Epigraph:
“Blessed is He (Allah) Who has sent down the Discrimination (the Quran) to His servant (Muhammad), that he may be a Warner to all the worlds.” (Al Quran 25:2)
John W. Weeks Bridge and clock tower over Charles River in Harvard University campus in Boston with trees, boat and blue sky. The Muslim Times has the best collection of articles about the holy Quran
Source: Emirates 24/7: January 2013
Additional Source: Words of Justice by Harvard Law School Library
Faculty of law says the Quranic verse (4:136) is one of the greatest expressions for justice
The US Harvard University has posted a verse of the Holy Quran at the entrance of its faculty of law, describing the verse as one of the greatest expressions for justice in history.
Verse 135/136 of Sura Al Nisa (women chapter) has been posted at a wall facing the faculty’s main entrance, dedicated to the best phrases said about justice.
A Saudi student who studies at Harvard published a picture of the poster in his Twitter page, according to the Saudi Arabic language daily Ajel.
“I noticed that the verse was posted by the faculty of law, which described it as one of the greatest expressions for justice in history,” Abdullah Jumma said.
Harvard University was established in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1636 as the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
There are two dozen quotations on display, in the art installation, created by the Harvard University. The three, most prominently displayed, at the entrance of the art installation, are quotes from St. Augustine, the Holy Quran and Magna Carta. According to the Harvard Law School Faculty:
These quotations illustrate the universality of the concept of justice throughout time and across many cultures.
After the quotations were selected from a pool of over 150 contributions from law school faculty, staff and students, the librarians at the Harvard Law School Library researched the historical context and authenticity of each quotation and developed this website to share this research with visitors to this art installation.
Now, I reproduce the description of the Entrance wall from the website created by the Harvard Law School Library, except for the pictures. The entrance wall covers three landmarks in human history, in the history of Law and Judiciary, firstly St. Augustine, as a representative of Judaism leading into Christianity, secondly, the Holy Quran and thirdly Magna Carta, representing the climax of human wisdom and experience, developing in the light of revelation of scriptures and human struggle in history, until the 13th century:
Saint Augustine (Augustine of Hippo) (November 13, 354 – August 28, 430)
“An unjust law is no law at all.”
Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE) is considered one of the most influential writers of the early Church. He was raised and educated in the classical Roman tradition in Thagaste, part of the Roman province of Numidia in North Africa. As a young man, he was a dedicated student of Latin literature and rhetoric, and he traveled to Carthage and later Rome to continue his studies. Although Augustine did not initially follow his mother’s Christian faith, while in Rome he converted to Christianity in 387 CE. Later, he returned to North Africa and devoted his life to the Church. There he founded an ascetic community, was ordained and eventually rose to be bishop of the city of Hippo. It is not surprising that Augustine is traditionally represented holding a book, since he was a prolific writer of theological works and pastoral letters. Augustine wrote in an era when many Catholic rites and doctrines were still unsettled, and the Church was confronted by a number of schismatic movements. Many of his writings directly challenge these movements. De Libero Arbitrio (On Free Will), the source of the quote, is one of Augustine’s earliest Christian writings. In it he addresses free will, grace and divine foreknowledge—themes he would revisit in his writings throughout his life.
Qur’an (622 CE)
“O ye who believe!
Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses
To Allah, even as against Yourselves, or your parents,
Or your kin, and whether
It be (against) rich or poor:
For Allah can best protect both.” (Al Quran 4:135/136)
According to Islamic tradition, this surah (chapter), was revealed in Medina after the Prophet’s hijra (migration) from Mecca in 622 CE. As the name of this surah implies, An-Nisa’ mainly deals with the obligations and responsibilities of women in Islamic society, but it also touches on inheritance and family law along with slavery and temporary marriage. In this verse, the Qur’an is addressing the importance of truthfulness in testimony.
Magna Carta of King John, A.D. 1215
“To no one will We sell, to none will We deny or defer, right or justice.”
