By Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak, Ph.D
In a world so divided by wealth, power, race, and ideologies, I did not find justice.
The very people who should uphold justice are sliding away, siding instead with those seated in positions of power.
From the Third World to the most advanced countries, I did not witness justice.
Justice is missing not only in ordinary courthouses but even at the United Nations.
Human rights, freedom, and independence have become privileges enjoyed only by rich and powerful nations.
The voices of the poor, oppressed, and marginalized communities are neither fairly heard nor adequately represented at the UN.
Men of power control the media.
Corrupted leaders who control the media also control the narratives.
Doctored and manipulated stories keep them in power.
Through lies and conspiracies, good leaders languish behind bars, for their side of the story becomes alien news in media controlled by the rich and powerful.
Through media manipulation, corrupted leaders grow richer and richer, while the poor and voiceless become poorer and poorer.
The wisdom of old that says, “Justice delayed is justice denied, and justice rushed is justice crushed,” holds profound truth in the modern context.
Muslims believe that “justice denied in this world will be served in the Hereafter,” and that God is the fairest of all judges. As the Qur’an reminds us:
“And We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so that no soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least.” (Qur’an 21:47)
Therefore, in both the East and the West, lawyers, public prosecutors, and judges, the so-called custodians of the law, must not stray from upholding truth and justice. The Qur’an commands:
“O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves or your parents and relatives.” (Qur’an 4:135)
Do not align yourself with the corrupt rich and powerful; the benefits you enjoy are fleeting.
When you leave this world, the very corrupt people you favoured will not follow you to the grave.
Think of the Day when you yourself will be judged, and there will be no one to depend on but yourself and the Mercy of your Lord. On that Day, the only thing that can save you will be the good you have done during your earthly life. As the Qur’an declares:
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”(Qur’an 99:7–8)
The views expressed are those of Dr. Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak, Department of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Studies, AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Potret Online.
