No One Above the Law
[3:161] Even the prophet cannot take more of the spoils of war than he is entitled to. Anyone who takes more than his rightful share will have to account for it on the Day of Resurrection. That is when each soul is paid for whatever it earned, without the least injustice.
How does the expression “no one above the law” apply to the average person’s daily life?
In life we will at some point have status above others by becoming employers, managers, coaches, parents etc. At that point will you abide by the same moral laws as your subordinates or consider yourself exempt or having the ability of having a free pass. It takes real integrity to abide by the laws when you are in a position of authority to skirt the laws.
Rule of Law – Gregg, De Soto, Escobari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y69WeoX_3hI
Bryan Stevenson: We need to talk about an injustice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2tOp7OxyQ8
60 Minutes – Nancy Pelosi and Visa IPO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0LMAP0L5G4
Bribery, Corruption Condemned
[2:188] You shall not take each others’ money illicitly, nor shall you bribe the officials to deprive others of some of their rights illicitly, while you know.
In some countries bribery is common place and it is almost required in any governmental functions. If you are in a situation where you have to pay a bribe in order of not being victimized by a corrupt government are you committing a sing or should you not pay that bribe?
In one instance you can be viewed as the victim and you are being forced in the situation. In some countries it is the individual who receives the bribe that is punished as often times the one paying the bribe is the victim.
The other way this can be viewed is that we shouldn’t cooperate in matters that are sinful. If we trust in God, God will resolve the situation despite what the criminals scheme.
[5:2] …. You shall cooperate in matters of righteousness and piety; do not cooperate in matters that are sinful and evil. You shall observe GOD. GOD is strict in enforcing retribution.
[8:30] The disbelievers plot and scheme to neutralize you, or kill you, or banish you. However, they plot and scheme, but so does GOD. GOD is the best schemer.
Quran Talk Blog 