O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even through it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both that you are. Therefore follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do. (4:136)
In this verse, Allah has enjoined the Believers not only to practice equity and justice but to proliferate it throughout the world. It directs the Believers to always preserve the truth and never abandon justice and equity for that is the only way peace can be maintained in the world.
The Promised Messiah(as) was criticized by many of his opponents, who falsely accused him, saying that he permitted telling lies in certain circumstances. This is absolutely untrue and absurd because the Promised Messiah(as) was the biggest defender of truth and honesty. He challenged the Christians to bring forth any one verse from the Bible that would stand in comparison to the Quranic verses which enjoin the Muslims to tell the truth. Not a single person came forward to accept this challenge, thus proving false the original charges against him.
The Promised Messiah(as) has repeatedly reminded us that the Holy Quran is a blessing sent to us from God. This Holy Book should not be used as a mere tool in defense against the accusations of the enemies, but it should become the heart and the core of our daily practical lives. Our claims to be Muslims will remain worthless and empty unless we begin to apply the Quranic teachings to our own lives.
The verse mentioned above again reminds us that we should become the witnesses of truth only for the sake of Allah. This can only happen if we have in our hearts the fear of Allah, Who knows our apparent condition as well as the deep hidden secrets. He is All Knowing and All Aware, therefore, we must uphold the truth in all circumstances. Such practice will not only elevate the state of Taqwa in us, but also enable us to propagate justice.
When the Promised Messiah(as) and his father were being tried in the court for the claim over some property, the Promised Messiah(as) was summoned to stand witness for the opposing party. It had been decided that because he was such an honest and truthful person, his testimony will be a deciding factor in the judgment. When he was called upon, he gave the statement in favor of the opposing party rather than his own father, despite being directed by the lawyers and advocates not to do so. The case was hence decided against his father, but the Promised Messiah(as) returned home in such high spirits that people thought he had won the case. Such is the practical model set as standard for the Jamaat members, and the Promised Messiah(as) expected nothing less.
We have also been warned repeatedly that we should not use phrases that are vague and may have double meanings during a trial or in any other situation, for the decision to be made in our favor. We must always use straightforward and clear speech to maintain justice and equity and the same standards should be maintained in our transactions, whether they be matters of our own household or dealings with our servants, neighbors or even enemies.
The Promised Messiah(as) frequently reminds us to always stand firm on truth and justice. In commentary of the verse above, he insists that we should never abandon the truth even if it results in harming ourselves or our parents and family. This should be done only to maintain justice, for that is the commandment of Allah. We should not have our personal gains in mind, but the truth and only the truth.
Huzoor(aba) quoted another verse from the Holy Quran:
O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people's enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do (5:9)
This verse expounds the same topic and includes justice towards enemies as part of the commandment. The verse also means that if justice is not the scale for dealing with others (including enemies), then the fear of Allah has evaporated from such a person's heart and Satanic worship has settled in. During family disputes, people conjure up false accusations openly and knowingly. Satan imparts on them such strength that they forget Allah and indulge in wrongdoings. Allah, on the other hand reminds us repeatedly to be just and be truthful. We must seek His forgiveness in all matters.
In a Hadith, it is related that at an occasions, a certain number of Companions(ra) were sent to Makkah to seek out information about the enemy. When the Companions reached Kaaba, they saw the enemy and decided to attack them lest they spread the news of their investigation in Makkah. During the attack, two of the enemies were killed at the hands of the Companions, who then fled back to Madinah. When the enemy followed them to Madinah and explained to the Holy Prophet(saw) what had happened, he decided to pay the blood money of the two victims and even handed over the assailants to the successors of the victims, instead of rebuking the enemy for their past misbehavior. This was the standard of his justice.
The Promised Messiah(as), knowing the maltreatment against his Jamaat members, advised his followers to never take advantage of a situation where the roles were reversed and they held the opportunity to trouble a former persecutor. He was well aware that Allah is All Knowing and He will be the Master of judgment against the wrongdoers.
Huzoor(aba) also pointed towards the misdealings that take place in business partnerships. He explained that in certain cases, one of the business partners is inexperienced and unaware of the business industry and he ends up investing his money as well as signing a contract such that he ends up doing all the work. The more experienced partner benefits from the gains without putting the same and equal effort, which is a case of injustice. Such people, when questioned, defend themselves by saying that they never forced anyone to sign such a contract. They forget that Allah is watching this injustice. Huzoor(aba) also advised people who are thinking of going into business with a partner to think hard of what they are getting themselves into, and they should seek counsel and pray to Allah for success before finalizing any deal.
