The Holy Quran, as an unparalleled source of divine guidance, presents principles and values that establish the foundations of a just and balanced life in individual, social, and spiritual dimensions. Among these, the concept of Istifa (the full implementation of justice) and the Scales of Justice (Mawazin al-Qist) hold a distinguished status. These concepts, rooted in the luminous verses of the Holy Quran, are regarded not only as doctrinal principles but also as guidelines for organising worldly and otherworldly life. This treatise, relying on Quranic verses and profound analyses, examines these two notions from philosophical, psychological, social, and economic perspectives. Its purpose is to provide practical solutions for the realisation of justice in the Islamic society, while preserving the spiritual essence and divine message of the verses.
Istifa, meaning the complete and precise execution of the right of every individual, is introduced in the Holy Quran as one of the fundamental principles of divine justice. This concept, manifested in numerous verses, emphasises the divine guarantee for the preservation of the rights of all beings from the moment of creation until the Day of Resurrection. Istifa, like a light that dispels the darkness of oppression, ensures that no right is violated within the cosmic order.
And We set the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so that no soul will be treated unjustly in the least; and if there is the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And sufficient are We as Reckoners.
This verse from Surah Al-Anbiya, like a blazing torch, introduces the principle of Istifa as a divine guarantee for the full implementation of justice. The Scales of Justice are balances that measure with unparalleled precision the rights of every individual from the beginning to the end of life, both in this world and in the hereafter. In this world, Istifa is realised relatively and gradually, but on the Day of Resurrection, this justice is executed completely and instantaneously. This principle manifests divine order in the universe like a clear stream, ensuring that no deed, even as light as a mustard seed, remains concealed from divine reckoning.
From a philosophical standpoint, Istifa represents an intrinsic order embedded within the nature of creation. This order, like an invisible thread, connects all parts of existence and prevents any form of injustice. Psychologically, the belief in Istifa acts as a balm for the wounds of the soul, bestowing tranquillity and assurance while alleviating stress and greed caused by feelings of oppression. Socially, the Islamic community is obliged to promote this belief, preventing chaos and violation of rights so that justice may flourish like a fruitful garden.
The Scales of Justice and the fulfilment of rights, as fundamental principles in the Holy Quran, provide guidance for establishing a just and balanced society. These principles, emphasising precise implementation of justice, not only manifest divine order but also bring about psychological and social serenity.
Belief in Istifa, like a shield against spiritual storms, protects the individual from anxiety and unrest. Rooted in Quranic verses, this conviction reassures the believer that no right within the divine system will be lost.
Today, no soul shall be wronged in the least, nor will you be recompensed except for what you used to do.
This verse from Surah Yaseen clearly emphasises the execution of divine justice on the Day of Resurrection. Divine Istifa, like a wave cleansing all impurities, precisely accounts for every individual's deeds. Belief in this principle bestows psychological tranquillity because the believer knows that their rights, both in this world and the hereafter, will be restored to themselves or their progeny.
The tendency towards immediate fulfilment of rights in this world sometimes indicates weakness in faith. Such hastiness, akin to picking unripe fruit, can lead to unrest and stress. Religious remedies, such as night prayers (Nafila) and proper nutrition, act as a cool breeze aiding psychological calm.
Belief in Istifa, as one of the pillars of faith, not only reinforces psychological calm but also protects the individual from the temptations arising from impatience towards injustice. This principle offers guidance for a balanced and spiritual life.
Oppression in transactions, particularly shortchanging, is a clear example of violating Istifa. The Holy Quran, by warning those who shortchange, emphasises the necessity of justice in all dimensions of life.
Woe to those who give less [than due].
This verse from Surah Al-Mutaffifin condemns shortchanging with an assertive tone, regarding it as a manifestation of oppression. Istifa, like an accurate scale, guarantees the implementation of justice in all aspects of life, including economics. Islamic economics, founded on this principle, is distinct from hybrid systems like capitalism and socialism and stresses the prevention of economic oppression.
Religious knowledge is tasked with deriving and explaining an economic system based on Istifa. This system, like a robust tree, is rooted in Quranic verses and prevents the unjust accumulation of wealth.
Combating economic oppression through promoting the principle of Istifa is one of the main duties of the Islamic society. This principle, by emphasising justice in transactions, paves the way for the establishment of a just and balanced economy.
Islamic economics, relying on the principle of Istifa, prevents all forms of oppression in transactions. Usury, as a prominent example of economic oppression, is severely condemned in the Holy Quran.
O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal - [thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.
These verses from Surah Al-Baqarah explicitly condemn usury as an instance of oppression and introduce Istifa as the guarantor of justice in transactions. Islamic economics, like a pure stream, is free from any oppression and unjust wealth accumulation.
Socially, Istifa prevents unjust accumulation of wealth and creates a balanced and just society. Psychologically, belief in this principle protects humans from greed and covetousness in dealings and enhances mental tranquillity.
Islamic economics, principle of Istifa, provides guidance for creating a society free from economic oppression. This system condemns usury and stresses justice in transactions, offering an exalted model for economic life.
Religious knowledge, as the guardian of Quranic teachings, is responsible for deriving just systems from the Holy Quran and institutionalising them in society. This knowledge, like a bright torch, illuminates the path towards justice in all dimensions of life.
And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.
This verse from Surah Al-Anfal guarantees the complete fulfilment of every good deed in the cause of Allah. Religious knowledge must extract macro systems from the Quran, institutionalising Istifa in society, while avoiding excessive focus on minor details.
Excessive focus on minor issues in religious knowledge, like tending to branches instead of the roots of a tree, may hinder the realisation of broad just systems. Religious knowledge must create frameworks for institutionalising Istifa in society.
Religious knowledge, relying on Quranic verses, must extract and implement just systems in society. This process contributes to the realisation of Istifa and the creation of a just and balanced community.
Oppression, like a lethal poison, harms not only others but also leads its perpetrator to destruction. The Holy Quran, through numerous verses, emphasises the consequences of oppression and the necessity of avoiding it.
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