The Command to Observe Justice: Understanding the Quranic Guidance

Discover the Importance of Justice in Islam: Quranic Verses and Hadiths on Fairness and Equality

THE COMMAND TO OBSERVE JUSTICE

ALLĀH says: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for ALLĀH, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, ALLĀH is more worthy of both. So follow not ˹personal˺ inclination, lest you not be just." {An-Nisā || Verse 135}

Aisha (may ALLĀH be pleased with her) reported: The Quraysh had been anxious about a woman who had committed theft and they said, “Who will speak to the Messenger of ALLĀH about her?” Some said, “Who would dare to but Usama, one beloved by the Messenger of ALLĀH?” Thus, Usama spoke to him and the Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said, “Do you intercede regarding a punishment prescribed by ALLĀH?” The Prophet then stood up and addressed the people, saying, “O people, those who came before you were destroyed because if a person of high status committed theft among them, they would spare him, but if a person of lower status committed theft, they would apply the punishment upon him. By ALLĀH, if Fatima the daughter of Muhammad were to steal, I would have cut off her hand.” {Muslim 1688}

It was narrated that An-Nu`man ibn Bashir (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) said: My father took me to the Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) and said: “O Messenger of ALLĀH, bear witness that I have given such and such of my wealth to An-Nu’man.” He said: “Did you give to all your children the same as you have given to An-Nu’man?” He said: “No.” He said: “Let someone else bear witness to that for you.” Then he said: “Would you not like all your children to honour you equally?” He said: “Yes.” He said: “Then no (I will not bear witness to injustice).” {Muslim #3059}

Ibn Al-Qayyim (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said: “ALLĀH the Exalted has made clear in his law (sharia) that the objective is the establishment of justice between HIS servants and fairness among the people, so whichever path leads to justice and fairness is part of the religion and can never oppose it.” {al-Ṭuruq al-H‌ikmīya || Page 13}