Another situation where injustice can take place arises where loans are concerned. People borrow money fearlessly and when it comes time to return it, they are hesitant and seek refuge by making excuses. This is absolutely unacceptable. A Hadith reported by Abdullah bin Udraw Aslami(ra) relates an incident where the reporter of the Hadith had borrowed 4 Dirhams from a Jew lender. When the Jew asked for the money back at the appointed time, the borrower had no means of returning the money. The case was conveyed to the Holy Prophet(sa). He asked Abdullah to promptly return the money, who replied that he had no means to do so and when he he would return the money when he received the spoils from the next battle,. Huzoor(sa) insisted that the money be returned instantly, so Abdullah(ra) had no recourse but to sell an article of his clothing in the marketplace for 4 Dirhams and returned the money. When a passerby (female) companion asked Abdullah(ra) what had happened, he explained, upon which she offered him another article of clothing. Along the same pattern, the Promised Messiah(as) also asserted that loans should be repaid on time; in fact, one should try to pay them off even earlier than the appointed time to lay off the burden.
Another Hadith reported by Hazrat Zohayr(ra) states that the Holy Prophet(sa) likened the hands of a person who is just in his dealings to possessing two right hands (meaning that such a man is exceedingly generous).
Huzoor(aba) indicated that there exist such households where instead of the man being responsible for providing the needs of his family, he is living off the income of his wife. He reminded everyone that a man has no right over the income of a woman. If he wants to be the recipient of Allah's blessings, he must maintain justice and fulfill his duties towards his children and wife. He also discussed families, where the man of the house is living in Europe and his family is back home (in Pakistan or elsewhere), and he is totally ignorant of the domestic situation in his home. When questioned, they say that there are certain faults in their spouses due to which they do not wish to live with them. Even if this is the case, the man must provide for his children, even if he is reprimanding his wife, although Huzoor(aba) reminded that as long as the wife is betrothed to him, he is responsible for her as well. Such situations cannot be tolerated in our Jamaat, and if they do occur, they should be mended straight away.
In the sermon delivered by the Holy Prophet(sa) at the occasion of Hajj-al-Wida, he reiterated to all the followers for all times to come the duties each spouse holds towards the other. The husband and the wife should take extreme care of each others likings and disliking and be sensitive to their desires. If the husband does not wish for his wife to entertain a certain woman, his wife should not hold such a request against her husband and should be complacent to it. Similarly, a husband should carry out his obligations towards his family with full accountability. This kind of an exchange in a husband-wife relationship will cause a happy and content family to flourish and equity will be maintained.
The Promised Messiah(as) addresses the men and reminds them that to hurt anyone is a sin, especially the girls. They are very sensitive, physically and emotionally. Besides, think of the parents who have betrothed their daughters to you as a custodian and they expect that their daughters will be treated well.
Another situation arises when parents spoil their children either by being too lenient or too strict. Such children grow up to be repulsed by their own parents. When the Holy Prophet(sa) found out that the father of Hazrat Noman bin Bashir(ra) had gifted a servant to him, he asked the father whether such an offering was bestowed upon all his sons. When the father replied in the negative, Huzoor(sa) counseled him to take this gift away from Noman, in for fear that he may become overly pampered.
In cases where a case is brought to the Qaza board in the Jamaat, the Qaza members should be very fair in their decision-making process and be impartial to all people involved. They should keep in mind Allah's commandments and be God-fearing. The plaintiffs and the defendants involved should also exhibit patience in case of a delay and respect the board members' proceedings.
A Hadith reported on the account of Abu Huraira(ra) says that an act of justice is an act of charity. At another occasion, where Hazrat Uthman(ra) summoned Ibn Umar(ra) to go and decide a case in the court of law, he hesitated and said that he was afraid that he may become a recipient of Allah's disfavors in case he made a wrong decision. This is the burden and responsibility a judge carries to the court of law, and withstands in Allah's court as well.
Another Hadith reports that if a person dies in a state where he has not fulfilled the duties towards the people for whom he was appointed guardian, Paradise will be Haram (prohibited) on him.
