Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not only a spiritual leader but also a statesman who played a significant role in establishing a just and equitable legal system. His commitment to impartiality in delivering justice serves as a model for combating prejudice in legal systems and societal structures. The principles he implemented emphasized equality, fairness, and the elimination of discriminatory practices.

1. Impartiality in Legal Judgments:

   • The Prophet consistently emphasized the need for impartiality in legal judgments. He once said, “O people! Your God is one and your forefather (Adam) is one. An Arab is not better than a non-Arab, and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e., white tinged with red) person is not better than a black person, and a black person is not better than a red person, except in piety.”

2. Equal Treatment Before the Law:

   • The Prophet ensured that everyone, regardless of their social status or background, received equal treatment before the law. This principle is encapsulated in the saying, “If the governor makes a decision and gives someone a right which is not his, he is, in fact, giving away something which does not belong to him. He should not take anything from it as I do not want to take anything except what rightfully belongs to me.”

3. Elimination of Tribal Prejudice:

   • The pre-Islamic Arabian society was deeply divided along tribal lines, and tribal prejudices often influenced legal decisions. The Prophet actively worked to eliminate such biases, emphasizing the equality of all individuals before the law. He said, “People, those of you who have preceded others in Islam and who have participated in Badr should not take anything from it as I have compensated them for it. People should prefer others to themselves in everything up to the extent I have prefaced them in it.”

4. Promotion of Witnesses Regardless of Background:

   • In legal matters, the Prophet established the principle that the credibility of witnesses should be based on their honesty and integrity, rather than their social or tribal affiliations. He said, “Whenever you bear witness, you should be honest. Your honesty should be such that the people of other cities may rely on you and accept your witness.”

5. Accountability for All, Including Leaders:

   • The Prophet held leaders and individuals in positions of authority accountable for their actions. He said, “O people! Those who have preceded you used to ask about everything, but were not given information unless they showed patience. So, be patient, for there is no escaping from what is ordained. Do not say, ‘If the people do good, we will also do good, and if they do wrong, we will do wrong.’ But instead, say, ‘If the people do good, we will also do good, and if they do wrong, we will not do wrong.'”

6. Equal Access to Legal Recourse:

   • The Prophet ensured that everyone had equal access to legal recourse, regardless of their social or economic standing. He said, “The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e., the one that gives is better than the one that takes).”

7. Establishment of a Fair and Just Society:

   • The Prophet’s commitment to equality in justice was not limited to legal matters but extended to the overall establishment of a fair and just society. He actively sought to eliminate social and economic inequalities, fostering an environment where justice prevailed at all levels.

In summary, Prophet Muhammad’s model for combating prejudice in legal systems was characterized by a commitment to impartiality, equal treatment, and the elimination of discriminatory practices. His teachings and actions laid the foundation for a legal framework that transcended societal biases and upheld the principles of justice and fairness. The Prophet’s legacy in this regard continues to inspire efforts to combat prejudice and promote equality in legal systems around the world.