A Jurisprudential Examination of Equality as a Criterion for Distributive Justice, with Emphasis on the Analysis of Hadiths

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Islamic Science and Culture Academy

10.22081/jf.2025.70809.2879

Abstract

Distributive justice in the economic domain is one of the most significant aspects of social justice, and the criterion for distributive justice is among its most critical discussions. The criterion for distributive justice refers to a standard that enables both distributors to implement justice in allocation and others to assess the fairness of distribution. Equality is among the initial criteria that may come to mind. However, considering equality merely as formal justice—without deeper substance—is ineffective for evaluating distributive justice. Nonetheless, this formal equality, alongside other distributive justice criteria, can constitute part of the standard for distributive justice. Accordingly, this article employs a jurisprudential approach to examine equality in two capacities: as a "fixed general right" and as a "primary principle." The study concludes that equality, as a fixed general right, is not established in Sharia. However, as a primary principle, it can be substantiated as a religious obligation for the government, particularly in scenarios where unequal distribution is perceived as unjust by the contemporary religious community or within the framework of governmental prudence. While this article focuses solely on the aforementioned jurisprudential discussion, its applications are evident—for instance, in the criterion for distributing cash subsidies. In Iran, the distribution of cash subsidies began with the perception of equality as a "fixed general right" and transitioned to targeted subsidies upon its rejection. The "primary principle of equality" serves as a criterion after the equitable identification and determination of deciles and subsidy amounts.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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  • Receive Date: 11 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 01 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 06 March 2025

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