A Hadith reported by Abu Huraira(ra) prophecies the advent of the Imam in the latter days in these words: Ibn-e-Maryum will be Hakam (Judge) and Aadil (Just).
The Promised Messiah(as) invites all Jamaat members to be fair and kind towards others, as a mother is to her child. Those who are unfair to others and ridicule them will incur the wrath of Allah upon themselves. Huzoor(aba) ended the sermon by praying for the Jamaat and for the next generations to come, and reminded us that the role of an Ahmadi will be very critical in the future world. May Allah enable us all to fulfill the desires of the Promised Messiah(as) as he envisioned his Jamaat members to be, Ameen.
After the tashahhud and taawwuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, Huzoor Aqdas, ayyadahullah ta’ala baynasrayhil Azeez, recited verse 136 of Sura An-Nisa:
Translation of this is: O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. Therefore follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do. (An-Nisa: 136)
Of all the high moral qualities and values that Allah, the Exalted, has directed the believers to adopt in the Holy Quran, justice and fairness is one from among them. It is the duty of the believers to act upon it, to adhere to it and to make it prevail. As it is said in this verse that whatever the circumstances may be, you must not give up the pursuit of justice and peace. And you must always support the truth.
During the time of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), the Christians once objected that the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had allowed lying on some occasions. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) presented this verse, in addition to other verses, and then asked them how they could claim that the Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) could have given such a command?
He also challenged them and offered a big monetary reward and told the Christians that if, the way that the Holy Qur'an exhorts people to speak the truth and uphold justice, if they could show it from the Gospel, he would offer them a large sum of money as a reward. But no one dared to come in the field. So it is a blessing of Allah, the Exalted, upon us, that in this age, He has given us the ability to believe in the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) who gave us the weapon of hidden wisdom of the Holy Qur'an and its proofs. But this weapon is not just to silence others, but it is a beautiful teaching that we have to apply to ourselves. If we do not establish this system of justice that Allah, the Exalted, has given to us at the level of our homes, our neighborhoods, and in our surroundings, then all our claims to guide the world will be hollow.
The first thing is to always keep in mind that whatever testimony is to be given, as it is commanded to fulfill the requirements of justice, they can be fulfilled only if there is fear of God Almighty in the heart. When it is known that there is a God who knows my outward and inward and hidden things. Who knows what I am doing now and what I am going to do in the future. When we try to settle our affairs with this thought, then by the grace of God, there will be progress in piety, and when there is progress in piety, then to maintain justice, as stated in this verse, if you ever need to testify against your parents or any of your loved ones, you will have the courage and strength to do so.
A similar incident took place in the early days of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). When he testified in favor of the opposing party in a lawsuit filed by his father. The farmers had a tree dispute with his father, a land dispute, the farmers seeing the truthfulness, honesty, justice and fairness of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) told the court that if Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad testified that his father had a right to these trees, we would give up the right and withdraw the case. The court summoned him, the lawyer tried to explain to him, but he said that I will say what is right because in any case I have to fulfill the requirements of justice. Therefore, after hearing his words, the court gave a ruling in favour of the farmers and after this decision, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) returned home so happily that people thought that he was returning after winning the case. This is the practical example that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has shown to us of how to uphold this standard of justice. And he expected the same from his Jama'at, he taught us that you also have to maintain the same standard. Allah, the Exalted, also says that it is not permissible to talk in a way that has many meanings and in such a roundabout way that you take advantage of the doubt and get a decision in your favor. If you do so, it will also be equivalent to moving away from justice, it will be something that goes against justice; so always speak in a straightforward manner, always speak in a straightforward and honest manner that meets all the requirements of justice. Maintain this standard of justice in your home, in your dealings with your wife and children, in your day-to-day affairs, in your dealings with your employees, in your dealings with your neighbors. In another place it is said, 'maintain a high standard of justice even with the enemy.' Allah, the Exalted, the Knower of your deeds, the Knower of your hearts, will reward you with the highest rewards for your good intentions. See what a beautiful teaching this is to establish justice and peace in the world.
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) says: Stand firm on truth and justice. And every testimony you give should be for the sake of God; do not lie, even if telling the truth harms your life or harms your parents and those close to you - meaning even if children, wives and relatives suffer loss even then you should not give false testimony (Philosophy of Teachings of Islam with reference to the Commentary of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), Volume II, page 274).
