Epigraph:
Indeed Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and wrongful transgression. He admonished you that you may take heed. (Al Quran 16:90/91)
Source: Press Release
Courtesy: Abid Ahmed
Ahmadiyya Board of Arbitration celebrates its centenary
On 20 January 2019, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address at the International Refresher Course for the Ahmadiyya Board of Arbitration (Darul Qadha) to mark 100 years since the committee’s establishment.
During his address, His Holiness drew the attention of the attendees towards fulfilling their responsibilities as arbitrators, according to the esteemed standards of justice and truthfulness outlined in the Holy Quran and by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him).
“With the Grace of Allah the Almighty, it has been 100 years since the establishment of Darul Qadha in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. We are gathered here today so that upon completion of 100 years we show gratitude to God that He has enabled us to administer this institution for 100 years and has given us the opportunity to serve within it.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
“Certainly, it is only the Grace of Allah the Almighty that He has enabled Darul Qadha to continue for the past 100 years. Nevertheless, a member of Darul Qadha can only be a true recipient of the beneficence associated with this institution if he fulfils the pre-requisite responsibilities that are entrusted to him.”
“The arbiters have very important responsibilities. Therefore, they should make every decision wisely, with due diligence and must utilise all their capabilities to uphold the highest standards of justice at all times… Every matter must be pondered over in detail and should not be taken lightly.”
“O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.”
His Holiness said that this verse contains detailed guidance and exhorts the readers to keep in view that God Almighty is aware of what is in people’s hearts. Decision makers in particular therefore should deliver their verdicts and opinions with complete sincerity and maintain the highest standards of integrity and impartiality at all times.
His Holiness said that the Holy Quran requires such standards of justice that a person must be ready to testify against himself or his close relatives in order to uphold the truth.
Suggested reading
The Bible And The Quran Are Pretty Similar When It Comes To Justice
The Holy Quran Applauded as a Landmark Contribution to ‘Words of Justice’ by the Harvard University
The Quran Gives Principles of Justice, But No Judicial System
Justice: The Most Important Quranic Theme
The Concept of Justice in Islam by Sir Zafrulla Khan
2019 – and not even now a woman in sight. I don’t like having to remind you that females make up more or less half the population, and they DO count. But things don’t seem to be making any progress in that direction! Sad!
I believe a large proportion of the cases of the ‘Boards of Arbitration’ relate to marriage / family issues. Yes, would it not be useful to have the input from the ladies side in this also? (I am not saying that their activities need to be restricted to family issues actually).
The debate about religions and women is a very important one, perhaps the most important issue for this century:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlDzYCyPnmk&w=700&h=385%5D
All religions have included women in their activities reluctantly. But the strict segregation observed by Muslims has made it harder for Muslim women to participate.
Qada or “Department of Justice ” is function of the State, not religion. I am not sure why it is needed.
I think ‘arbitration’ is very much needed as every society, including the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, have family dispute and other disputes. The first task of the ‘Arbitration Council’ is to try to solve such conflicts peacefully.