Justice

"Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the cause of the orphan, plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1:17) Christian justice combines retributive justice with mercy. Jesus fulfilled the Law, but taught a superior justice through love. The parable of the Good Samaritan expands the definition of “neighbor” to include everyone. The prophetic tradition cries out against social injustice, while the Gospel offers forgiveness to the repentant unjust. Source ✤

"O you who believe! Be firm in equity, as witnesses for Allah, even if it is against yourselves." (Quran 4:135) In Islam, justice ('adl) is one of the attributes of Allah. The Qur'an commands justice even towards enemies: "Do not let hatred stop you from being righteous. Be righteous, for it is closer to godliness." (5:8) Sharia seeks to establish social justice by protecting the vulnerable and regulating economic relations. Source ✤

"Dharma protects those who protect dharma." (Manu Smriti) In Hinduism, dharma includes the duty to maintain just order. The Bhagavad Gita presents Arjuna's war as a fight for justice against tyranny. Karma ensures that every action has consequences—cosmic justice is inevitable. Rulers have a duty (raja dharma) to protect their subjects and punish the wicked. Source ✤

"It is not by force that strength is conquered. Hatred never dispels hate; only love dispels it." (Dhammapada 1:5) Buddhism emphasizes compassionate justice over punitive justice. Karma operates naturally—violent intervention is not necessary for justice to prevail. The Buddha taught the Middle Way between permissiveness and cruelty. Ideal Buddhist rulers (chakravartin) rule with dhamma, not force. Source ✤

"The virtuous ruler is like the North Star—he remains in his place while all the other stars revolve around him." (Analects 2:1) Confucius emphasized that justice begins with the ruler. A virtuous ruler inspires virtue in his subjects. The Mandate of Heaven legitimizes just governments and revokes tyrants. Taoism warns against excessive laws: "The more prohibitions, the poorer the people." Source ✤

"Xangô doesn't make mistakes—his justice is certain." (Candomblé saying) Xangô, Orixá of justice and lightning, judges with power and precision. In Candomblé, whoever lies to Xangô suffers consequences. In Umbanda, he also represents law and order. African traditions prefer restorative justice: the goal is to reintegrate, not just punish. Ubuntu teaches that an injustice against one is an injustice against all. Elders mediate disputes seeking balance. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, justice is treated as a matter of character and right action. The emphasis is on aligning intentions with integrity, repairing harm when needed, and acting with fairness. The goal is consistency between values and behavior. Source ✤

"When all peaceful means fail, it is only fair to take up the sword." (attributed to Guru Gobind Singh) Sikhism teaches that all are equal before Waheguru—caste and class are illusions. The Gurus fought against Mughal tyranny. The Khalsa was created to defend the innocent. Langar (communal kitchen) abolishes caste distinctions—everyone sits together and eats equally. Source ✤

"Tzedek, tzedek tirdof - Justice, justice thou shalt pursue." (Deuteronomy 16:20) Judaism is deeply concerned with social justice. The prophets denounced the exploitation of the poor. The law establishes protections for widows, orphans and foreigners. Tzedakah (charity) is an obligation, not an option. The concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) motivates action for justice. Source ✤

"Justice is thy most beloved thing; deviate not from it." (Bahá'u'lláh) The Bahá'í Faith sees justice as the foundation of human society. Eliminating prejudice, establishing fair institutions, and protecting the weak are all expressions of justice. Justice is linked to unity—injustice destroys the oneness of humanity. On a personal level, justice means treating others fairly, even when it's against your own interest. Source ✤

"Asha is the best order, the order of truth and righteousness." (Avesta) Zoroastrianism sees history as a cosmic battle between Asha (truth/righteousness) and Druj (falsehood/injustice). Choosing the good strengthens Ahura Mazda. Justice will prevail in Frashokereti (final renewal). Each person is responsible for their choices and will face judgment on the Chinvat Bridge. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, justice is treated as a matter of character and right action. The emphasis is on aligning intentions with integrity, repairing harm when needed, and acting with fairness. The goal is consistency between values and behavior. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, justice is treated as a matter of character and right action. The emphasis is on aligning intentions with integrity, repairing harm when needed, and acting with fairness. The goal is consistency between values and behavior. Source ✤

"Utu, god of the sun, sees all injustice—nothing escapes his light." (Sumerian tradition) Utu/Shamash was the god of justice, whose rays illuminated all injustice. The Code of Ur-Nammu (predating Hammurabi) established protections for widows and orphans. The king's justice legitimized his government. Judges swore before gods and judicial injustice was severely punished. Source ✤

"Maat é a fundação do trono—sem ela, o caos prevalece." (Tradição egípcia) Maat era a deusa e o princípio da justiça, verdade e ordem cósmica. O faraó era responsável por manter Maat. No julgamento após a morte, o coração era pesado contra a pena de Maat. Juízes usavam imagens de Maat e juravam agir com imparcialidade. Source ✤