Justice in Islam:
The establishment of justice is highlighted in the Qur'an as a fundamental requirement of Islam:
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it is against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives, be he rich or poor, for Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you stray from justice. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. {Qur'an, 4:135}
"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do." {Qur'an, 5:8}
Solidarity Amidst Injustice:
The heart-wrenching murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the many other victims of injustice, highlighted the systemic problem we have not done enough against. They also eerily resembled scenes from the Civil Rights Movement 70 years ago. Islamophobic and Xenophobic rhetorics today have only confirmed the systemic prevalence of injustice.
Racism, bigotry, and injustice are often among byproducts of insecurities and inferiority complexes.
As we navigate, with heavy hearts, the consequences of our nation's history, we join area mosques and places of worship in expressing our support and solidarity with those who have lost loved ones to racism, bigotry, and injustice.
Injustice to one is injustice to all. We must all work toward the promise of justice and fairness for all. We must all take steps toward a better tomorrow.
In his last public sermon, Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) reminded his community of a universal truth:
“O people, verily your Lord is One and your father is one. Verily there is no superiority of an Arab over a foreigner (non-Arab) or of a foreigner over an Arab, or of a red [white complexion] man over a black man, or of a black man over a red [white complexion] man, except in terms of God-consciousness [virtue, righteousness and piety]."
ICM Community: Conversations on Racism, Bigotry, and Injustice
ICM is part of this conversation, and we are at the service of the Black community and everyone targeted through racism, bigotry, and injustice.
This week, we will be launching a virtual podcast series on racism, bigotry, and injustice.
As we proceed, we encourage each member of our community to reach out to and connect with Black and other unjustly-targeted members of our broader community, whether our neighbors or friends, our young or old, our wealthy or needy. Call them, message them, and/or send personalized letters of support. We are vanguards of justice and voices for the oppressed, and together we will stand strong against injustice, God-willing.