Dur-e-Shewar Anwar, Manchester
The brutal murder of George Floyd in USA earlier this year sparked a surge in support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the public spotlight was focused once more on to the social injustices occurring across the globe; particularly those suffered as a result of the failure of political leaders and others in authority. Whilst it was this tragic incident in the USA that caught the attention of the media and mobilised nations of people; systemic racism, bigotry, austerity and oppression are rife in British society and the events of Brexit and the Pandemic have only served to exacerbate these institutions of division here in the UK. Now, millions of people are looking for solutions – ways in which to build a better, more fair and just society.
The answers lie with a man born in 570 A.D, in the middle of the Arabian desert, who, armed with the divine teachings of Islam and the blessings of Allah Almighty, was able to effect drastic social reform – of the calibre and impact that modern society is desperate for – in just 23 years. The Holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him), was sent by God as a “Mercy for all peoples” (21:108) [1]. He grew up in a selfish and misguided society where female infanticide was regaled, women had little to no rights; where the rich hoarded their wealth; where harsh treatment of slaves was commonplace and petty territorial conflicts were routine. Distressed by the condition of his people the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) fiercely advocated against such practices that propagated oppression and consistently preached that all people, regardless of caste, creed, race or religion were equal and deserving of fair and equitable treatment.
During his lifetime the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) assumed roles of spiritual, political and even military leadership through which he was able to exemplify his moral character and commitment to social justice. In this capacity he was able to bring down previously established customs of slavery, encouraging the freeing of slaves and affirming that the status of servants is that of brethren. That they should be treated to the same luxuries of food, clothing and shelter as their employers [2]. He fervently defended and advocated for the rights of the poor; any wealth accumulated from his status as an Apostle was quickly and generously distributed amongst the poor. He enjoined his followers to participate in this practise also, and eventually built a socio-economic system that allowed wealth to be fairly distributed in order to safeguard the basic needs of the impoverished [3]. Even during times of conflict the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) set out strict conditions in which wars may be fought to prevent the usurping of human rights and instructed his soldiers to demonstrate honesty, integrity and benevolence towards their opponents [4].
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) was firm in his belief that the destruction of nations came about as a result of discrimination and unjust treatment of its people; granting favours and allowing advancements to some more than others. To this end, in his final address, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) impressed upon mankind the importance of upholding the God-given rights of people, that this is requirement for achieving true social justice and equality. He stated:
“O Ye People! Your Lord is one and your father is one. Listen closely, no Arab possess superiority over an Arab. Similarly the red and white coloured possess no superiority over the black, nor do the black coloured possess superiority over the red and white coloured. Of course, one who surpasses others in personal goodness it is they who are most superior.”[5]
It is important to note that in this final address the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) addresses all people. Much like the acts of compassion and public service during his lifetime were not only extended to the Muslims of Arabia, rather to all people. This is because they were borne out of his sincere concern for the welfare of mankind, and further expounded and beautified through divine revelation.
Modern society has its merits with scientific and technological advancements permitting improved quality of life for many people. In spite of this however, we are still failing to establish and uphold the rights of many marginalised groups and until we can achieve this there can be no social peace. It is our responsibility to internalise the message of equality set forth by the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be on him), to sincerely accept, regardless of personal religious beliefs, that all of mankind has a shared ancestry and that we all occupy the same Earth. Thus we should extend love and compassion to one another, deal with each other with fairness and through this we may be able to achieve social justice at every level.
References:
[1] The Holy Quran with English Translation by Maulawi Sher Ali (ra), Chapter 21, Verse 108.
[2] Islam and Human Rights by Muhammad Zafrulla Khan. Available at URL: [https://www.alislam.org/book/islam-human-rights/]
[3] Life of Muhammadsa by Hadrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad. Available at URL: [https://www.alislam.org/book/life-of-muhammad/]
[4] Muhammadsa The Perfect Man by Hafiz Muzaffar Ahmad (Translated by Bushra Ishrat Sheikh). Available at URL: [https://www.alislam.org/book/muhammad-perfect-man/]
[5] The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) Volume III by Hadrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad M.A. Available at URL: [https://www.alislam.org/book/life-character-seal-prophets-vol-3/]
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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