Allah Nawaz Khan
The secret to the progress of any society lies in the supremacy of law. No individual, institution, ruler, or common person is above the law. In societies where the rule of law does not exist, chaos and disorder prevail. The supremacy of law is extremely important because without it, neither peace can be established in society nor can any improvement take place.
In the eyes of the law, everyone is equal; no one is superior to another. Whether a crime is committed by a common person or a powerful one, the perpetrator must be punished. If the weak are punished while the powerful are spared, it is called injustice. Wherever justice and fairness disappear, destruction inevitably follows. Where the rule of law prevails, there is no issue of law and order. Where the law is enforced, courts are independent and decisions are made on merit. Special care is also taken for the protection of fundamental rights.
When the law is enforced without any discrimination, crimes decrease significantly. If a criminal receives punishment, anyone thinking of committing a crime will think a thousand times before doing so. All human beings are equal; no one has superiority over another. The Mercy of Mankind, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), declared in his Farewell Sermon (Khutba Hajjat-ul-Wida):
“All humans are equal. No one has any superiority over another.”
When the rule of law collapses, murder, bloodshed, lies, violation of rights, land grabbing, and many other crimes become widespread. The powerful begin to act according to their whims, and the weak are not even given the right to live. Under the law, every individual has the freedom to choose their name, business, or religion according to their will.
In societies where law does not exist, crime becomes a matter of pride rather than shame. In societies where the law is enforced with full force, crime is considered a cause of shame.
No nation can progress without the rule of law. When the violation of rights becomes common, the security of society begins to collapse. There are many examples in history where nations were destroyed because the law was not enforced.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
“And when you judge between people, judge with justice.” (Surah An-Nisa: 58)
The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“Nations before you were destroyed because when their powerful people committed crimes, they were left unpunished, but when a weak person committed a crime, he was punished.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Even today, if anyone commits a crime — no matter how big or influential they may be — and is punished accordingly, that society becomes an ideal society. The secret behind the progress of developed countries is the strict enforcement of law. No criminal escapes punishment on the basis of religion, gender, language, color, or race. Rulers are also held accountable. If a ruler or any influential person commits a crime, they are punished. Granting pardon to criminals is not even considered. The culture of accountability is established and everyone receives their due rights.
Respect for the law creates the concept of equality. Where the law is not fully enforced, freedom cannot be protected. For freedom to exist, the law must be fully implemented.
Scholars have also strongly emphasized the supremacy of law:
John Locke says: “Wherever the rule of law does not exist, freedom cannot be protected.”
Nelson Mandela: “The rule of law is the foundation of democracy.”
Martin Luther King Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Cicero: “We are all slaves of the law so that we may be free.”
Albert Einstein: “If the foundation of law is not based on human natural ethics, it becomes merely an empty structure.”
When the law is enforced, even a weak person feels as secure as a powerful and influential individual. Courts begin to deliver judgments without pressure or greed. Law is not merely something written on paper and announced; its implementation is essential.
For example, if a person murders someone, the murderer must be punished according to the law. If punishment is not given, then although the law exists on paper, it is not enforced in practice. Sometimes people take advantage of weak provisions in the law.
In societies where the rule of law prevails, even close relatives do not support criminals. But in societies where the rule of law is absent, people consider it their duty to support even the biggest criminals so they can escape punishment. Connections and money are used to get people acquitted in cases.
Enforcing the law requires the entire nation to work together. In countries where the supremacy of law is not respected, numerous problems arise. Hatred and enmities grow uncontrollably. Minor issues lead to murder and violence. Basic human rights begin to be violated.
No sacrifice should be spared for the supremacy of law. Violating the law is equivalent to violating humanity. Judgments must be made according to the law, no matter how great the loss may be.
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