As understood by the world’s sacred traditions, justice is the embodiment of divine order on earth. Justice opens hearts, reveals secrets of the soul, prepares the way for unity, and leads to the wellbeing of humanity. No power can stand up to the force of justice. It is the true transformer of society, what will lead to lasting peace.

Justice is the equalizer in human affairs; it can moderate the extremes of wealth and poverty, create equality between women and men, and remove the hurdles of national rivalries, prejudice, religious strife, economic barriers, and class distinctions. This transformation of society is the most-needed community building of our time.

Required for this fundamental change of consciousness is a wholehearted embrace of the primary principle of our time, the oneness of humanity, which further requires laying aside self-interests, serving the common good, and contributing to the advancement of oppressed peoples. Yet, this is the only thing that will awaken latent spiritual capacities within us and change this world into a new world.

Justice is the unifying force expressed in every dimension of reality. The Baha’i writings affirm, “The light of men is justice, quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. Justice is a powerful force. It is the…standard-bearer of love and bounty…The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men…No radiance can compare with that of justice.” This is the promise of justice.