Who We Are

Justice

Surah Al-An'am (6:152):

"And do not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not impose on any soul a burden except that which it can bear. And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a near relative. And the covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember."

Explanation

This verse covers multiple aspects of justice, including the importance of handling orphans' property responsibly, measuring and weighing fairly, and speaking justly even in challenging situations. It underscores the importance of fulfilling promises and maintaining fairness in all aspects of life. For a charity organization, this verse can underscore the commitment to ethical practices and fairness in every action and decision, ensuring that the principles of justice are upheld in serving the community.

Hadith on Justice

Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawood 3055):

"People are equal in the same way that the teeth of a comb are equal."

Explanation

This hadith uses the metaphor of the teeth of a comb to illustrate that all people should be treated equally and fairly. It emphasizes the inherent equality among individuals, highlighting the importance of justice and fairness in treating everyone without discrimination. For a charity organization, this hadith underscores the principle of equitable treatment and reinforces the commitment to ensuring that all individuals receive fair and just consideration, regardless of their background or status.

Equity

Surah An-Nisa (4:58):

"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَوْفُوا بِالْعُقُودِ ۗ أُحِلَّتْ لَكُمْ بَهِيمَةُ الْأَنْعَامِ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ۗ غَيْرَ مُحِلِّي الصَّيْدِ وَأَنْتُمْ حُرُمٌ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يَحْكُمُ مَا يُرِيدُ"

Translation: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse to give it, then indeed Allah is Acquainted with what you do."

Explanation

This verse emphasizes the importance of standing firm in justice and equity, even if it involves personal sacrifice or goes against one's own interests. It instructs believers to uphold fairness in all situations, whether in their dealings with others or in their own personal conduct. Equity, as highlighted here, involves impartiality and ensuring that justice is served regardless of personal biases or external pressures.

Hadith on Equity

Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawood 3058):

"Give people their rights, for indeed Allah loves those who are just."

Explanation:

This hadith underscores the importance of fairness and the equitable distribution of rights. It highlights that upholding equity is not just a matter of personal virtue but something that is loved and endorsed by Allah. The hadith encourages individuals to respect the rights of others and ensure that everyone is treated fairly and justly.

Leadership in Excellence

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:247):

"وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًا ۚ قَالُوا أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِالْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِّنَ الْمَالِ ۚ قَالَ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ اصْطَفَاهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُ بَسْطَةً فِي الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِسْمِ ۖ وَاللَّـهُ يُؤْتِي مُلْكَهُ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّـهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ"

Translation: "And their prophet said to them, 'Indeed, Allah has appointed Talut (Saul) as a king over you.' They said, 'How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him, and he has not been given an abundance of wealth?' He said, 'Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing, all-Knowing.'"

Explanation

This verse highlights how Allah chose Talut (Saul) as a leader due to his excellence in knowledge and physical strength, even though others questioned his worthiness based on material wealth. The verse emphasizes that true leadership is grounded in qualities like knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness—characteristics that are essential for leading with excellence. It reflects the principle that leadership is not just about power or status but about embodying qualities that contribute to the well-being and guidance of the community.

Hadith on Leadership in Excellence

Hadith (Sunan Ibn Majah 3677):

"The leader of a people is their servant."

Explanation:

This hadith emphasizes that true leadership is rooted in servitude and service to others. It highlights that a leader should prioritize the needs and well-being of those they lead, acting as a servant to their community. This principle of servant leadership reflects a commitment to putting others first, providing guidance and support, and leading by example.

Community-Based
This phrase reflects the concept of something being rooted in or centered around the community.

Quranic Verse on Community-Based Principles

A relevant Quranic verse that emphasizes the importance of community and collective responsibility is:

Surah Al-Imran (3:104):

"وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ ۚ وَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ"

Translation: "And let there be [arising] from you a community inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful."

Explanation

This verse highlights the importance of a community coming together to promote good and prevent wrongdoing. It stresses the idea that success lies in collective action and responsibility, where members of the community support one another in upholding moral values and righteousness.

Hadith on Community-Based Principles

Hadith on Universal Compassion

Hadith (Sahih Bukhari 6011):

"The best of people are those who are the most beneficial to others."

Explanation:

This hadith emphasizes that the best among people, regardless of their faith or background, are those who contribute positively to the welfare of others. It promotes a community-based approach that transcends religious boundaries, encouraging individuals to be beneficial to society as a whole.

Inclusion

Meaning of Inclusion in Islam:

Inclusion in Islam refers to the idea of embracing diversity, ensuring justice, and promoting unity among all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or social status. Islam encourages the inclusion of all members of society.

Quranic Verse on Inclusion

Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

"يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّـهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ"

Translation: "O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."

Explanation

This verse highlights the purpose of human diversity in Islam. Allah created people from different backgrounds, nations, and tribes so that they may recognize and appreciate one another. This diversity is a sign of Allah’s wisdom, and it serves as a reminder that differences in race, ethnicity, or social status should not be a cause for division or hatred. Instead, these differences are meant to be a means for people to come together, learn from each other, and advance mutual respect.

Hadith on Inclusion

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized inclusion and equality in his teachings. One well-known hadith states:

Hadith (Sahih Muslim 2564a):

" لَا فَضْلَ لِعَرَبِيٍّ عَلَى أَعْجَمِيٍّ، وَلَا لِعَجَمِيٍّ عَلَى عَرَبِيٍّ، وَلَا لِأَحْمَرَ عَلَى أَسْوَدَ، وَلَا لِأَسْوَدَ عَلَى أَحْمَرَ، إِلَّا بِالتَّقْوَى"

Translation: "No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person, except by piety and good action."

This hadith underscores the idea that all humans are equal, and the only criterion for superiority in Islam is one's piety and good deeds. It promotes inclusion by rejecting all forms of discrimination based on ethnicity, race, or color.