The Holy Quran, like a pristine and boundless spring, has bestowed divine knowledge upon humanity across the realms of commandments, ethics, and social systematisation. Among these, the foundational concepts of judgment, justice, equity, and jurisprudence stand as robust pillars forming the framework of the Islamic economic system. These concepts serve not only in the realm of theory but also in the practical domain and execution, guiding a society that strides towards justice and equilibrium. In this treatise, through profound contemplation of the verses of the Holy Quran and analyses derived therefrom, these concepts are examined to elucidate their roles in Islamic systematisation and the realisation of a dynamic and just society. This work, drawing on divine verses and reflecting on their meanings, endeavours to pave a novel path towards a deeper and more practical understanding of Islamic rulings.
Divine judgment, like a steadfast cornerstone, constitutes the foundation of the system of Islamic rulings. This judgment, due to its connection with the Most Holy Divine Essence, possesses unparalleled solidity, allowing no pursuit, delay, or breach. The Holy Quran beautifully articulates this characteristic:
And Allah judges; there is no one to reverse His judgment. (Ar-Rad: 41)
This verse signifies the firmness and finality of Divine judgment, which prevails not only in apparent matters but also in the unseen and on the Day of Resurrection. As stated in Surah Yunus:
That He may judge between you on the Day of Resurrection. (Yunus: 93)
Divine judgment, like a deeply rooted tree, is free from any defect or weakness. However, this firmness attains perfection only when accompanied by truthfulness. Pre-Islamic rulings, though they may appear robust, are nullified due to their lack of legitimacy. The Holy Quran explicitly declares:
Are they seeking the judgment of the Days of Ignorance? (Al-Maidah: 50)
This verse warns those who pursue rulings devoid of the foundation of truthfulness. Divine judgment becomes effective only when accompanied by justice and equity; otherwise, it results in compounded ignorance.
Divine judgment, like a steadfast foundation, forms the cornerstone of the system of Islamic rulings. This judgment, with its firmness and finality, is protected from any violation or reversal. Nevertheless, for the judgment to achieve full effectiveness, it must be accompanied by truthfulness and justice, thereby safeguarding against falling into compounded ignorance and invalid pre-Islamic rulings.
Justice, like a precise scale, brings balance to the rulings. The Holy Quran introduces justice as a divine command and the nearest path to piety:
Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. (Al-Maidah: 8)
Justice is essential not only in adjudication among people but also in all aspects of life, including the drafting of contracts and transactions:
And let a scribe write between you with justice. (Al-Baqarah: 282)
Justice, like a clear flowing stream, preserves rulings from any distortion and guides them towards implementation.
Equity, like a ripe fruit borne on the branches of judgment and justice, manifests the practical execution of rulings within society. The Holy Quran introduces equity as the ultimate objective of divine rulings:
That is more just with Allah. (Al-Baqarah: 282)
Equity guarantees the implementation of rulings and directs society towards practical justice. As the Quran states:
So act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. (Al-Hujurat: 9)
Equity functions as a bridge transferring rulings from the realm of theory to the field of practice, leading society from mere imagination towards objective realities.
Justice and equity are indispensable complements of Divine judgment. Justice, by establishing balance, preserves rulings from distortion, and equity, by implementing them, guides society towards practical justice. Without these two, Islamic rulings remain ineffective and succumb to fanciful conjecture.
Jurisprudence, like a precious gateway in the shell of Divine speech, entails not merely understanding the literal and semantic content but also grasping the intention of the Master (God, the Prophet, and the Infallibles). The Holy Quran explicitly clarifies this distinction:
They hardly comprehend any discourse. (Al-Araf: 179)
This verse indicates that despite the disbelievers understanding of the Arabic language, they were incapable of grasping the intention of the Divine speech. Jurisprudence is the cognition of this intention rather than mere literal or semantic understanding. Unfortunately, religious knowledge in certain historical periods, due to excessive focus on words, has drifted away from the Masters intention and fallen into dryness and superficiality.
Islamic jurisprudence, like a wise gardener, aims to purify the inner self, preserve spiritual health, and prevent hardness of heart. This objective transcends mere material acquisition or external consumption. The Holy Quran places wisdom and knowledge side by side, emphasising their role in human preparation:
He teaches them the Book and wisdom. (Al-Baqarah: 129)
Jurisprudence, by emphasising lawful consumption and avoidance of the forbidden, prevents ferocity and hardness of heart. This perspective contrasts with the materialistic view that regards mere wealth acquisition as the goal, disregarding its spiritual consequences.
Jurisprudence, like an enlightening lamp, opens the path towards understanding the Masters intention. This comprehension goes beyond literal and semantic levels, resulting in the purification of the inner self and the health of society. Religious knowledge, when detached from this intention, succumbs to dryness and ineffectiveness.
Islamic religion, like a flowing river, must manifest in the domain of practice and execution. The Holy Quran presents the objective of the revelation of the Book and the balance as the establishment of equity:
Indeed, We sent Our Messengers with clear proofs and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance that the people may maintain justice. (Al-Hadid: 25)
This verse stresses the imperative of operationalising rulings. Rulings that remain in theory fall into fanciful thinking and fail to address societal issues.
Religious knowledge, if detached from execution, becomes like a fruitless treeineffective. Rulings must be designed so as to be executable. The Holy Quran emphasises this point:
And weigh with an even balance. (Ash-Shuara: 182)
This emphasis on executability demonstrates the necessity of linking theory and practice in the religious system.
Islam, by emphasising the establishment of equity, directs rulings towards implementation. Religious knowledge, when detached from execution, falls into fanciful thinking and becomes incapable of resolving societal issues.
Religious knowledge, like a wise engineer, must design rulings in three stages: judgment (preparation), justice (balance), and equity (execution). The Holy Quran clearly states this duty:
Indeed, Allah commands justice and the doing of good. (An-Nahl: 90)
Religious knowledge must update and attend to societal needs, designing rulings that are executable and effective.
Islamic rulings must be prioritised according to their executability. The Holy Quran endorses this principle:
And whatever the Messenger gives youtake it; and what he forbids yourefrain from it. (Al-Hashr: 7)
This prioritisation aligns with the principle that obligation is contingent upon capability. Rulings should be categorised into: executable, requiring preparation, and currently non-executable.
Religious knowledge, by designing rulings in the three stages of judgment, justice, and equity, and prioritising them according to their executability, can contribute to Islamic systematisation. Updating and addressing societal needs are primary responsibilities of religious knowledge.
The Holy Quran, like a radiant torch, illuminates the path towards Islamic systematisation. Divine judgment, with its unparalleled firmness, forms the foundation of rulings; yet without justice and equity, it cannot achieve efficacy. Jurisprudence, as the understanding of the Masters intention, transcends literal comprehension and leads to the purification of the inner self and societal health. Islam is an executable religion whose rulings must be implemented in society. Religious knowledge, through designing and prioritising rulings, can guide the Islamic system towards justice and balance. This work, reflecting on the verses of the Holy Quran, seeks to open a new path towards a dynamic and effective jurisprudence.
