1/30/11, Opinion-Editorial, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

At the beginning of each new year, the perfunctory calls for peace and happiness are heard the world over. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but upon closer examination, one finds the sentiments devoid of meaning without some concrete morality and methodology to secure and maintain this longed-for peace and happiness.

It has been observed by others more knowledgeable than I that peace is not the absence of disagreements or conflicts between peoples, communities and nations, but the presence of justice in the resolution of their disagreements and conflicts. Being just is the duty and responsibility of each and every one of us, not a quality to be expected in our leaders but not in ourselves. The well-known expression "Peace begins with me" should also include the practice of justice, for without that, there is never true peace.

This ideal may seem as obvious as it is (apparently) absent throughout recorded human history, but that does not mean that its manifestation in the world is not at all evident. In the Islamic tradition, all prophets of God are clear examples of courage, morality, justice and peace. It is not, therefore unsurprising that religions at their core present codes of morality and conduct designed to inculcate a deep spiritual connection with the Creator as well as peace and justice among people. The world's holy scriptures regularly proclaim God's desire for and requirement that justice be applied equitably in all situations so that true and actual peace will be the result.

So, as an Ahmadi Muslim who believes in the Messiah, I will present some teachings on the subject of justice from the Holy Quran, and from the Founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him), and from his subordinate, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Starting with the Word of God in the Holy Quran, 16:91, it says:

"God enjoins equity and benevolence ..."

And in 49:10, "... Act justly, verily God loves the just."

And in 6:153, "And when you speak, observe justice, even if the person concerned be a relative, and fulfill the covenant of God; that is what He enjoins upon you, that you may be mindful and take care."

And in 5:9, "O ye who believe, be steadfast in the cause of God, bearing witness in equity, and let not a people's enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness."

Justice is such an important concept in Islam that it is not only expected among friends and co-religionists, but it is expressly mandated in dealings with one's enemies.

In the Sayings (Hadith) of the Holy Prophet of Islam, we read:

"The just will be placed in columns of light in the presence of God. They will be those who act justly in their decisions, their families, and the affairs (duties) committed to them ...