Today, we become familiar with the tradition of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny) in administration of justice and implementation of Islamic rules and regulations.

With a glance at the bitter and painful fate of the downtrodden people throughout the course of history of mankind, we come to realize that man has always faced the injustices of suppressive regimes. Many of the freedom-seeking humans have fallen victim to the satanic whims of the oppressive regimes. Divine prophets stood up against suppressive regimes in order to liberate the oppressed from the yoke of injustices. The uprising of Prophet Abraham against Nimrod; the movement of Prophet Moses against Pharaoh; the uprising of Prophet Jesus against Kaiser; and the uprising of Prophet of Islam, Mohammad, against Rome and Persian empires exemplify some of the uprisings of the divine prophets against the then suppressive rulers.

The divine leaders intended to establish a just ruling system upon the ouster of suppressive regimes and liberation of the downtrodden people from the yoke of injustices, so that there would no longer be any trace of violation of the rights of disadvantaged people, and the principle of justice would be a criterion for delegation of responsibilities.

The 25^th ayah of Surat al-Hadid in Holy Quran notes: “Certainly We sent down Our apostles with manifest proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that mankind may maintain justice…”

Prophets were instructed to make every effort for establishment of just ruling systems. However, materialization of this goal is impossible without the cooperation and sympathy of people. Generally speaking, any leader needs people’s support for materialization of his ideals. The secret behind Prophet of Islam’s success should be sought in this fact. This is because if it wasn’t because of Muslims’ support in the advent of Islam, the Prophet may have not been able to put an end to the injustices throughout the Age of Ignorance, and to establish a ruling system based on Islamic justice.

In the 42^nd ayah of Surat Al-Ma’idah, God instructs the Prophet of Islam, noting: “If you judge; judge between them with justice. Indeed Allah loves the just.”

It is noteworthy that if those, who lead communities want to administer justice like divine prophets and if they are indomitably resolved to stand up against injustices; they ought to behave justly in all personal and social realms and should be role models for others. This was certainly the case in regard to Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), and the Prophet always put emphasis on implementation of Islamic rules and regulations.

One of the women of Qoraish Tribe had committed robbery and all existing evidences pointed to commitment of this offense by that woman. The Prophet decided to punish her. At this point, the leading figures of Qoraish, who saw their honor threatened, entered the scenes, and tried to obstruct the implementation of Islamic rules and regulations. However, the Prophet of Islam did not pay attention to them and put emphasis on enforcement of Islamic rules and regulations.

Obviously those who feel their interests and dignity are endangered, confront those, who are determined to implement the law.

The Prophet of Islam advised the enforcers of rule and regulations to administer divine laws wherever they are, and called on them not to pay attention to the baseless criticisms leveled against them; for the sake of God.

If social justice is not complied with in a community, such a society would certainly derail from the righteous path, and would ultimately go on a downward spiral. The First Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Household, Imam Ali (Peace be upon him) made utmost efforts in administration of Islamic justice throughout his rule.

Administration of justice, in addition to its important social achievements in the material world, is a criterion which determines the future of human beings and human communities in Hereafter.

The Prophet of Islam focused on administration of justice in all matters in order to prevent the formation of a possible wrong mindset.

MR/ME