Principles of Prophetic Education (12): “Be Just!”

One of the fundamental principles of prophetic education is the principle of justice. Justice is the most important value that governs human relationships by ensuring mutual respect for rights. The development of the sense of justice begins at birth. This innate feeling, placed as a seed within the child’s nature, starts to grow in early childhood, with parents serving as the first role models. Later, the environment and school play a role in shaping it.

Children who receive a strong foundation in the family are able to further develop their sense of justice through education and social interactions, achieving a balance in their self-centered tendencies. It is essential not to view the sense of justice in isolation. Rather, it should be considered in connection with concepts such as truthfulness, honesty, fairness, generosity, tolerance, kindness, and equality. Justice encompasses all these values within itself, representing a broad and profound phenomenon.

The only way to embed the sense of justice in consciences and make it dominant in all spheres is through justice education, which serves as the cornerstone of a society’s material and spiritual well-being.

Be Just in Love and Care!

Parents must treat their children equally and justly, especially in matters of love, ensuring no unfairness in emotional interactions. This approach is essential for the healthy development of the sense of love inherent in a child’s nature. Just as parents provide for their children’s physical needs without regard to age, intelligence, appearance, height, or gender, they must also maintain balance and fairness in love, compassion, mercy, and attention, giving equal importance to each child’s psychological and moral development.

There can never be a valid reason to prefer one child over another or to shift the rights of one to another when caring for children entrusted to parents by God. Such favoritism can lead to jealousy among siblings, which is highly detrimental to their psychosocial development. One striking example of this is the trial experienced by Prophet Yusuf ( peace be upon him) and his brothers. Even though their father, Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him), treated all his children justly, Yusuf’s brothers perceived that he was loved more, which incited jealousy and drove them to the extreme of plotting to kill him. 1

If parents embrace each child equally as a part of their hearts, they positively contribute to the development of their children’s sense of justice. Otherwise, any form of discrimination negatively impacts this sense and causes wounds in the children’s emotional world that may never heal. Statements like, “My parents always excluded me! They loved my sibling more! They treated me unfairly! They oppressed me while favoring them!” can prevent healthy parent-child relationships from forming.

Even if children grow up in the same family environment, their personalities, temperaments, and characteristics are not identical. Regardless of a child’s age or personality, parents must act justly and not favor one child over another simply because they prefer their temperament or find them more agreeable. If undesirable behavior arises, parents should approach the matter with love and compassion, striving to correct it and instill good habits in its place. After all, the development of such undesirable traits often has roots in the parents’ own actions or negligence.

Thus, parents must approach mistakes not with childlike emotions but as mature educators, always maintaining a balanced, reasonable, and warm demeanor. When combined with the real power and influence of justice, this approach will yield the desired outcomes effortlessly.

Moreover, parents should show the utmost sensitivity to fairness, not only among their own children but also when interacting with others’ children. This exemplary behavior will contribute to fostering a sense of justice in all children, helping them internalize the idea that justice is a universal value that includes everyone.

Highlighting the importance of fairness in love and care, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Treat your children equally, even in something as small as a kiss!”2 He also emphasized the significance of this matter with the concise words: “God loves that you act justly and equally with your children, even in a kiss.”3

The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) Was Just Toward Children!

The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) lived by the principles he advised, becoming a shining example of their implementation. He frequently expressed his love for both his grandchildren and the children of his companions on various occasions. He would take his grandchildren into his arms, embrace them with compassion, and kiss them. Moreover, he would pray aloud for them in a way that those around could hear: “O my Lord! Have mercy on them! I love them deeply and feel great compassion for them—so love them as well!”4

He did not show affection to one while neglecting the other. Instead, he would extend his compliments equally, saying: “These two are my flowers in Paradise.”5 If he gave one a ride on his mount, he would seat the other in front. 6

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) openly demonstrated this love and care for his grandchildren in the presence of his companions. By doing so, he set an example for raising children with affection while also emphasizing the importance of treating children equally and without favoritism.

