Justice Creates Unity: A Reflection on Imam Ali’s Guidance for Peace

Introduction

On 16 May, the International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed globally. Despite such occasions and the growing discourse on peace, human history remains deeply marked by war, division, and conflict. Peace remains elusive, not for lack of desire, but often due to the absence of fair and ethical behaviour among people. Declarations alone do not bring harmony; real peace demands a shift in how individuals interact. Islam has long championed this cause. Over 1,400 years ago, it emphasised peaceful coexistence grounded in justice and compassion. One of the most powerful teachings in this regard comes from Imam Ali (peace be upon him), whose timeless wisdom sheds light on how peace can be achieved through fairness.

اَلْإِنْصَافُ يَرْفَعُ اَلْخِلاَفَ وَ يُوجِبُ اَلاِئْتِلاَفَ (غررالحکم و دررالکلم، ج ۱، ص ۸۸).

“Fairness removes conflict and brings about unity.”

This beautiful hadith has several educational messages for the different groups of Muslim society in the west. These messages are briefly outlined here.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Teenagers and Young Adults

1. Think Before Acting

When making a decision that affects others, pause and ask yourself: Would I accept this if it were done to me? If the answer is no, then it’s time to reconsider. This simple internal check encourages empathy and prevents unjust behaviour. Fairness means treating others as you would want to be treated, with respect, understanding, and dignity. It is the foundation of trust in relationships and the key to building peaceful, cooperative communities.

Practical Challenge:

Over the next week, choose one situation each day where you consciously apply the fairness principle, whether it’s sharing responsibilities, resolving a conflict, or giving feedback, and keep a brief journal of how it changed your behaviour or perspective.

2. Listen First

Fairness begins with understanding. Rather than reacting hastily, try to fully and actively listen before judging someone’s actions or opinions. You might discover that what seemed wrong was actually a misunderstanding.

Practical Challenge:

Practice two minutes of silent and thoughtful listening in your next disagreement with a family member or friend.

3. Be Fair, Even When It’s Hard

True character shows when you defend fairness, not just when it suits you. Speak up for those treated unfairly, even if they’re strangers or if you stand to lose something.

Practical Challenge:

Stand up for someone facing injustice this week, however small the act may seem.

4. Build Stronger Family Ties Through Fairness

Fairness begins at home. When teens practise fairness in their daily interactions with parents and siblings, such as listening respectfully, dividing responsibilities equally, or avoiding double standards, they help reduce tension and build stronger emotional bonds. Imam Ali’s (a) hadith reminds us that fairness, justice and mutual respect are the building blocks of unity. Even when there is disagreement, approaching family situations with a mindset of fairness brings harmony and trust into the household.

Practical Challenge:

Choose one interaction with a parent or sibling this week where you normally feel misunderstood or frustrated. Before reacting, pause and ask yourself: How would I want to be treated if I were in their place? Then, respond based on that perspective. Reflect afterward on how this affected the outcome.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Parents

1. Teach Fairness at Home

This hadith is an excellent starting point for explaining fairness to children. Use simple examples and family situations to instil the concept early. Children absorb these values and carry them into their interactions outside the home.

Practical Challenge:

Set aside time this week to talk about fairness with your children and listen to their thoughts.

2. Interpret the World Fairly for Your Children

Parents play a vital role in shaping how their children understand the world. When discussing news events, especially those involving conflict, injustice, or differing viewpoints, parents have a powerful opportunity to model fairness. By presenting all sides respectfully, avoiding bias, and encouraging critical thinking, parents teach their children that justice is not about taking sides blindly, but about understanding, empathy, and truth. Imam Ali’s (a) teaching reminds us that fairness dissolves division and builds unity, even in how we view others’ experiences.

Practical Challenge:

This week, choose one news story to discuss with your children. Present the facts from multiple perspectives and invite them to reflect on what a fair response might look like. Then, connect your discussion to the hadith about fairness and unity.

3. Lead by Example

Children learn fairness more through observation than instruction. When they see parents act justly and fairly in daily interactions, they learn to value and replicate that behaviour.

Practical Challenge:

Share a personal story with your children about a time you chose fairness over personal gain. Try to reflect on that situation and get some lessons from it.

4. Balance Rules with Compassion

Enforcing household rules fairly doesn’t mean being harsh, it means being consistent and kind. When children understand the “why” behind decisions, they feel respected and secure.

Practical Challenge:

Review a recent decision you made for your children and explain your reasoning to them openly.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Religious Leaders

1. Explain Fairness as a Path to Peace

Imam Ali’s saying is a powerful reminder that fairness is the main root of social unity and peace. Use this hadith in your sermons to explain how (with which mechanisms) fairness dissolves conflict and creates lasting harmony in communities.

Practical Challenge:

Prepare a Friday sermon dedicated to the social role of fairness, linking it to real-world situations.

2. Address Injustice Openly

Fairness is not only a personal trait but a collective responsibility. Raise awareness of injustices within the community and guide people toward compassionate and fair solutions.

Practical Challenge:

Organise a roundtable with community members to discuss local issues through the lens of Islamic fairness.

3. Tell Stories of Fairness and Consequence

Imams and religious leaders have a unique platform to shape hearts and minds. One powerful way to do this is through storytelling, narrating real or historical examples where fairness (or the lack of it) shaped individuals, families, or entire communities. Stories of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (A), and other figures who embodied justice and fairness help illustrate the real-life impact of living by the principle: treat others as you want to be treated. Similarly, tales of injustice can highlight the damage caused when fairness is ignored or lost. These stories are not just moral lessons, they’re emotional bridges that help people internalise values.

Practical Challenge:

In your next sermon or community session, include one story that clearly demonstrates the consequences of fairness or unfairness. Then invite the audience to reflect on how they can apply this principle in a current personal or societal issue.

4. Promote Interfaith Respect

Teach fairness as a principle not only within Islam but toward other religions and cultures. Unity grows when communities recognise shared values.

Practical Challenge:

Host a dialogue session or community event that promotes mutual respect among diverse faith groups.

5. Be Accessible and Just in Guidance

People often turn to imams for personal advice. Ensure your guidance is fair, empathetic, and avoids favouritism. The community watches and learns from your example.

Practical Challenge:

Set up anonymous feedback or consultation hours to ensure open and fair access.