True Justice or Pseudo Justice?

Introduction (the occasion of reflection on this verse):

On 20 February, the world observes the World Day of Social Justice, a day that highlights humanity’s deep longing for fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity. Yet in today’s world, many ideas are promoted under the name of “social justice” that are not always rooted in moral truth or divine guidance. From an Islamic perspective, not every claim of justice is truly just.

The Qur’an teaches that true justice must be measured by faith, revelation, and God-given values, not by changing social trends or human desires. In this light, the following verse from the Qur’an offers a clear and timeless criteria for distinguishing real justice from pseudo justice:

لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ

“We have indeed sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance, so that people may uphold justice.” (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:25)

Educational messages from the verse for teens and youth

1. True Justice Comes from Divine Guidance

Not every idea called “social justice” is truly just; real justice must align with the guidance of the Prophets, the Qur’an, and God’s standards.

Practical Challenge: Before supporting a trend or slogan, check whether it agrees with Islamic values.

2. Justice Must Rise from Society

This verse shows that people themselves must stand for justice; communities should not wait for rulers to bring fairness.

Practical Challenge: Identify one small injustice in your school or community and try to address it peacefully.

3. Justice Begins with You

Living fairly in daily choices builds a just society.

Practical Challenge: Treat everyone fairly today, even when it is inconvenient.

4. Use Your Voice Online Wisely

Justice also applies in digital spaces.

Practical Challenge: Post or share one message that promotes fairness and respect.

5. Grow Your Tolerance for Justice-Based Criticism

When others demand justice or criticise you, even if it feels uncomfortable, see it as a chance to grow rather than to react angrily.

Practical Challenge: The next time someone criticises you, pause, listen, and thank them before responding.

Educational messages from the verse for parents

1. Use Faith to Identify Injustice

Help your children understand social injustices using Qur’anic values and the guidance of the Prophets. Some of those injustices are wrongly justified nowadays.

Practical Challenge: This week, discuss one current social issue at home from an Islamic perspective.

2. Support Your Children’s Call for Justice

Value and honour your children’s social awareness, and efforts to promote justice.

Practical Challenge: Publicly praise your child once for standing up for what is right.

3. Be a Living Example of Faith-Based Justice

Let your own actions reflect Qur’anic justice, so your children learn through your behaviour.

Practical Challenge: Correct one unfair habit in your daily life and tell your children why you changed it.

4. Teach Empathy at Home

Understanding others’ pain nurtures justice.

Practical Challenge: Discuss a social issue with your child this week.

5. Raise Children to Stand for Right

Courage is part of justice.

Practical Challenge: Encourage your child to resolve a conflict fairly.

6. Link Faith to Social Responsibility

Islam calls us to protect the weak.

Practical Challenge: Do one family act of charity this week.

Educational messages from the verse for imams, chaplains and religious leaders

1. Justice Is a Core Purpose of Revelation

Explain to people that God sent Prophets and divine books so that justice would be established in society.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one khutbah this month entirely to the Qur’anic vision of justice.

2. Expose Godless “Pseudo Justices”

Show that some modern claims of justice conflict with faith, revelation, and divine values. These are not true forms of justice, but rather false.

Practical Challenge: Prepare a short talk explaining the difference between true justice and misleading ideologies.

3. Stand with the Oppressed

Silence is not neutrality.

Practical Challenge: Publicly support a vulnerable group in your community.

4. Guide Youth Towards Justice

Young people need moral direction to move towards the justice based on divine guidance.

Practical Challenge: Mentor one young person on ethical leadership.