On one occasion, he placed one of his grandchildren on his right knee and the other on his left, looking at each with affectionate gazes. Witnessing this tender moment, a companion asked, “O Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), do you love them very much?” The Prophet responded, “Whoever loves them, loves me. Whoever resents them, resents me.”7 This response conveyed the lesson that love for what he cherished was integral to loving him.

Thus, the education of both love and justice must be nurtured together in the family home. In truth, it is incorrect to think of emotional education as separate parts, as human emotions form an indivisible whole. The role of parents in cultivating love and a sense of justice is unquestionable. As the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) stated, “Love is inherited from parents,” 8 and so is the sense of justice. Children raised with equal and just love, compassion, and mercy not only learn to love but also internalize fairness and make it a natural part of their character.

One striking example of the Prophet’s fairness in love and attention occurred in the Prophet’s Mosque. While delivering a sermon, his grandsons Hasan and Husayn entered the mosque. They walked, stumbled, and occasionally fell as they moved toward him. Upon seeing this, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) paused his sermon, descended from the pulpit, picked both of them up, and placed them before him. Before resuming his sermon, he turned to the congregation and said:

“Indeed, God has spoken the truth: ‘Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and with God is the greatest reward and happiness.’ 9 When I saw these two little ones walking and falling, I could not resist stopping my speech to go and bring them.”10

Another instance illustrating his sensitivity is narrated by Ibn Rabi’a ibn al-Harith: “My father sent me, and Abbas sent his son Fadl to the Messenger of Allah. When we entered his presence, he placed me on one knee and Fadl on the other. Then he embraced us so tightly and affectionately that we had never been embraced like that by anyone else before.”11

In conclusion, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) treated all those in his care with equal love and attention, emphasizing the importance of fairness in all matters. This is why he advised in his luminous teachings: “Fear God and be just among your children.”12 This statement not only underscores the importance of treating children fairly but also highlights the obligation to set a good example for them.

Do Not Differentiate Between Boys and Girls!

One of the practices observed during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) was the discrimination between male and female children. When news of the birth of a baby girl was delivered, the father would become angry, his face darkened with gloom, and he would hide from society due to the perceived “shame” of the announcement. He would debate whether to raise her or bury her alive, torn between these two heartless decisions. 13 This injustice and discrimination led to unimaginable cruelty, turning them into murderers of their own children. Yet, until the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) intervened to protect these innocent souls, they remained unaware of how far such customs had distanced them from humanity.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the Perfect Guide, introduced the principles of equality and justice in this matter and corrected such behavior when he observed it. On one occasion, a man visited the Prophet, and shortly after, the man’s son arrived. The father immediately embraced his son, kissed him, and seated him on his lap. Soon after, his daughter arrived. The man paid little attention to her, showed her no affection, and seated her beside him without any warmth. Witnessing this, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Shouldn’t you treat them equally? Treating them equally would have been better for you. Be just with your children, even in something as small as a kiss.”14

The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) not only ended these acts of infanticide but also emphasized the value of striving to establish justice and dignity for girls in society. He said:

“Whoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not belittle her, and does not favor his son over her, but acts justly, God will admit him into Paradise.” 15

To correct the negative perceptions about girls, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated:

“Whoever raises two daughters until they reach maturity, nurturing and educating them, will be with me on the Day of Judgment like this,” and he joined his fingers together. 16

In another noble statement, he said:

“Whoever has three daughters, takes care of them well, provides for them, educates them, and marries them off with kindness, will have Paradise as his reward.” 17

Thus, discrimination between boys and girls, whether within the family or in broader society, is a grave injustice. Such discrimination negatively affects a child’s sense of justice and teaches them to internalize inequality at an early age. They may begin to judge others based on gender, appearance, or ethnicity, and could resort to mocking or insulting others based on these differences. As a result, children may perceive those who are different not as “equals” or “a source of enrichment,” but as “the other” or even “the enemy,” fostering undesirable emotions toward them.

Through the values of justice, equality, and fairness that he brought, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) put an end to practices that harmed the development of children and jeopardized the unity of families and society as a whole.

