Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim

1. Introduction

Justice (Al-‘Adl) in the perspective of Wasathiyah is not merely dividing equally, but placing something exactly in its rightful place (wad’u syai’in fi mahallihi). Psychologically, a just soul is a tranquil soul because it is not burdened by injustice toward itself or others. When we live by the principle of Istiqamah, we build mental resilience. We are not easily swayed by praise that pushes us into excess (Ifrath), nor crushed by insults that lead us into neglect (Tafrith). Justice is the gravity for the spirit to remain grounded in truth.

Evidence from the Qur’an and Hadith

يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُوْنُوْا قَوَّامِيْنَ لِلّٰهِ شُهَدَاۤءَ بِالْقِسْطِۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَاٰنُ قَوْمٍ عَلٰٓى اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْاۗ اِعْدِلُوْاۗ هُوَ اَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوٰى

"O you who believe! Be upholders of justice for Allah, as witnesses to fairness. And do not let hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness..." (QS. Al-Ma'idah : 8)

قُلْ آمَنْتُ بِاللَّهِ فَاسْتَقِمْ

"Say, 'I believe in Allah,' then remain steadfast." (HR. Muslim)

2. Lessons and Messages

Being just means daring to be honest from the very depths of thought. Do not let our fondness for someone make us blind to their faults, and do not let our hatred for someone make us blind to their virtues. Istiqamah on the middle path is the courage to stay sane in a world that often demands we choose one extreme.Recall the story of Caliph Ali bin Abi Thalib who lost his armor. He saw it being sold by a Christian man in the market. Though he was the supreme leader, he did not seize it. He brought the matter to court. Judge Shuraih asked, "Where is your proof, O Commander of the Faithful?" Because Ali had no strong evidence, the judge ruled in favor of the Christian man. Seeing the extraordinary justice of Islam—where a leader could lose to an ordinary citizen of a different faith for the sake of fair law—the Christian man wept, embraced Islam, and returned the armor. Justice is the form of da’wah that touches the heart most deeply.Imagine a tightrope walker high above the ground. He holds a long pole for balance. If he leans too far to the right (Ifrath), he falls. If too far to the left (Tafrith), he falls as well. That pole is the Sharia, and his consistency in taking step after step to the end is Istiqamah. Wasathiyah is the art of maintaining the center of gravity so we are not thrown off the shirathal mustaqim rope of life.There was a man who wanted to be “just” when giving charity at the mosque. He had 100,000 and 2,000 rupiah in his pocket. When the donation box came around, he closed his eyes, rummaged through his pocket, and said, "O Allah, let my hand act justly without my eyes interfering." Lo and behold, the 100,000 came out. He broke into a cold sweat and tried to take it back. His friend whispered, "Hey, didn’t you say you wanted to be just?" He replied, "Yes, but this is an ‘accident’ that’s very unjust to my wallet!" The lesson: Justice requires knowledge and a willing heart, not just closing your eyes!

3. Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters, Wasathiyah is the straight path (Istiqamah) between two extreme cliffs. It gives the body its right to rest, the soul its right to worship, and others their right to be respected. Let us ask Allah that our hearts not incline toward falsehood after He has given us guidance.

والله أعلم بالصواب

الحمد لله رب العالمين

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmaullahi Wabarakatuh.

ِAbu Sultan Al-Qadrie