Then he says: وَاِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَاعْدِلُوْا وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبِيَ And when you speak, observe justice, even if the concerned person be a relative. [6:153]
That is, you must not look to your own interests in order to maintain justice; or even the interests of your loved ones and relatives, but rather you have always to speak the truth.
Then Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an that (Al-Maeda Verse No. 9):
O ye who believe! be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.
Now look, what greater criteria can there be for maintaining justice than that you must not do injustice even to the enemy. If you do injustice to the enemy and do not meet the demands of justice, it means you do not have the fear of God in your heart. You are saying with your mouth that we are the servants of Allah and the ones who fear Him, but your action is testifying against it. Now sometimes even small quarrels take place between people. What to talk of even the enemies being treated fairly? So sometimes petty fights with one another and quarrels in one's family or with people in the immediate vicinity; and sometimes there is the very painful situation where the police gets involved and one starts making rounds to the court on trivial matters. Litigation begins and sometimes they are giving false testimony against each other. There is no fear of Allah, the Exalted, and they fall completely into the clutches of Satan and even though they know that they are deliberately doing some wrong things to strengthen their case, they are also lying but Satan gives them so much courage that they say, "Look, we are not getting justice." They forget that God is in fact above us.
Allah, the Exalted, says that if you want to be the servants of the Most Gracious, then purify your minds completely, and your goal should simply be to establish justice and fairness. Let not the enmity of any people prevent you from establishing justice. This is how we see the practical form of this command in one decision of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The narration is as follows. Hazrat Musleh Ma'ood has quoted that once some of the Companions were sent out to get news, because there was a war-like situation, there were difficulties for the Muslims, so the situation had to be monitored. The Companions found some of the enemy's men in the vicinity of the sanctuary [area where no fighting is allowed] and they (i.e the Muslims) thought that if we let them to go alive they would go and inform the people of Makkah and we would be killed. With this in mind, they attacked them and one of the infidels was killed. When this caravan which had been sent to just find news returned to Madinah, the men of Makkah also arrived behind them, saying that they had killed two of our men and had killed them inside the Haram [Sanctuary]. Now those who had been persecuting the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) inside the Haram in the first place, the answer they should have gotten was that you have been doing the same thing; but what action did the Holy Prophet take immediately? He said that injustice has been done to you. They may have gone to the Haram thinking that they were safe and thus they may not have done their best to safeguard themselves, and they may have shown less intensity in the battle. So the Holy Prophet (sas) paid blood money in accordance with the custom of the Arabs and handed it over to the heirs of the two slain. (Preface, Tafseer-ul-Quran, page 2, 3)
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I(ra) says, کُوۡنُوۡا قَوّٰمِیۡنَ لِلّٰہِ شُہَدَآءَ بِالۡقِسۡطِ that your testimonies for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, should be with justice and then further elaborating the command that
وَ لَا یَجۡرِمَنَّکُمۡ شَنَاٰنُ قَوۡمٍ عَلٰۤی اَلَّا تَعۡدِلُوۡا meaning that no one's enmity should hinder you from observing justice, he gives the following illustration. For example, in those days there were some Arya people, who were trying to get you removed from your jobs. It is not the teaching of Islam that you should try to compete with them and try to do the same against them, wherever you have the authority. No, this should not be done. He said, "Allah Almighty has prescribed taqwa, piety, as the cure, so you should believe that there is someone who sees your deeds and is aware of them." (Appendix Akhbar Badr Qadian. August 15, 1909, with reference to the Haqaiq Al-Furqan, Volume 2, Page 85). In this way you will become established in piety, you will come to attain certainty that there is someone who sees you, who is aware of your deeds; then will these high standards of justice come to be established.
Then there is the habit of some business people who are sometimes very clever to do business with less experienced people. Some hapless people come by money, but they are so straightforward that they fall into the trap of these very conniving, clever men and make a business deal with them which ultimately leads to total loss. And all the capital belongs to them and all the responsibility of the work also belongs to them. And this other person is just there to make profit while sitting at home. Even such smart people should have some fear of God so that they don't make fools of people in such a way. If someone has become a fool by falling victim to their talk they should always keep in mind that there is always God who is watching. He knows what is in your heart, so you should never make such an ungodly agreement, because whenever you make such an agreement, the one who gets an inexperienced person to give over his money to get it lost, that person has certainly murdered justice and fairness. And sometimes it happens that when people are robbed of their money in this way, and then when it is explained to them that you have done something wrong, it should not be like that, there should not be such agreements, that agreements should be made keeping piety in view; they respond that, 'Look! He happily signed, we never persuaded him with a gun.' This is a very shameful act, such incidents do come to light. But these other people who are wasting money in such nonsense should also invest wisely. By consulting, by praying, by understanding, questioning whether there will be some benefit or not. One should not become a fool for no reason. The believer should show some foresight.
