion without shame. May Allah (SWT) help us to spread the beauty of Islam to the world.

Sources:

FreeQuranEducation. “Redressing Wrong with Justice.” YouTube, uploaded by FreeQuranEducation, 30 May 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT7TpTg10EY.