Why Life Isn't Fair (And That's the Point) - Light Upon Light by IslamiCity - Episode 25

We all feel it: life isn't fair.
The innocent suffer. The guilty often walk free. People cheat their way ahead while the hardworking fall behind. It hurts, and it leaves us wondering: Where is justice?

But there's a profound realization hidden inside that question: if life were perfectly fair, there would be no need for the Day of Judgment.

The World's Injustice Is Nothing New

Scroll through the news and you'll see injustice on every level. Globally, we witness wars, occupations, and oppression - from the suffering in Gaza and Syria to the struggles of marginalized people everywhere. Leaders accused of wrongdoing often remain untouched, shielded by power, politics, or alliances.

On a personal level, we experience our own injustices:

• Being betrayed by someone we trusted.
• Working hard but never being recognized.
• Having our rights denied, our words twisted, our kindness taken advantage of.

The scale is different, but the pain is the same.

What the Qur'an Says About Unfairness

Allah reminds us:

"Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when eyes will stare in horror."
(Surah Ibrahim 14:42)

Just because injustice isn't punished immediately doesn't mean it is forgotten. It is delayed - not denied.

And He promises:

"We shall set up the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be wronged in anything. Even if it is the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as Accountant."
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:47)

Every tear, every effort, every wrong - nothing escapes His record.

The Prophet ﷺ on Justice and Oppression

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

• "Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection." (Riyad as-Salihin 562)
• "The rights will be given to their due on the Day of Judgment, even the hornless sheep will get its right from the horned sheep." (Jami at-Tirmidhi 2420 )

If even animals will see justice, then what about you? What about the lies told about you, the money owed to you, the kindness you gave that no one thanked? None of it is lost.

Why Life's Unfairness Matters

So why doesn't Allah make life perfectly fair now? Because this world was never meant to be Jannah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever." (Sunan Ibn Majah 4113)

This dunya is a test. It is where patience, integrity, and faith are proven. If everything was fair here, there would be no need for Akhirah.

The Reflection Back on Us

It's easy to focus on how we are treated unfairly. But the Day of Judgment also reminds us to ask: How have I treated others?

• Did I oppress my children with harsh words?
• Did I betray a friend's trust?
• Did I overlook someone's rights at work?

We are not only victims of injustice. Sometimes, knowingly or unknowingly, we become the oppressor. And that too will be brought to account.

The Hope in Judgment Day

This might sound heavy, but it is actually one of the most hopeful teachings of Islam: nothing is wasted.

• The oppressed will be uplifted.
• The patient will be rewarded.
• Every hidden good deed will be revealed.

And every oppressor will stand before the Only Judge who cannot be bribed, deceived, or manipulated.

Allah says:

"Whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it."
(Surah Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8)

Life isn't fair - and that's the point. Because Allah has reserved perfect justice for the Day when all will be revealed, all rights restored, and every soul judged with absolute fairness.

So the next time you see injustice in the world or feel wronged in your own life, remember: justice delayed is not justice denied. Judgment Day is coming. And with it, Allah's perfect mercy and justice.