Justice
Discussion Question
How would you describe the theme of justice in your tradition?
Texts
Judaism
1) 17. And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18. Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19. For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he has spoken of him (Genesis 18:17-19).
2) Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live, and inherit the land which the Lord your God gives you (Deuteronomy 16:20).
3) Speak up, judge justly, and plead the cause of the poor and the needy (Proverbs 31:9).
4) The sword enters the world on account of the delay of justice and its perversion; and on account of those who explain the law (Torah) contrary to its true sense (Mishnah Avot 5:8).
5) Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani said:
The Holy One said to David: “Solomon, your son, is building the Temple. Is this not for the purpose of offering sacrifices there? The justice and righteousness of your actions are more precious to Me than sacrifices.” And how do we know this? “To do what is right and just is more desirable to God than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3). Jerusalem Talmud, Berakhot 2:1
Christianity
1) "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well-pleased; I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.” (Mt 12:18; citing Isaiah 42:1-4)
2) "But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. (Lk 11:42)
3) (Matthew 5:6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
4) (Matthew 5:10) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5) (Matthew 5:20) For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
6) (Matthew 6:1) "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
7) (Matthew 6:33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
8) (Matthew 9:13) But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Islam
1) Qur’an 4.135. O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well- acquainted with all that ye do.
2) Qur’an 5.8. O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
3) Qur’an 6.152. And come not nigh to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attain the age of full strength; give measure and weight with (full) justice;- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear;- whenever ye speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfil the covenant of Allah. thus doth He command you, that ye may remember.
4) Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: llah the Exalted said: O my servants, I have forbidden oppression for myself and have made it forbidden among you, so do not oppress one another. Source: Hadith, Sahih Muslim 2577, Grade: Sahih
5) Wathilah ibn al-Asqa reported: I asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is tribalism?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: It is that you help your people in wrongdoing. Source: Hadith, Sunan Abu Dawud 5100, Grade: Hasan