It is the first of these -- matters of governance -- that relate to the issue of terrorism. The United States government believes that bringing democracy to Muslim nations will, in general, solve many ills affecting Muslim societies and, in particular, resolve the problem of terrorism. Lost in this emphasis on democracy is the value of justice. Islam insists that justice is at the heart of good governance. The Qur'an says: God commands you to repay pledges to the people due them; and to judge with justice when you judge between people. Excellent is what God instructs you; for God is all-knowing, all seeing (4:58) It is narrated that when 'Umar b. 'Abd al-'Azīz was informed by his deputy about the Khawārij, he wrote back saying: "Extinguish their sedition with justice."
Justice is a cure, but inherent in it is the preservation of life, property, human dignity, and fulfilling the rights of others. This is what 'Umar b. al-Khaṭṭāb meant in his letter to Abū Mūsā, when he wrote, "It is enough for an impoverished Muslim that he is treated justly in government and has his fair share in the distribution of wealth." Leaders are accountable before God even in how they respond to natural disasters, let alone how they redress any wrongs.
--Dr. 'Abd Allāh Bin al-Sheikh Mahfūẓ Bin Bayyah, The Culture of Terrorism: Tenets and Treatments, tr. by Hamza Yusuf, (Sandala & Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, 2014), p. 10.
"This publication is based upon a lecture deliver by Shaykh 'Abd Allāh bin Bayyah at the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Jeddah, 2007."
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