Islam and Secularism differ fundamentally on the approach to justice and how they view it. Underlining this difference makes it easier for anyone to understand why the modern judicial system of the West is corrupt.
Islam views justice as absolute and as a natural disposition. Something is right because that’s how it should be, not because we decide to consider it right. For example, we all know that the universe and everything around us are subject to laws. The Earth maintains a certain distance from the Sun; moving closer or away from the Sun would not be the right position for the Earth.
Similarly, the engine of a car is designed to work on the right amount of fuel, engine oil, and as a result of other processes taking place at the right time and sequence, as well as with the help of many right parts. We cannot change the sequences and parts only due to a momentarily interest.
So, in Islam we can argue and study the texts to learn what’s right and just, and what’s wrong and unjust, but there’s no discussion on the concept of the absolutism.
For example, Allah says in the Quran, “And let not your hatred of people who (once) stopped your going to the inviolable place of worship seduce you to transgress; but help one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but keep your duty to Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment.” 5:2
In the same chapter, Allah says, ” O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as 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.” 5:8
This shows that justice in Islam has a universal value. It’s not a theater to calm people down or a TV show to give the impression that there’s some justice. It is absolute and achieving justice is a goal in itself. So, avoiding justice and transgressing because we hate someone is wrong and intrinsically unjust.
The modern law, on the other hand, views justice as a totally relative and politically motivated concept. Something is right or wrong, just or unjust only because the government decides so, or what a judge deems it as such. They don’t believe that justice and injustice are intrinsic concepts, but whatever serves a political interest.
In the West, justice is a theater, a TV show in order to calm people down. The public perception is more important than the actual delivery of justice. The image is more important.
The western judicial system allows also the state to strike deals with those who break the law as long as there’s some interest or a claimed greater good. That’s why there’s much secrecy and lack of transparency in the western judicial system.
In conclusion, Islam views justice as natural and intrinsic while Secularism views it as a show and subject to political interests.
Sabri Lushi