Some people take out loans and make excuses when the time comes to return the loan. They should also fear God. It is narrated in a hadith that Hazrat Abdullah bin Abi Hadrad al-Aslami narrates that he owed a Jew four dirhams, and the time for returning the money had arrived. The Jew came and complained to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that I owe four dirhams and have not returned the money. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to 'Abdullah,'Give to this Jew what is his by right. 'Abdullah said,' By the One who sent you with the truth, I do not have the strength to repay the debt.' The Holy Prophet(sa) again said, "Give him back his right." Abdullah made the same excuse and said, "I have told him that you would send us to Khyber and give us a share of the spoils and upon returning I will pay him from it." The Holy Prophet(sa) said, "Pay him his right now." When the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say something three times, it was considered a final decision. So Hazrat Abdullah went to the bazaar and sold off a cloak that he was wearing for four dirhams and paid off the debt. An old lady was passing by at that time and said, "O Companion of the Messenger of Allah, what has happened to you?" Abdullah told her the whole story and she gave him a cloak that she had. And so his debt was paid off and a cloak was restored to him too. (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Volume 3, Page 423, Beirut Press)
Look at this companion who was not even in a position to repay the loan. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to him, “Even if you have to sell the clothes off your back, pay off the debt.The debt has to be paid. Only in this way can truth and justice be established."
The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) says that the state of justice is that which is akin to the state of the self of a pious person that incites to evil. For the reformation of this condition we are ordered to observe justice. And in this situation one has to oppose one's self. For example, one has to pay off one's debts, but the nafs [one's own self] wants to suppress it in some way, and if by chance the time expires, then the nafs will become even more courageous and fearless. There is no fear now of even any legal action - but this is not right. The requirement of justice is that what is due to be paid should be fulfilled, that is, the debt should be repaid and no trick or excuse should be employed to suppress the discharge of this duty. The Promised Messiah(as) says I am sorry to say that some people do not care about these matters. And there are people in my Jama'at who pay very little attention to their debts, which is against justice. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not offer funeral prayers for such people; so each of you should remember well that one should not be lazy in repaying debts and stay far away from all kinds of breach of trust and dishonesty because this is against the command of God. (Malfoozat, Volume 4, Page 607, Al-Hakam, January 24, 1906)
There is a hadith that Hazrat Zuhair narrates that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:Those who observe justice shall be on the right hand of the Gracious God seated on the pulpits of light. (Both hands of Allah will be counted as His right hands). So they do justice in their decisions and to their families and to whomever they are made guardians of. (Muslim Kitab al-Amara, Baab Fazilat al-Amir al-Adil wa Aqooba).
Here I now take the example of the home. Every married man is in charge of his family, it is his duty to take care of their needs, the man is made Qawwam [guardian] of the house. It is his responsibility to take care of all the expenditures, to take care of the education of the children, meeting all their educational needs and expenses; these are all the man's responsibility. But sad to say, there are some men in the Jama'at also who, what to talk of providing for all the expenses of the house, ask their wives to provide for them; whereas they have no right to their wife's earnings. If the wife covers some expenses, it is a favor to her husband. According to this hadith, men should always remember that if they want to share in the blessings of God Almighty, to be entitled to the light of God Almighty, then they have to fulfill their responsibilities while fulfilling the requirements of justice. The right to training and education of the children will have to be paid. They will have to take interest in them, they have to be made a valuable part of the society. If not, then you will be guilty of injustice. There will be no justice in you. Some people are sitting here in England, Germany and some countries in Europe, seemingly very sincere and virtuous in society, among friends and even in the eyes of Jama'at officials; but they have left the wife and the children in Pakistan and he does not even know how these poor people are living. Or some people have left their families here too and it is unknown how they are making ends meet. When asked, they say that the wife's tongue was out of control, or there was such and such evil; but even if it is assumed that such people are right, even then the requirement of justice and fairness is that so long as she is attributed to you, it is your job to meet her needs. In any case, it is the man's job to provide for the needs of the children under all circumstances. If you are punishing your wife, then why are the children being punished and made to go door to door? Such men should fear God. Being an Ahmadi these things are not befitting. I want to make it clear that such things cannot be tolerated once the system becomes aware of them. In any case, we have to follow these teachings that Islam has given us and which in this Age the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) has presented to us manifestly clearly.
