Distributive Justice of Waqf: A Critique of Rawlsian Liberalism in the Perspective of the Qur'an

Abstract

Social justice is a fundamental principle underpinning the formation of a fair and prosperous society. In modern literature, John Rawls's theory of justice, which includes the Equal Liberty Principle and the Difference Principle, is widely recognized as a key framework for social justice in the Western world. However, this theory has been criticized for its lack of attention to the spiritual and moral dimensions relevant to religious societies. In contrast, Islam offers a more holistic concept of social justice, implemented through waqf as a sustainable wealth redistribution mechanism. This study critically analyzes Rawls's theory of social justice from the perspective of Islamic social justice, specifically through waqf. Using a qualitative method with a descriptive-comparative approach, it explores the key differences and similarities between these two concepts. The findings indicate that while both seek to achieve justice, the Islamic concept, embodied through waqf, incorporates spiritual and moral dimensions absent in Rawls's theory. In conclusion, this study provides a more comprehensive perspective on social justice by integrating Islamic principles, particularly waqf, as a complementary alternative to Rawlsian justice. The research aims to enrich the literature on social justice and serve as a foundation for further studies on the application of Islamic justice concepts in modern society.