Maintain Justice in Financial Matters!

The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), who always upheld justice and avoided any form of injustice, also commanded and advised fairness in financial dealings with children. Justice is an essential value that must prevail in both material and spiritual realms. Negligence or shortcomings in either area can cause deep emotional wounds in individuals and lead to numerous social and economic problems. A child subjected to such injustice may carry the pain throughout their life, harboring resentment not only towards their parents but also towards the sibling or siblings favored over them, potentially leading to hostility.

The following incident involving the respected Nu’man ibn Bashir, a noble Companion from the Ansar, is a striking example of the Prophet’s sensitivity and approach regarding fairness in financial matters:

Nu’man ibn Bashir narrated:

“My father gave me a gift, but my mother was not entirely satisfied with this act of giving. She told my father to consult the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about it, saying she would not agree to it otherwise. My father, taking me along, went to the Prophet and explained what had happened, requesting him to bear witness to the gift. The Prophet asked, ‘Do you have other children besides Nu’man?’ My father replied, ‘Yes.’ The Prophet then asked, ‘Did you give the same to all of them?’ My father answered, ‘No.’ The Prophet said, ‘Would it not please you to treat them equally in giving?’ He then added, ‘Do not ask me to bear witness to this act. I do not bear witness to injustice or wrongdoing. If I bear witness, it will only be for something that is just and fair. Therefore, you must revoke the gift. Remember, treating your children fairly is their right over you, and their doing good to you is your right over them.’”18

This incident illustrates the Prophet’s unwavering commitment to justice and the importance he placed on equity in all aspects of life, including financial dealings with one’s children.

Conclusion

Justice is a critical concept that ensures and establishes the safety, trust, and peace not only of individuals but also of societies and the entire human family. From this perspective, justice and equality are not merely matters concerning adults or legal systems; they are fundamental truths that pertain to all of humanity. Where justice prevails, rights and laws can be upheld, enabling humanity to feel secure and protected against all forms of oppression and injustice. Without justice, it is impossible for humanity to find true happiness on earth.

Therefore, for the establishment and perpetuation of justice—which forms the foundation of humanity’s peace and prosperity—it is essential to begin instilling the “sense of justice” from the moment a child is born. This educational process, of course, does not conclude during childhood; rather, it continues throughout one’s life. However, the foundations laid in the early years are reinforced and further developed through subsequent knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned. For humankind, education, learning, and spiritual growth are lifelong processes that extend “from the cradle to the grave.”

Author: Dr. Selim Koç

Footnotes:

1.See Surah Yusuf, 12:1–30.

2.Abdurrazzaq, Al-Musannaf, Wasa’ya 23 (16501).

3.Ali al-Muttaqi, Kanz al-Ummal, 45346-45350.

4.Bukhari, Fada’il al-Sahaba 18 (3746-3752); Muslim, Fada’il al-Sahaba 57-59 (2421-2424).

5.Bukhari, Fada’il al-Sahaba 22 (3753).

6.See Muslim, Fada’il al-Sahaba 8/60 (2423).

7.See Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, VI/360-362.

8.See Bukhari, Adab al-Mufrad, p. 15 (43).

9.Taghabun Sura, 64/15.

10.Bukhari, Fitan 20; Abu Dawud, Salah 225-227 (1109); Tirmidhi, Manaqib 30 (3774).

11.Ibn Hajar, Al-Matalib al-Aliyah, II/441.

12.Bukhari, Hibah 13 (2587); Muslim, Hibat 3/13 (1623).

13.See Nahl Sura, 16/58-59.

14.Abdurrazzaq, Al-Musannaf, Wasa’ya 23 (16501); Haythami, Zawa’id, VIII/156.

15.Abu Dawud, Adab 130 (5146).

16.Muslim, Birr 46/149 (2631).

17.Abu Dawud, Adab 130 (5147).

18.Muslim, Hibat 3/9-19 (1623); Abu Dawud, Buyu’ 85 (3542).