Justice and Fairness – The Cornerstone of Social Unity - (Part Two)

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 11 August 2025 Abstract: Justice and fairness are essential for unity and social harmony. Injustice erodes trust, deepens inequality, fuels crime, and weakens institutions. Without justice, cohesion, peace, and development collapse. Upholding justice at all levels—personal, societal, and governmental—is the only way to build a prosperous, stable, and morally strong society. Main Points: · Justice ensures unity, stability, and peace within every social structure. · Injustice destroys trust and harmony, leading to division and conflict. · Economic inequality grows where fairness and equal opportunity are absent. · Crime and violence thrive when rights and justice are denied. · Public trust collapses when institutions act with bias or corruption. · Fairness and equality strengthen society’s moral, economic, and political foundations. ----- The second major obstacle to unity, solidarity, and harmony in society is our justice system—that is, our inability to uphold the requirements of justice and fairness. When the matter concerns our own people, our attitude changes, but when the same issue involves others, our behaviour becomes completely different. Due to this lack of justice, tolerance in society disappears, and the atmosphere of unity and agreement is lost. We can see that one of the biggest causes of disunity in society today is the violation of justice. Those involved in this shameful practice are not just individuals but also governments, public institutions, and various social and community centres. Imagine: when justice is buried, how can an atmosphere of unity and harmony ever flourish? That is why it is important to highlight the value of justice and fairness, and to shed light on the damages caused by injustice, so that we can build a civilized and refined society. Justice is the cornerstone of any society. The survival of humanity, social harmony, the stability of the state, and the dignity and peace of the individual all depend on justice and fairness. Where justice exists, there will be peace, progress, prosperity, and contentment. Where injustice prevails, corruption, rebellion, hatred, and decline are inevitable. Justice means placing everything in its proper place, while fairness means giving every person their due right—whether they are rich or poor, friend or foe, close relative or stranger. The Qur’an and Sunnah repeatedly emphasize the importance and necessity of justice. Allah Almighty says: “O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives…” (Surah An-Nisa: 135) Islam commands truth and justice not only towards others but even against oneself, one’s family, and one’s own interests. In another place, Allah says: “Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah: 8) Islam Commands Justice Even With Enemies—Not Prejudice Or Revenge. Allah also says: “Indeed, Allah commands justice and excellence…” (Surah An-Nahl: 90) This verse is recited in the Friday sermon so that the message of justice always remains fresh in our minds. Another verse says: “…So that mankind may uphold justice.” (Surah Al-Hadid: 25) In Surah Ash-Shura, Allah clarifies: “…Call to that [faith] and remain steadfast as you are commanded, and do not follow their desires, and say: I believe in whatever Book Allah has sent down, and I have been commanded to do justice between you…” (Surah Ash-Shura: 15) Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to establish justice among people—whether they are believers or disbelievers. Allah further says: “And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a near relative…” (Surah Al-An’am: 152) In Islamic society, truth and justice are so foundational that even close family members cannot be favoured unjustly. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says: “…Make peace between them with justice, and be equitable; surely Allah loves those who act justly.” (Surah Al-Hujurat: 9) From these clear evidences, it is understood that justice is not only the responsibility of courts but a way of life that must be adopted at every level—individual, family, institutional, societal, and state. Justice is not merely a legal or judicial issue but a human, moral, and spiritual necessity. If we desire a peaceful, civilized, and developed society, we must uphold justice everywhere—in our homes, in our hearts, in our institutions, and in our governance. Justice not only allows truth to prevail but also grants nations greatness and gives individuals dignity. It is the light that shows the way in darkness. By contrast, when justice is destroyed in society, it completely wipes out the concept of unity and harmony. The social consequences of injustice are deeply discouraging and divisive. Injustice occurs when fairness, equality, and impartiality are absent from a society’s systems and relationships. When justice is abandoned in law, economy, education, or daily life, it weakens the foundation of social stability. A just society provides equal opportunities and fair treatment to all, but when that balance is lost, its effects spread like poison, eroding unity and peace. Weakening of Social Cohesion: When justice and fairness disappear, all the factors that strengthen unity lose their effect, leading to the weakening of social cohesion. Social cohesion means the bond and harmony that keep members of society connected, regardless of race, religion, language, or class. It is built on trust, mutual respect, justice, and shared goals. When these elements weaken, social cohesion declines. Causes include economic inequality, injustice, prejudice, narrow-mindedness, and unfair distribution of resources. As gaps grow between social classes, mistrust, resentment, and lack of cooperation emerge. Solving collective problems becomes harder, leading to conflict, instability, and slower development. Injustice divides society into privileged and deprived classes. The privileged monopolize rights and resources, while the deprived struggle for basic needs. This fuels mistrust and hostility, undermining unity. Increase in Poverty and Economic Inequality: A double standard in justice and the disrespect of the judicial system give rise to poverty and hardship, which in turn shatter social unity. Poverty is when a person or family lacks sufficient income and resources to meet basic needs like food, clean water, shelter, education, and healthcare. Economic inequality means the unfair distribution of income, wealth, and opportunities, widening the gap between classes. When economic resources are concentrated in a few hands, the wealthy become richer, while the poor remain trapped in poverty. This impacts not just finances but also access to education, healthcare, jobs, and social influence. As a result, a rigid class system emerges with very limited opportunities for upward mobility. This fuels frustration, crime, unrest, and political instability, and erodes unity and peace. Growth of Crime and Violence: In an unjust society, those who are denied their rights or opportunities often turn to unlawful means. Favouritism by law enforcement and courts fuels anger and rebellion, sometimes turning into violence. Crime refers to illegal or immoral acts, such as fraud, murder, corruption, and drug trafficking. Violence involves the use of force to cause physical, mental, or emotional harm. When crime and violence rise, people live in fear, trust disappears, and economic and educational activities suffer. Causes include poverty, unemployment, inequality, lack of education, drug abuse, weak law enforcement, and family breakdown. Unchecked, these lead to social unrest, economic losses, and long-term psychological trauma for victims. Combating them requires strong laws, fair enforcement, quality education, job creation, and moral awareness. Loss of Trust in Institutions: One of the greatest harms of injustice is the loss of public trust in institutions created to protect and serve society. This happens when people feel institutions—courts, legislatures, police, educational bodies, media, financial institutions, or religious organizations—are corrupt, biased, or self-serving. Corruption involves the misuse of power for personal or political gain, while nepotism means favouring relatives or friends over merit. Both weaken transparency, competence, and public trust. Political bias in institutions means they support certain parties or leaders rather than remaining neutral. This distorts policies, damages credibility, and erodes democracy. The solution lies in strong constitutional safeguards, independent courts, effective accountability, and complete institutional neutrality. Obstruction of Social Development: Social development stalls when capable people are denied opportunities due to prejudice or favouritism. This wastes talent, slows progress, and traps society in stagnation. Psychological and Moral Damage: Injustice damages not only society’s structure but also the mental and moral health of individuals. Victims of injustice suffer from hopelessness, stress, and lack of confidence, while oppressors lose empathy and moral sensitivity. Psychological harm includes anxiety, depression, and mistrust. Moral harm arises when values like truth, honesty, fairness, and tolerance weaken, replaced by selfishness and corruption. Injustice is like a poison that slowly eats away the social, economic, and moral pillars of society. For peace, prosperity, and stability, justice must be upheld in law, economy, education, and all areas of life. A society committed to justice secures trust, unity, and sustainable progress. ---- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an Author and Columnist URL: https://www.newageislam.com/interfaith-dialogue/justice-fairness-social-unity-part-two/d/136458 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism