. Assess the Nature of the Unjust Transaction
The first step is to carefully assess and identify why the transaction seems unjust. Common elements of unjust transactions in Islamic finance might include:

• Riba (Interest): Any transaction involving the payment or receipt of interest is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam. If the transaction involves usury or interest, this is a major ethical issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
• Gharar (Excessive Uncertainty): Transactions that involve excessive uncertainty or ambiguity, such as selling something without knowing its condition or price, are considered unjust and invalid in Islam.
• Maysir (Gambling): If the transaction involves any form of gambling or speculative trading that is inherently risky or exploitative, it would also be unjust.
• Deception or Fraud: If there is dishonesty, misrepresentation, or fraud in the transaction, such as misleading the other party about the terms or quality of the product or service, this is also unjust.
• Exploitation or Unfair Advantage: If the transaction involves exploiting the other party, such as charging excessive prices or taking unfair advantage of a vulnerable person, it is unjust.

It is important to understand the specific elements of the transaction that violate Islamic principles to address the issue properly.
2. Consult Knowledgeable Sources (Seek Guidance)
If unsure about whether the transaction is unjust or haram, it is advisable to seek guidance from a knowledgeable Islamic scholar, an imam, or an expert in Islamic finance. They can help clarify whether the transaction is indeed unjust and offer guidance on how to proceed.

• Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence): An Islamic scholar can provide specific guidance based on fiqh (Islamic law) and the principles of Islamic finance. They can determine if the transaction involves haram practices such as riba, gharar, or maysir, and advise on how to address it.

3. Communicate Concerns with the Other Party
Once the nature of the unjust transaction is clear, the next step is to address the issue directly with the other party involved. It is important to approach the situation with wisdom, patience, and a spirit of dialogue. Islam emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts with gentleness and fairness.

• Be Clear and Honest: Calmly explain the reasons why you believe the transaction is unjust or unethical according to Islamic principles. For example, if the transaction involves riba, explain why interest is prohibited in Islam. If it involves deception or unfair pricing, point out the specific areas of concern.
• Propose a Solution: Suggest alternatives that would align the transaction with Islamic ethics. If the issue is riba, propose structuring the deal in a way that does not involve interest (e.g., using Islamic financing methods like mudarabah or murabaha). If it involves unfair pricing, suggest a fairer price that reflects the true value of the product or service.
• Seek a Compromise: Sometimes, the parties involved may be unaware of the unjust nature of the transaction or may be willing to make adjustments once they understand the issue. Engage in a constructive conversation to find a mutually agreeable solution.

4. Resolve the Transaction According to Islamic Principles
If the other party is willing to work with you to resolve the issue, you can proceed to adjust the transaction to be just and ethical. This may involve:

• Repaying or Reversing Unjust Payments: If money was exchanged unfairly, such as in the case of riba or fraud, the unjust amounts should be returned or refunded.
• Correcting Terms or Conditions: If the terms of the transaction involved unfair elements like deceptive pricing or hidden conditions, renegotiating the terms to reflect fairness and transparency is essential.
• Reworking the Agreement: If the agreement involved excessive uncertainty or risk (gharar), you might need to restructure the terms of the deal to ensure mutual clarity and understanding, ensuring both parties are fully informed.

Islamic finance principles prioritize justice, transparency, and mutual consent in all transactions. Both parties should be in agreement on the terms and conditions of the deal.
5. If the Other Party Refuses to Address the Issue
If the other party refuses to correct the unjust transaction or continues with unethical practices, the individual should consider the following actions:

• Seek Mediation: If possible, involve a neutral third party, such as a respected community leader, mediator, or religious authority, to help resolve the dispute. Mediation can sometimes help bring both parties to an understanding and ensure the transaction is rectified.
• Distance Yourself from the Transaction: If the issue remains unresolved and continues to violate Islamic principles, you may need to withdraw from the transaction or end the business relationship. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
  

  “Whoever sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able, then with his tongue; and if he is not able, then with his heart.” (Sahih Muslim)

  This highlights the importance of distancing oneself from something unjust if it cannot be corrected, especially when one has no power to change it directly.

• Legal Action or Dispute Resolution: If the injustice involves financial loss or fraud, and you cannot resolve the issue amicably, you may need to seek legal recourse. In Islam, the pursuit of justice through lawful means is encouraged, and disputes can be taken to an Islamic court or arbitration body if necessary.

6. Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness
If the unjust transaction has already occurred and the person feels they have been complicit in a haram transaction (such as engaging in riba or fraud), they should repent to Allah (SWT) and seek forgiveness. The Qur’an advises:

“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allah?” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:135)

Repentance involves feeling sincere remorse for the wrongdoing, stopping the sinful act, and making a firm intention not to repeat it. If the person has caused harm to others through unjust transactions, they should seek to correct the wrong, whether by returning stolen money, compensating for damage, or rectifying the situation in other ways.
7. Trust in Allah’s Justice
In all matters of financial injustice, a Muslim should place their trust in Allah’s ultimate justice and fairness. While human systems may fail or people may act unjustly, Allah is the ultimate arbiter of justice. The Qur’an assures:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:58)