The last time I reflected on this ayah was nearly 6 years ago when I read some of the reactions to

's murder by a New York Police officer. Some argued that it was Eric's fault for breaking state law by selling loose cigarets, others criticized the protests that ensued. I find myself returning to this Ayah once again...sadly after the death of

just a few days ago. Here, Allah swt, reminds us to be upright, even in moments when we have hatred in our hearts towards someone or a group of people...'BE JUST!' is a direct command, no ambiguity about it. If this is a command from Allah with regards to people WE HATE, how then, should we be with people that we love...or SHOULD love? Should we, as Believers, not love and stand firm with those who are oppressed and harassed by the police? Should we, as Believers, not feel enraged when a clear injustice is committed in broad day-light in front of our eyes, as is the case with the murder of

? Black communities across America are living in perpetual trauma, that is generational and deeply rooted in the history of this country. If we have love for them, if we care about our their lives AS WE SHOULD, then this Ayah is a reminder for us to BE JUST, even in the worst case scenario. BE JUST - let hurt people express their pain, without commenting or theorizing how best they should express their pain. BE JUST - genuinely monitor your own biases towards others who are not like you BE JUST - Make an effort to come closer to and serve a community that is not of your ethnic or cultural background It takes effort to heal these wounds and to be there for people we (should) love...but being just is the 1st step. And it's as if Allah swt is reminding us, at the very end of the Ayah... To be mindful of Him, and the He is truly aware of what we do... So that in this age of social-media and social-justice warriors, only Allah knows how genuine we are in our efforts to exercise empathy. Only Allah knows if we are truly making an effort to stop injustice, or searching for for that perfect Instagram selfie. I am not a Black Muslim, so I see this ayah in light of current events through the lens of an outsider witnessing injustice. I would love to read the reflection of a Black Muslim and this Ayah, in light of police brutality. Please post links below to any that you come across, or tag Black Muslims so they can share their reflections.

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Ma shaa Allah! This is so deep I must say.

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