King John agreed to the terms of Magna Carta in a field at Runnymede in June of 1215. John’s reign had been an unhappy one, marred by wars in France, ongoing financial difficulties, friction with the Church and conflict with his subjects. Many of his barons resented his heavy-handed attempts to assert royal authority and extract funds to support his military campaigns. By late 1214, the barons rose against King John’s arbitrary rule, and after months of negotiation and armed rebellion, the barons took the city of London, drastically weakening John’s position. Under duress, John agreed to negotiate the settlement that led to the Magna Carta. Today, many of the claims set forth in Magna Carta seem modest in scope. They address grievances against the king’s abuse of his powers over inheritance, fines and legal procedure. Over time, however, these specific claims became less important than the underlying principles that recognized that royal power should be limited by the law. By 1765, the great English jurist Sir William Blackstone cited “the emphatical words of the Magna Carta” to support his statement that “the law is in England the supreme arbiter of every man’s life, liberty and property. ” (Commentaries on the Law of England, I.137-138). The Magna Carta’s simple statement quoted here is now considered a founding principle in English constitutional law.
Here is the link to the Harvard website, detailing this, click here.
The Holy Quran Applauded as a Landmark Contribution to ‘Words of Justice’ by the Harvard University: http://t.co/FYT1nkj3
— Rafiq A. TSCHANNEN (@MuslimPoly) January 26, 2013
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The Quran Applauded as a Landmark Contribution to ‘Words of Justice’ by Harvard Universityhttp://t.co/UCvyGzJmHk pic.twitter.com/gafTxBAaHL
— Zia H Shah (@ZiahShah1) September 10, 2015
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Categories: Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Americas, Highlight, Qur'an, Quran
This is a great news and I read it with a great joy. In fact This is a recognition of Quranic teachings. In a country where Quran the Holy Book was Burnt out in hate, burnt our openly not only in the Churches also on the Roads in front of the innocent people. This is a Holy Book There is no doubt( Sayings of Allah Who is the Gracious ever Merciful.
Wonderful. Let us also document it further. Is it a temporary display or a permanent fixture?
I hope and pray that some one in Boston can send us more pictures and information.
I hope it has a reference showing that it is from the Holy Quran, I couldn’t see it from the picture.
Great step by the University, indeed!!
MashaAllah
A slow revolution is taking place every where in world but majority of people do not realize. Lot of scholars are taking serious notice of Islam, Quran and Mohammed sayings. Hundred years ago it was not like that and it was common practice of western scholars to find any possible bad examples anywhere in Islam. Muslim scholars who were unable to respond to such allegation due to their lack of knowledge in every field except calling everyone infidel and engage in meaningless sectarian fight. Since Promised Masiah Mirza Ghulam Ahmad start writing and replying such assaults. Then his followers jamat Ahmadiyya continuing his work doing translation of Quran and establishing lot literature. Now lot of Muslim scholars are doing same and western educated and intellectuals are looking Quran for guidance.
Alhumdolillah.
The unbiased, unprejudiced, and equitable teaching of the Holy Qura’an attracts and affects the undistorted human nature regardless of the theological differences.
It is gratifying to learn that Law Faculty of Harvard bravely posted the verses of the Holy Quran on its wall. Alhumdo Lillah!
The concept of Justice as stipulated in Islam is unheard of in the Western Justice system. As the Promised Messiah pointed out another element that is missing in today’s world (which is why he came) is Taqwa or being Mutaqqi.
In relation to Justice, the verse calls for being truthful even if it is giving evidence against your own self which many will find hard to do. It is human nature to go on “self-defense” as soon as there is any allegation of any sort.
It is often in the bid to claim or establish innocence men tend to deny commission of an act.
In the practice of law (attorney-client privilege) attorneys often develop plans on how to extricate their clients and set them free despite a clear admission of their part in the wrong doing.
In light of this verse an a Muslim attorney will be required to advise client to speak the truth and take responsibility of his action.
“Judge with Justice” is also central to Islamic justice system. It might sound very simple but when it comes to deliberation every judicial officer is faced with the same burden and is compelled to consider this standard. Some may or may not abide by it and some be doing “miscarriage of justice”. However, when the principle is not part of the written law then everyone is free to exercise his or her own judgement. The Holy Quran has made is simpler and easier by its own stipulations for “absolute justice.”