There is a hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: From among the believers the one having the most perfect faith is the one who possesses the best of morals. And from among you the best of you are the ones who treat their women the best. (Tirmidhi, Kitabur Raza', Baab Ma Ja' haqqil Miara ala Zaujayha).
Then in another narration we find that Sulayman bin Umro bin Ahwus through his father Umro bin Ahwus, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates in a long narration in a part that relates to women where the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said on the occasion of the farewell pilgrimage, “Listen! You have a right over your wife, and similarly your wife has a right over you. Your right over your wives is that they should not host or associate with those whom you dislike, nor should they let such people come to your homes. And your wives have the right over you that you should be kind to them with regard to their food and their clothing.” (Tirmidhi, Kitabur Raza', Baab Ma Ja' haqqil Miara ala Zaujayha).
It is stated in this tradition that the home must be run in a fair and just manner; so both the husband and the wife must take care of each other and protect the rights of each other. What should women take care of? The women who come to their houses are of course their friends so they should not be such as their husbands do not like to come to their homes and so the women should not make friends with such women whether those friendships are legitimate or illegitimate. If the husband does not like that they come to his home then they should not come. It may be that the husband knows about things going on in some homes and so he does not like such people to come to his home. These are the things that women should not consider bad for the sake of their husband's happiness and they should consent and should accept what the husband says. The second thing stated in this hadith is that it is also the duty of the husbands to pay the dues of the family, to take care of the household expenses and their clothes, etc. I have already explained this. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) says (to the men): Hurting someone's heart is a great sin and girls' relationships are very delicate. When parents separate them from themselves and hand them over to others, think about what hopes are in their hearts. These can be estimated by man only by the command of
َا عَاشِرُوْاھُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ. [consort with them in kindness] (Surah An-Nisa' 4:20) (Al-Badr, Volume 3, Page 26, July 1904, with reference to the Commentary of the Promised Messiah, Volume 2, Page 216)
Then some people do injustice to their children. Some are spoiled by misplaced pampering and some by excessive harshness, then such children grow up and sometimes even start hating their fathers. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught us with great care to remove this and to establish justice.
Hazrat Nu'man ibn Bashir narrates that his father brought him in the presence of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and submitted that I have given him a slave as a gift. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Have you given such a gift to each of your sons? My father said no, Your Holiness. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said take back this gift. In another narration, the Holy Prophet(sa) said: Fear Allah and treat your children with justice and equality. Then my father withdrew the gift. According to another narration, the Holy Prophet(sa) said: Do not make me a witness of this gift because I cannot be a witness to injustice. (Bukhari Kitab Al-Hibba Baab Al-Hibba LilWald..)
Then there is the system of the Jama'at. Even in the Jama'at, officials have to make decisions in some matters. They should also take care that all the requirements of justice are met. Then there is the system of Qadha (Jurisprudence). They have matters sent to them to decide. They should also keep in mind the command of Allah Almighty at all times that while adhering to piety, they should pray, go deeper, look at everything carefully and then decide so that no one will ever complain that the decisions are not taken in accordance with justice and fairness. Sometimes the matter is protracted in Qadha while attempts are made for reconciliation, which leads one party to complain that the qadha is not making decisions. These parties should also work with patience and fortitude. However, officials and qadha must make decisions that meet all the requirements of justice. There is a narration from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that charity should be given for every limb every day that the sun rises. And the person who judges with justice among the people, then this is charity from him. (Bukhari, Kitab al-Sulah, Baab: Fadlul Islah bainan Naas wal Adl bainahum)
That is, those who are appointed to the task of making decisions, if they make decisions with justice in mind, then this is also charity from them. So where it is a matter of consolation that it is charity from them, there is also cause for worrying; worrying that wrong decisions may not lead to punishment or questioning.
