THE JUST
When it comes to the law, its enactment and implementation are relative. The same does not hold for justice, which, by definition, is the quality of being equitable and morally fair. Justice is an attribute of the Divine, and only God’s legislation and judgment are Absolute.
The US, in 2001, called their military occupation in Iraq Operation Infinite Justice. Not only was it an illegal war, but it was also utter hubris.
However, God challenges humanity to move away from relativism and nearer to the Divine. We are encouraged to pursue justice, even to our detriment, and impartiality and fairness without fear or favour: ‘You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both. Refrain from following your desire, so that you can act justly—if you distort or neglect justice, God is fully aware of what you do’ [4:135].
Harvard, the world’s most prestigious law school, recognises this Quranic verse as one of the highest expressions of justice and has it, along with two other quotes, adorning its entrance hall.
But while Harvard lauds the verse, I fear the ayah may curse the Muslims’ dismal failure to imbibe it. Especially now, as the Ummah’s impotence and leadership’s apathy allow the Zionist Apartheid Israeli state to commit genocide against the Palestinians under the pretext of justice.
BECOMING ABD’ALLAH
To be associated with the Messenger of Allah (s) is not a fashion or a style, but it’s about becoming Abd’Allah. To be fashionable is to follow trends with the desire to be seen and liked. Becoming a servant of Allah means worshipping none but Him, fearing none but Him, devoting your life to Him, striving for His Love and following His Messenger (s) and His message.
In the age of social media, we’ve seen the proliferation of the peddling of Allah’s signs: ‘And do not exchange My signs for a pittance, and fear Me’ [2:41].
The Quraysh laid the bait with wealth, women, and kingship, but the Prophet (s) spurned their lure. His faith was not for sale. Power did not influence his character or change him. The Prophet (s) was an ‘abd when his mission began with one follower until he died with thousands. He died serving them and, by extension, all of us. He is the truest influencer because he is the greatest Abd’Allah.
The mercury in my emotional thermometer keeps breaking its ceiling. No readings are available for my ire and grief, only the blooming of fresh resentment for most of the political class and previously enfranchised people of South Africa.
We are witnessing a genocide, and I’m in anguish that most South Africans with melanin deficiency support the Zionist Apartheid state of Israel. And that many from among those not deficient are mindlessly pandering to their neo-colonial masters and Mammon.
Apartheid attitudes shift more slowly than tectonic plates. And for many South Africans, as John Pilger, award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker, eloquently wrote.
My fellow countrymen and women, especially those who claimed ignorance about the crimes of the South African Apartheid government, now face the real litmus test. Soon, we will know who the hypocrites and liars are. If you do not call for dismantling the illegal Israeli settler-colonial Apartheid state, you are complicit. Hence, I will hold you responsible for the crimes committed against us during Apartheid, too. You have another chance to choose justice and make amends. Should you fail, then I judge that you would have continued to live merrily in an Apartheid South Africa without care or concern for the oppressed.
Free Free Palestine! Free Free South Africa!
Link to the book Freedom Next Time by John Pilger
Until next week, InshaAllah
Zaahied Sallie
Author of The Beloved Prophet – An Illustrated Biography in Rhyme
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