Hope one day these verse will become a focus point of legal studies in USA and serve as guiding principles in our justice system that will guarantee a much safer society.
This is so nice! Justice quotes chosen with justice.
I think Muslims should recall their memory, that is to learn to appreciate anything good , no matter where it came from. This what Islam teaches us. This what Hadith quotes, every good deed belongs to believers, they should adopt it wherever they find it.
This is the most righteous approach.
We appreciate and marvel at this act of goodness from the authorities of Harvard university.
I salute them. God Bless them. Amen
Our Collection about Separation of Mosque-Church and State
TAURAT :
Tauhid and Love God with all your heart..
GOSPEL:
Love your enemy and pray to those eho persecute you
AL QURAN:
Justice for all people regardless religion, race, gebder and non religion.
Thus Islam is perfect.
Those Muslim who dont read and practice all Gods laws, those Muslim will go astray. That is God command Muslim to believe in All His books many times.Q. 3:1-6.
Our prophet Muhammad command Muslim to practice the Moses and Jesus teaching as follow:
As Prophet Muhammad say.
Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our Messengers: We sent after them ‘Isa the son of Maryam, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Love,or Compassion and Mercy. Q.57;27.
And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.(taqwa) Q.5;46.
Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject Faith, to the Day of Resurrection; then shall ye all return unto Me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute. Q.3;55.
Islam is a religion of love. Moses &Jesus teaching!
First and second God Commandment teach love;
Matthew 22.37. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
Luke 6:27 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
(Laviticus 19:33). Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner in living in your country, love them as you love self. Remember that you were foreigner in Egypt”.
WHY I READ BIBLE?
Allah and Prophet Muhammad command Muslims many times Q.3:2-6, to believe in Taurat, Zabur, Injil or Gospel and practice it that not against Al Quran as new laws for Muslim.
So those who follow Jesus teaching ( Gospel ) Allah promise to fill his heart with “love, Mercy and Light as guidance”, refer to Q. 57:27, Q. 5:46. Jews, Christian are lovely Muslim.
I urge all Muslim around the world to read Gods books Bible, you will find happiness, peace, a lot of ❤️, and guidance.
If extremist Muslims follow Moses and Jesus teaching, I believe that peace will be prevail on earth.
Hatred is the seed of evil, violence and poverty
Love is the seed of peace, happiness and prosperity
All ❤️
Assalamu Alaikum and Ramadan Mubarak!
I am from Uzbekistan.
I am Ruyiddin Sharipov!
I really want to help the Palestinians.
But I myself am unemployed. Looking for a job.
If there was bi money
I immediately sent money to the Palestinians.
Right now the Holy Month RAMADAN.
PLEASE YOU!
I have a request for you!
I WANT TO GET A DUA FROM YOU.
GETTING A DUA FROM YOU IS MY DREAM.
I ask you to pray for Me, that ALLAH will give Me
work and wealth.
So that I become rich. Ameen.
It is said that Ramadan is the month in which
prayers are accepted.
Therefore PLEASE YOU! Pray
that Allah may preserve My health and faith during
holy month, letting me get closer to
Him when I seek His forgiveness, mercy and
blessings May He accept My efforts
to please Him in this blessed month. Ameen.
I will pray to our Palestinian
brothers and sisters and children, that ALLAH gave
them all
what they want. Ameen.
I ask from ALLAH,
so ALLAH will give you everything you want. Ameen.
I myself do not know English. I translated this
text through this website
https://translate.google.com
But I know Uzbek and Russian and German.
My address:
Ruyiddin Sharipov
Uzbekistan
City Karshi
Street Erkin 38
Post Code 180110
Tel.: 998 75 2261369
E-Mail: ruyiddin1977@gmail.com
E-Mail:ruyiddinsharipov1201@gmail.com
Telegram : @Ruyid1
telefon 998 93 934 19 26
Yours sincerely
Ruyiddin Sharipov