What does Islam says on justice and reward?
Question:
What does Islam says on justice and reward?
Answer:
As Salaamu Alaikum,
Justice is an act which is compulsory in Islam. One is required to be just to Allah, to His Prophet (SAS), to himself and others.
Dealing justly with people, fulfilling contracts and agreements that are made, are all essential for a Muslim.
When requested to arbitrate between individuals, a Muslim is required to give an opinion and decision based on justice and fairness. There must be no taking of sides, prejudice and favoritism shown to anyone.
Justice requires one to be fair in one’s dealings. As an employee one is required to be just and fair in fulfilling the tasks that are given. As an employer, one is required to be just and fair to workers and deal justly with them with respect to wages, time-off for necessities, nature of work, and good treatment to workers.
Being oppressive to others, as well as giving unbearable tasks to them, are all forms of injustice which are totally prohibited in Islam.
Reward is that which is given as a return for work done. It can be monetary or non monetary as in the case of wages, salaries, remuneration, promotion, awards etc.
In Islam, the concept of ‘reward’ refers to the return for a good act/deed which has been done for the sake of Allah. This return or compensation is given by Allah and occurs in this world as well as in the hereafter. Rewards given by Allah occur in many different ways in this world.
It may be in the form of success in one’s endeavors, prosperity, good health, overcoming difficulties, honor, respect etc. etc. Along with these, rewards are also given in the form of blessings which are bestowed upon a person in this life and the hereafter. Through the ‘rewards’ achieved from Allah, one will gain salvation in this world by living a blessed life in Islam and Imaan, and will gain Allah’s mercy and forgiveness in the hereafter through which, one will gain entry into paradise.
And Allah knows best,
Mufti Waseem Khan
27/11/2012