Justice From Text to Deed In the Islamic Discourse ا

Abstract

 

This study examines the concept of justice in Islamic discourse by tracing its transformation from a textual and ethical value into a practical principle governing political and social life. It analyzes the Qur'anic and Prophetic foundations that establish justice as a comprehensive value based on equality, the protection of rights, and the promotion of the public good. The study further explores how this concept was embodied throughout Islamic history, highlighting the contrast between the ideal model represented by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Rightly Guided Caliphs and the political practices that emerged in later periods, where justice was often influenced by political conflicts and the instrumentalization of religious texts to legitimize authority. In addition, the paper discusses the central role of justice in Islamic political thought, considering it the primary qualification for rulers and judges and the cornerstone of legitimate governance and social stability. It concludes that justice in Islamic discourse is not merely an ethical ideal or a legal principle but a civilizational project whose realization depends on effective political institutions, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights