Peace and Justice

1Why this topic matters

Imagine a class monitor who always reports the same students and protects her friends. The class may look quiet, but it is not truly at peace: the students treated unfairly are angry. Peace and justice belong together. This lesson shows what Christianity and Islam teach about both.

21. Peace

Peace is not only the absence of fighting. It is harmony with God, with oneself and with other people. The Hebrew word shalom and the Arabic word salam both mean peace and wholeness. Muslims greet one another with as-salamu 'alaykum, "peace be upon you".

In Christianity. Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9). Paul wrote: "Repay no one evil for evil. … If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men." (Romans 12:17–18). Peace is also a "fruit of the Spirit", a quality God grows in believers (Galatians 5:22).

In Islam. One of the names of Allah is as-Salam, Peace. The Qur'an commands believers to make peace between people who quarrel: "The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren" (Qur'an 49:10). Naught else than means "nothing other than". The servants of God answer rudeness calmly: "when the foolish ones address them answer: Peace" (Qur'an 25:63).

32. Justice

Justice means fairness: giving each person what is right and due, treating people equally, and refusing bribes and favouritism.

In Christianity. The prophet Amos said: "But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream." (Amos 5:24). Isaiah gave practical commands: "Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1:17). The fatherless are orphans. "To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice." (Proverbs 21:3)

In Islam. "Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness." (Qur'an 16:90). Justice must be kept even against one's own family: "Be ye staunch in justice, witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or (your) parents or (your) kindred, whether (the case be of) a rich man or a poor man" (Qur'an 4:135). Staunch means "firm".

4How peace and justice work together

When two groups of believers fight, the Qur'an says to "make peace between them justly, and act equitably. Lo! Allah loveth the equitable." (Qur'an 49:9). Equitably means fairly. Both faiths teach that:

• there is no lasting peace without justice, because people who are treated unfairly remain hurt and angry;
• justice must be pursued by peaceful means, not by revenge;
• peacemakers must listen to both sides before deciding.

5Peace and justice at school and in the community

• A fair class monitor treats friends and others alike.
• Students settle quarrels by talking, with a teacher's help if needed, instead of fighting.
• Abunzi mediators help neighbours settle disputes fairly and peacefully.
• Leaders who refuse bribes and judge fairly build trust.

Worked example

Question: Explain why peace and justice need each other, with one text from each faith. (4 marks)

Model answer: A community can look calm while some people are treated unfairly, but their anger will later break out; so true peace needs justice (1 mark). Isaiah 1:17 calls believers to "Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed" (1 mark). Justice must also be pursued peacefully, not by revenge (1 mark): Qur'an 49:9 tells believers to "make peace between them justly, and act equitably" (1 mark).

Practice