A Perspective Through Scientific Psychology and the Holy Qur’an

Introduction: The Feeling of Injustice — Emotion or Reality?

Human beings often confront the world with one fundamental question:
“Why does injustice exist?”

This question is not merely philosophical.
It is a psychological and spiritual disturbance, because the human brain is structured around the concept of justice. When justice is violated, the brain perceives it as a threat.

American psychologist Melvin Lerner wrote:

“People want to believe that the world is fair because this belief provides them with psychological security.”
(Just World Hypothesis)

When this belief is shaken, the person is shaken as well.

PART I — SCIENTIFIC PSYCHOLOGY: WHY DO HUMANS PERCEIVE THE WORLD AS UNJUST?

Section 1: The “Just World Illusion” (Melvin Lerner)

According to Melvin Lerner’s well-known theory, the human mind has a fundamental need:

? “Good actions should be rewarded, and bad actions should be punished.”

This belief:

• creates a sense of security,

• makes the future seem predictable,

• reduces fear and anxiety.

However, when reality destroys this belief, a shock of injustice occurs. The person thinks:

“So the world is not the way I believed it to be.”

At this moment, psychological distress begins.

Section 2: Viktor Frankl — Injustice and the Search for Meaning

Psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl wrote:

“A person can survive any condition as long as they can find meaning in it.”

According to Frankl:

• suffering itself is not the real problem,

• suffering without meaning is what destroys a person.

Injustice shakes a person because:

• they cannot find meaning in what is happening,

• there is no answer to the question “Why me?”

Section 3: Social Comparison Theory (Leon Festinger)

Psychologist Leon Festinger stated:

“People evaluate their situation by comparing themselves to others.”

Human beings:

• compare themselves with others,

• perceive differences as injustice.

For this reason, the feeling of injustice is often subjective rather than objective.

Section 4: Martin Seligman — Learned Helplessness

Founder of positive psychology Martin Seligman introduced the concept of learned helplessness.

If a person:

• repeatedly encounters injustice,

• sees that their efforts do not change outcomes,

then a belief forms in their mind:

“No matter what I do, nothing changes.”

This psychological state makes the person passive and leads them to perceive the world as completely unjust.

Section 5: The Limit of Psychology

At this point, scientific psychology reaches its limit and acknowledges:

• humans desire justice,

• but the world does not guarantee it.

Here, psychology falls silent.
And the search for answers moves toward spirituality.

PART II — RELIGION: JUSTICE AND THE WORLD IN THE QUR’AN

Section 6: The World Is a Place of Trial, Not the Final Stage of Justice

The Qur’an clearly states:

“We test you with both good and evil.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya, 35)

This verse shows that:

• comfort is a test,

• hardship is also a test.

If the world were completely just:

• faith would become compulsory,

• patience would lose its meaning.

Section 7: Humans See Only What Is Visible

The Qur’an says:

“It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 216)

Humans:

• see the moment,

• while Allah sees the entire path.

What appears to be injustice may be only a part of a much longer journey.

Section 8: Allah Is Not Unjust

The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes:

“Indeed, Allah does not wrong anyone even by the weight of an atom.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 40)

This verse is clear:

• injustice does not come from Allah,

• injustice is the result of human choice.

Section 9: Why Is Injustice Allowed? — The Question of Free Will

The Qur’an states:

“Whoever wills — let him believe; and whoever wills — let him disbelieve.”
(Surah Al-Kahf, 29)

Where there is choice:

• mistakes are possible,

• injustice is possible.

Justice is completed not through coercion, but through accountability.

Section 10: Justice May Be Delayed, but It Is Never Lost

The Qur’an says:

“Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do.”
(Surah Ibrahim, 42)

This verse offers hope:

• there may be delay,

• but there is no forgetfulness.

Conclusion: Psychology Asks, Religion Answers

Psychology says:

• humans seek justice,

• but the world is incomplete.

The Qur’an says:

• the world is a test,

• justice will be fulfilled.

The strongest conclusion is this:

This world is not unjust. It is simply not final.

Human beings:

• psychologically search for meaning,

• spiritually seek refuge in justice.

And both paths ultimately meet at one point:
Hope.