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Flora Teckie Correspondent
The World Day of Social Justice observed globally on February 20 is a reminder of the important role that justice and fairness play in our lives and in our communities.
Justice and fair-mindedness in our judgments, and equity in our treatment of others are among the basic teachings of religion.
Describing the importance of religion for establishment of order and tranquillity in the world, Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith states: “Religion is, verily, the chief instrument for the establishment of order in the world, and of tranquillity amongst its peoples”.
Bahá’u’lláh further states that: “Should the lamp of religion be obscured, chaos and confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness and justice, of tranquillity and peace cease to shine”.
This quotation highlights the importance of religion for the establishment of justice and fairness, tranquillity and peace in our homes, in our communities and at global level.
As the fruit of the creative Word of God, religion has the power to nurture good morals. It has the power to transform our thought and action and our social relationships.
By fully adopting and putting into practice the divine teachings, the true follower of religion is led “to sincerity of intent, to high purpose, to purity and spotless honour, to surpassing kindness and compassion, to the keeping of their covenants when they have covenanted, to concern for the rights of others, to liberality, to justice in every aspect of life, to humanity and philanthropy, to valour and to unflagging efforts in the service of mankind”, state the Bahá’í Writings, which also emphasize that “religion must be in conformity with science and reason, so that it may influence the hearts of men.
The foundation must be solid and must not consist of imitations”.
Religion provides teachings and a unifying power by which entire societies can achieve order and stability.
Promoting co-operation and unity among the diverse groups in our communities should, of course, not be a passive exercise. Prejudices of every kind —whether religious, race, nationality, class, or gender — must be actively combated.
Link between unity and justice
Unity and peace are closely linked to social justice.
It is the requirement of justice that everyone is treated equally and with dignity. The chief instrument for the transformation of society and the achievement of global unity, Bahá’u’lláh asserts, is the establishment of justice in the affairs of humanity.
“The light of men is Justice”, He states, and “The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men”.
Social justice cannot become a reality unless we embrace human diversity, and confront the prejudices that hinder the realisation of global social justice.
World peace and social justice are closely linked.
Social justice implies that everyone is treated as equals, from whatever background they may be.
Of course, it is not by suppression of differences that we will have a just and united society, but rather by an increased awareness of, and respect for, the values of each culture, and indeed of each individual.
Honouring diversity without making differences a cause for conflict requires a new way of thinking, based on the acceptance of our oneness and respect for the rights of every individual.
“The principle of the oneness of humankind,” in the Bahá’í view, “lies at the heart of the exhortation that we should treat others as we ourselves would wish to be treated. To establish justice, peace and order in an interdependent world, this principle must guide all interactions…”.
Application of justice towards people of all backgrounds
To be just requires fair-mindedness in our judgments, for equity in our treatment of others; and the application of justice every day and in everything we do and towards all our fellow human beings.
Currently, one of the grave injustices in society — prevalent in many parts of the world — and a major barrier to unity, co-operation and peace is discrimination due to race.
A great deal of effort is required towards achieving race reconciliation and bringing about social justice.
Another grave injustice is discrimination against women and girls — one half of the world’s population. It is a requirement of justice that women and men are treated as equals in their families, at their work and in society.
Justice must be applied internationally and not only locally or nationally, and towards all members of human family, if unity of humanity is to become a reality.
The current justice systems in many parts of the world not only overlook, but often sanction, injustices towards those who are from a different country or are not from the same background.
Another requirement of justice is to respect the world’s major religions and to act towards the people of all faiths with love and understanding.
Building a united global society is vital to humanity’s well-being, peace and prosperity, and justice is vital to the establishment of unity and harmony at all levels of society.
This is because it provides the standard by which individual conduct and collective efforts are judged.
Social justice and unity are pre-requisites for socio-economic empowerment, stability and well-being.
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Website: www.bahai.org
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