If a person finds themselves involved in a financial transaction that involves injustice or unfairness, Islam provides clear guidance on how to handle such situations. The principles of justice, honesty, and fairness are central to Islamic teachings, especially in financial dealings. Here are the steps a person should take to address the injustice:

1. Stop the Unjust Transaction Immediately

The first step is to cease participating in the unjust transaction. If someone is involved in a deal that includes fraud, exploitation, or any form of financial harm to others, they should stop and avoid continuing in that transaction.

2. Seek to Correct the Injustice

If possible, rectify the injustice. This could mean returning stolen or overcharged money, ensuring fair pricing, or correcting any wrong terms that were agreed upon. If the deal is one where someone else is being harmed, try to negotiate or intervene to bring fairness back to the transaction.

3. Repent and Seek Forgiveness

If the injustice has already been committed, the person should sincerely repent to Allah. This involves feeling regret for the wrong done, asking for forgiveness, and making a firm intention not to repeat the injustice in the future. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever has wronged someone, let him seek forgiveness from his Lord and make amends with the person he wronged.” (Sahih Muslim)

4. Return the Rights to the Victim

If the transaction involved taking someone else’s rights unjustly (such as money, property, or labor), it is necessary to return what was taken or compensate them fairly. This is a crucial step in repairing the wrong and ensuring justice is served.

5. Consult a Religious Scholar or Authority

If unsure about the situation or how to handle it, it’s wise to consult a knowledgeable scholar or someone trusted in matters of Islamic finance and ethics. They can provide specific advice tailored to the circumstances, ensuring that the person acts in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia).

6. Take Legal or Formal Action if Necessary

In cases where the injustice is severe, such as being deceived or defrauded in a way that cannot be directly addressed with the other party, it may be appropriate to take legal action. Islam allows for seeking justice through legal means if one’s rights are being violated.

7. Engage in Sincere Dua (Supplication)

Turning to Allah in prayer, asking for His help, guidance, and for the injustice to be corrected, is a powerful and essential step. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to pray for justice, and Allah is the ultimate source of all justice.

8. Be Honest and Transparent in Future Transactions

Moving forward, ensure all financial dealings are conducted with integrity, transparency, and fairness. Islam emphasizes honesty in business and warns against cheating, deceiving, and exploitation in transactions. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The buyer and the seller have the option of canceling or confirming the bargain as long as they have not separated, and if they told the truth and made clear the price, their transaction will be blessed.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Conclusion

In Islam, addressing injustice, especially in financial transactions, is not just about correcting the wrong but also about avoiding such situations in the future. The principles of justice, fairness, and honesty must be followed, and if one finds themselves in an unjust transaction, they are encouraged to take the necessary steps to correct it and seek Allah’s forgiveness for any wrong done.