At the Palace, Prof. Quraish reminds that peace must not sacrifice justice
Jakarta — Muslim scholar Prof. Muhammad Quraish Shihab delivered a lecture at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday evening, 10 March, during a Nuzulul Quran commemoration event, reminding the audience that efforts to achieve peace must not sacrifice justice.
Addressing President Prabowo and state officials, Prof. Quraish delivered remarks exploring themes including peace, justice, unity, and leadership.
“Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters. When we speak of peace, we must remember that whilst we desire peace, we do not wish to sacrifice justice. We desire peace, but we must also uphold justice, and in upholding justice, the Quran instructs: Do not let your animosity towards a people lead you to abandon fairness,” said Prof. Quraish during his lecture.
“There are many definitions of justice—one is placing everything in its rightful place, giving rights holders their due in the best and quickest manner. There is also the definition that emerged when Plato discussed with philosophers of his time; one defined justice as allegiance to the strong. Plato disagreed, but some Islamic scholars agreed,” Prof. Quraish explained.
“However, gentlemen and ladies, their agreement was linked to the statement of Sayyidina Abu Bakar al-Siddiq upon his installation as leader of the Muslim community. His statement, in essence, was: I am not the best among you. If I am correct, support me. If I am wrong, correct me. Then he said: The strong among you are weak in my sight until I restore the rights of others they have taken. The weak among you are strong in my sight until I return their rights to them from those you call the strong,” Prof. Quraish continued.
Subsequently, Prof. Quraish delivered a message to President Prabowo.
“Mr President, if we apply this principle, justice and peace will be achieved. Your intention to combat corruption can be carried out justly through the understanding of Sayyidina Abu Bakar,” Prof. Quraish told President Prabowo.