Justice and Equity

As far as the judiciary and courts were concerned, Muslim and non-Muslim citizens were already legally equal in terms of rights, but even in practice, the scale of justice was never be permitted to fall over to one side. Therefore, we have seen that when the Banū Naḍīr were exiled and a dispute arose between the Anṣār and Jews, i.e., the Jews desired to take the children of the Anṣār along, while the Anṣār attempted to restrain them, the Holy Prophet(sa) decided against the Muslims in favour of the Jews.1 Similarly, it is narrated that on one occasion, a case between a Jew and Muslim was presented before Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra). Upon finding the truth to be with the Jew, Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) dismissed the plea of the Muslim and issued a verdict in the favour of the Jew.2 During the time of Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) a Jew was murdered, and no lead could be found with respect to the killer. When he was informed of this, he became worried and came out of his home. Then, he gathered the Companions in the mosque, ascended the pulpit, and delivered an extremely powerful address saying:

“God has made me a Khalīfah, and put the reigns of the Islāmic Government in my hand. Now shall the blood of God’s creation be spilt under my rule? By God! Anyone who has any knowledge of this incident should tell me now.”

Upon this, a Companion named Bakr bin Shaddākh(ra) stood up and said, “O Amīrul-Mu’minīn! It is I who has committed this murder.” Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar(ra) responded, “Allāh is the Greatest! You are the killer! Retribution will be sought from you, unless you are able to absolve yourself.”3