There is another narration that Abdullah ibn Mohab narrates that 'Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, sent Ibn' Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, as a judge and said, "Go and decide their affairs among the people." He said, 'O Commander of the Faithful, can you not forgive me from taking up this responsibility?' Uthman(ra) said, 'Why do you dislike the position of Qaza' when your father used to make decisions? ' Hazrat Ibn Umar(ra) said: I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying: مَنْ کَانَ قَاضِیًا فَقَضَا بِالْعَدْلِ ; meaning he who is given the office of qadha should make decisions with justice and it is appropriate that he should leave this office in such a way that there should be no accusation against him. After hearing this instruction of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), I do not desire this position. (Tirmidhi Kitab al-Ahkam Bab Ma Jaa An Rasoolullah Fil Qazi)
He feared Allah lest a decision be made against which there could be an accusation. Then there is a tradition. Hasan narrates that 'Ubaydullah bin Ziyad went to Moa'qil bin Yasar to visit him when he was close to death. He said: I will narrate to you a hadith which I have heard from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). If I had thought that I would go on living I would not have narrated this hadith to you. I heard the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying: A person to whom Allah has entrusted the care of some people, if he dies while he has not done justice in guarding his subjects, then Allah will forbid Paradise to him. (Sunan al-Darmi, Kitab al-Raqaiq, Baab fil Adl bainar Rayeeya)
So in this age we Ahmadis have a great responsibility to uphold justice and fairness because we claim to have recognized the Imam of the Age and have pledged allegiance to him. The Imam, whom the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has called Hakam and Adl, [Arbiter and Judge]. So while that Imam will possess these qualities, his followers are also expected to establish a high standard of justice. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Ibn Maryam will be certainly descend as Hakam and Adl. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Volume 2, Page 494, Beirut). Which is a prophecy of the coming of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace).
Then there is a tradition. Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates about the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he said that even if one day should remain in the life of the world, Allah, the Exalted, will certainly raise a person from among my family who will fill the world with justice as it was filled with oppression and tyranny before. (Abu Dawud Kitab al-Fitn Awwal Kitab al-Mahdi)
In other words, the coming of Imam Mahdi is necessary in any case, and he has to come before the Day of Resurrection, even if only one day remains before the Day of Judgment. We are fortunate people that we have seen Imam Mahdi, recognized him and joined his Jama'at and saw the fulfillment of this prophecy of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
The Promised Messiah (peace and blessings be upon him) says that now the time of the Messiah has come. Now without doubt, God Almighty will create such causes from the heavens that will fill the earth with justice, peace and reconciliation as the earth was full of oppression and unjust bloodshed. And blessed are those rulers and kings who take a share in it. (British Government and Jihad - Roohani Khazain, Volume 17, Page 19)
Then he says: It is God's command to you that you deal justly with Him and His creation. That is, discharge the rights of Allah and the rights of His creation, and if you can do more than that, then do not only do justice but also do good, that is, do more than your obligations. And serve God with such morals as if you see Him. And behave with the people in ways that go beyond the demands of justice and deal with them with kindness and benevolence. And if you can do more than that, then worship God and serve His creation without any motive of gain or cause, selflessly as one does with the zeal of kinship. (Shahna-e-Haq - Roohani Khazain, Volume 2 Page 361-362).
In another place, he said, "Do as a mother does with her child."
Then he says that to show compassion to mankind lovingly is a great act of worship and it is a great means to gain the pleasure of Allah, the Exalted, but I see that in this aspect great weakness is shown and others are despised and ridiculed. To be of help to them in any trouble or distress and to inquire after them is of greater value, but the people do not even deal with the poor nicely and in fact despise them; I am afraid that such people themselves may not fall into such trouble. Those upon whom Allah, the Exalted, has bestowed grace, their gratitude is indeed that they should treat His creatures with kindness and benevolence and not be arrogant for the God-given grace and not crush the poor like savages. (Malfoozat, Volume 4, p. 438-439, Al-Hakam, 10 November, 1905)
May God bless us with the ability to create an atmosphere of peace, tranquility and justice in this world according to the wishes of the Promised Messiah (peace and blessings of God be upon him). And in this respect may we also train our progenies because the conditions of the world that is coming will require Ahmadis to play a very important role. May Allah bless us the ability to do so. Amen
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