OUTLINING SOCIAL JUSTICE FROM AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE: AN EXPLORATION

Ever since men began living in society, thinkers and philosophers aimed at defining the goal of human beings to attain in order to lead a good life. An individual, according to Plato, is insufficient by himself. Such insufficiency can be overcome only when he joins with others to meet mutual needs. Society is thus a relationship of mutual co‐operation and exchange (Aristotle, Al‐Farabi). In this relationship, everybody expects that ‘justice’ should be done to ensure one's due. Therefore, justice is the supreme value of the society. A societal condition is said to be just or a good or happy one, where everybody is ensured of his due. On the other hand, an unjust or unhappy society is that where a sense of injustice or ‘feeling of deprivation’ exists. Thus justice is a guarantee for happiness and injustice becomes the cause of unhappiness. Justice and happiness are, therefore, inextricably interwoven. Good life or happiness, the universal quest of mankind, can only be achieved, said Aristotle, in a society that is based on justice.