An Outline of Social Justice in the Meccan Chapters of the Quran

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Through reflection on the verses of the Quran, it becomes evident that the divine discourse on justice goes beyond mere recommendations or exhortations for justice. It also delineates the attributes and characteristics of a social system founded on justice. Accordingly, the objective of the present study is to elucidate the vision of a just social order as depicted in the Meccan verses of the Quran. The central question is: What components underpin a just social life as portrayed in the Meccan verses of the Quran? By examining the Quranic text and authoritative socio-political exegeses, and employing a descriptive-analytical method, the study finds that the vision of a just society, as outlined by God for Muslims prior to their migration to Medina and the establishment of an Islamic state, is a society free from poverty and hunger, hoarding of wealth, monopolization of production tools, fraud in transactions, and usurious practices. This ideal just society, which the Prophet and the Muslim community were tasked with establishing in Yathrib, is characterized first and foremost by the elimination of poverty and hunger, ensuring that all individuals have access to basic life necessities. To realize such a society, rulings such as feeding the poor, almsgiving, and zakat were legislated, binding Muslims to these principles. The financial system of this ideal society is based on the equitable distribution of wealth and resources, rejecting the accumulation of stagnant capital and excessive hoarding. The tools and means essential for life are not monopolized by the wealthy but are made accessible to all for the benefit of the broader community. This society is free from economic corruption such as fraudulent practices in trade and ensures respect for the rights of others in economic transactions. Redistribution of wealth occurs not through exploitative or usurious practices but through obligatory financial duties such as “prescribed rights” (hāqq maʿlūm) and zakat. Such a just society serves as a desirable religious model for achieving the ideal of social justice.

Keywords

References

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Governance in the Quran and Sunnah
Volume 2, Issue 2 - Serial Number 3
January 2024
Pages 78-104

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