The Role of Justice in Society

A study of the history of revolutions shows important factors worthy of reflecting upon, on which the basis of uprisings and revolutions around the world and between various nations were built. That factor is no other than justice. Many times this word awakened the souls of those whose lives were filled with deprivation, whose rights and honor were encroached upon. The oppressed revolted against the organs of evil, and endeavored to achieve the precious gems of freedom and justice by eradicating the unjust beasts. In most cases the oppressed were willing to sacrifice their lives in the hope of wiping our oppression. A just law is a basic requirement for any social structure. A just law guarantees the rights of all classes and individuals in accordance with the welfare of the public, accompanied by behavioral implementation of its various codes.

A study of the history of revolutions shows important factors worthy of
reflecting upon, on which the basis of uprisings and revolutions around the
world and between various nations were built. That factor is no other than
justice. Many times this word awakened the souls of those whose lives were
filled with deprivation, whose rights and honor were encroached upon. The
oppressed revolted against the organs of evil, and endeavored to achieve the
precious gems of freedom and justice by eradicating the unjust beasts. In most
cases the oppressed were willing to sacrifice their lives in the hope of wiping
our oppression.

It is unfortunate to say the great majority of revolutions and uprisings were
unable to reach their sacred goals, nor did the revolutionaries achieve their
hopes of eradicating pain from their lives.

The secret behind their failure becomes apparent with a little reflection on an
important issue. That is to say that a society which looses track of the natural
course of development and becomes accustomed to failure and backwardness, will
be unable to bear a just system and will be unable to tolerate just order.
Establishing justice is only possible in appropriate atmospheres, without which
justice has no chance of appearing on the horizons of life.

A just law is a basic requirement for any social structure. A just law
guarantees the rights of all classes and individuals in accordance with the
welfare of the public, accompanied by behavioral implementation of its various
codes.

Justice is a natural law observed in all corners of the universe. Allah, the
Almighty, decreed the outline of the world to be dependent on justice, so that
it cannot be violated in any possible manner. The astonishing and precise
harmonies which exist between the different organs of our bodies are amongst
most obvious manifestations of the accurate law of justice in this universe. By
observing ourselves we can initiate the understanding of the rest of the
universe thereof.

The balance which rules the universe is compulsory in the meaning that it is
instinctive. Because man was given the freedom of will and thought, it becomes
his duty to establish the pillars of justice in his society. It is true that in
some instances, the reasoning power in man needs legislative guidance, but at
times it can also do without it: for men realize many facts independently. In
some cases, reason can pass judgment as to the goodness or incorrectness of an
affair.

Justice enjoys a sensitive position in man’s life, for it is a source of all
noble traits. In other words, justice is a motive behind excellent conduct. It
also is an element that creates harmony and serenity between human societies. In
fact, justice is an essential step towards uniting societies in the path of
righteousness.
Plato, the famous Greek philosopher, said:

“If justice finds its way into man’s spirit, the bright rays will light all his
spiritual powers; because all noble traits and human morals arise from the
spring of justice. It grants man the ability to best perform his personal works,
which is the ultimate happiness of man and the peak of his closeness to the
Almighty Creator.”

It is safe enough to say that justice is the basic element in organized social
life. With justice a new chapter of life is opened, societies find new spirit in
them, and it lights the human life with glory and beauty. A society where life
enjoys the beauty of justice finds the necessities of life, and therefore
overcomes all its problems.


Source: Imam Reza (a) Network

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