What Is Justice?

3:58:11

2023-09-17

345

Since the topic of discussion is the justice of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), we must comprehend the actual concept of 'justice' and its distinguishing features. Only then can we see if those characteristics are to be found in the government of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
The author of Misbahul Lughat (Arabic Urdu dictionary) has mentioned that the meaning of justice is "moderation in affairs", "equity", "to be straight".
Similarly the author of Al Munjid has defined justice to be the opposite of oppression. In the same way, the Arabic English Dictionary of J.M. Cowans mentions the equivalents of justice as straightness, straightforwardness, impartiality equitableness, fairness, honesty, uprightness, probity, etc.
Thus we can say that all the litterateurs have equated justice with the above qualities. The traditions also compare the mission of Imam Al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) to the perfect conditions of justice, equity and peace.
Let us now examine some of the traditions:
Allamah Mohsin Amin (r.a.) has quoted from the Sahih of Muslim that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: "Listen to the good news of your Mahdi (a.s.) }'s advent... He will fill the earth with justice and equity like it would be full of injustice and oppression. The creatures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with him. He will distribute wealth equitably."
(Ayaanush Shiah)
A person inquired from the Prophet (saw) as to what is meant by equitable distribution of wealth. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) replied, "To deal with the people justly."
Explanation: "The creatures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with him." Those people or that government which is impartial and absolutely just will deserve the love and admiration of all the creatures. On the other hand, people are dissatisfied even if there is little inequality and partiality. It is natural to oppose injustice. Since the government and its behavior is to be perfectly just, all the people will be pleased with him."
(Ibid., Part 4, p. 119)
In another tradition, Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says "When the Qaem rises, he will establish his government on the foundations of justice. Injustice and oppression will be eradicated during his tenure. The roads will be completely safe; the earth will throw out its bounties. The rights shall be restored to their owners. At this time, the earth will throw out its treasures and manifest its bounties. It will not be possible for you to find a needy person whom you can pay charity."
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 338; Aayanush Shia, Part 4, pg. 348; Kashful Ghumma, vol. 3, pg. 255)
(Note: Poverty, deprivation and lack of wealth are not due to any deficiency. They are due to the injustice and oppression, trampling of the rights and the destruction of wealth. Poverty results from the injustice of the oppressors when they subdue their weak fellowmen.)
Thus the tradition emphasizes that the earth will give out its underground treasures and bounties. It indicates that during the time of Imam Al-Mahdi(a.s.) there will not be any shortages. Thus the question of theft and burglary does not arise. The unjust and the oppressive people will be eliminated by Imam (a.s.). And as we have seen in the previous tradition, "All the creatures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with Hazrat (a.s.)." This proves beyond doubt that the principles of justice will be in complete force. Otherwise it is not possible to please every creature at one and the same time.