The Significance of Justice in Judgements: Lessons from the Teachings of Lady Fatimah (S)

Introduction

In the profound words of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (S):

فَرَضَ اللّهُ العَدلَ فِی الأَحکامِ إيناساً للرَّعِيةِ.

“Allah SWT has made justice in judgements obligatory to bring peace to society” (Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, Vol. 3, p. 568).

This saying highlights the divine emphasis on fairness and its transformative impact on individuals and communities. On the occasion of the 3rd of Jumada al-Thani, marking the martyrdom of Lady Fatimah (S), we reflect on the educational messages embedded in this hadith for different groups. These lessons guide teenagers, parents, and Islamic leaders in fostering justice as a means of achieving peace, aligning their actions with Islamic principles.

Educational Messages for Teenagers and Youth

1. Postpone Judgements to Attain Inner Peace

Lady Fatimah’s teaching highlights the importance of fairness, which requires thoughtful and deliberate decision-making. For teenagers, this means avoiding hasty judgements about others. Delaying conclusions enables a clearer understanding of situations and fosters personal tranquillity. This is also emphasised in the Holy Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ…

“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumptions are sinful…” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:12).

This verse complements the hadith by discouraging negative assumptions, which often lead to unjust outcomes. By practising this, youth can develop healthier relationships and enjoy emotional stability.

2. Avoiding Prejudice for a Just Society

Justice, as highlighted by Lady Fatimah (S), requires impartiality. Young people should strive to recognise their biases and approach situations with fairness. By evaluating circumstances equitably, they can uphold justice in their interactions, fostering trust and respect in their communities. This behaviour directly aligns with the peace-promoting justice mentioned in the hadith.

Educational Messages for Parents

1. Teaching the Moral Foundations of Justice

Parents bear the responsibility of instilling moral and spiritual values in their children. Lady Fatimah’s teaching about the societal importance of justice can inspire parents to educate their children about fairness. By emphasising this divine obligation alongside worship, parents can nurture a deep connection between their children and Islamic values. As Quran beautifully said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ…

“Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives…” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:90).

This verse reinforces the divine command to practise justice, complementing Lady Fatimah’s words and offering parents a framework for teaching fairness.

2. Fostering Emotional Intelligence Through Fairness

Justice promotes emotional balance, as implied in the hadith. Parents can model fairness in their dealings with their children, teaching them how just behaviour builds trust and nurtures relationships. This practice equips children to approach future conflicts with empathy and impartiality, reflecting the values Lady Fatimah (S) sought to instil.

Educational Messages for Islamic Leaders and Educators

1. Spreading Justice Through Tailored Communication

Islamic leaders and imams play a vital role in conveying the teachings of Lady Fatimah (S) to diverse audiences. To fulfil this responsibility effectively, they must communicate the message of this hadith in a manner that resonates with the unique values, languages, and cultural frameworks of different groups. As Quran said:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلسَانِ قَوْمِهِ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ…

“And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them…” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:4).

This verse underscores the importance of adapting the delivery of divine guidance to the specific context of the audience. Similarly, imams can convey the concept of justice to various groups—teenagers, parents, and professionals—using examples and language that align with their understanding and priorities. For instance, youth may relate to stories of fairness among peers, while parents might benefit from examples of justice in nurturing children.

By aligning their approach with the values and comprehension levels of their audiences, Islamic leaders ensure that the profound teachings of Lady Fatimah (S) are not only understood but also practically applied in daily life. This personalised dissemination of the message reflects both the Quranic directive and the spirit of Lady Fatimah’s wisdom, fostering a more just and harmonious society.

2. Creating Opportunities for Community Reflection

Justice is not only an individual duty but a collective responsibility. Leaders can encourage their communities to reflect on their practices and align them with Lady Fatimah’s teachings. Through workshops, sermons, and community dialogues, they can inspire shared commitment to fairness and equity, ensuring the peace and harmony envisioned by the hadith.

The Last Word

The timeless wisdom of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (S) reminds us that justice is the foundation of societal peace and personal serenity. Her emphasis on fairness in judgements serves as a guiding principle for all, urging us to embrace justice as a means of nurturing trust, understanding, and harmony. By living according to this teaching, we honour her legacy and contribute to a world enriched by equity and compassion.

The words of Lady Fatimah (S) are completely aligned with the teachings of the Quran, as demonstrated in the sections above, and the guidance of other Imams. Together, they are one beautiful light, illuminating the path for humanity to discern the right way and achieve a life of balance and righteousness.