February’s theme: Justice

Each month, we introduce and discuss a new monthly. The theme is spoken about during morning assembly and our students also complete a culminating activity related to the themes on a monthly basis.

The theme for the month of February is Justice. 

Surely Allah enjoins the doing of justice and the doing of good. (Sūratun Nahl, no.16, Āyat 90)

Justice is the foundation of human society.  It is as necessary as the basic necessities of life. Imam Ali (a) says: Justice is the foundation on which the world rests.Justice means giving each person his or her due. It requires that people carry out their social and moral obligations to one another and grant to each what is rightfully theirs. 

Justice does not mean that people are treated the same. Rather, each is treated in a deserving manner. There is a difference between equality and equity. Equality is to treat everyone the same, regardless of their age, talent, capabilities, etc. Equity is to treat everyone according to what each deserves and has the right to. 

Justice is the goal of all Divine revelations and is at the heart of the messages brought by the Messengers. It is a trust and responsibility, and has to be fulfilled. Justice in society creates balance and equilibrium. The entire system of Allah is based on justice, or putting things in their rightful place. Without justice, there is imbalance and chaos.

Imam Ali (a) taught us that justice is extremely important. He would not favor anyone, not even his close family members. He was also just to those who rejected him and opposed him. In a powerful sermon about justice he said; By God, were I given all the seven heavens with all they contain in order that I may disobey God by snatching  a grain of barley from an ant, I would not do it (sermon 224, Nahjul Balagha).

Author: Sister Tahera Kassamali.