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Shariah- Upholding of Justice (al-‘Adl)

Meaning & Objective
  • Al-‘Adl = Justice
    • Means placing things in their rightful place.
    • Giving every person their proper rights.
  • One of the major objectives of Sharī‘ah in the social sphere.
  • Ensures:
    • Fulfilment of rights
    • Balance between people
    • Removal of excess and unfairness in society
  • Justice protects dignity and creates harmony.
  • Justice is required in:
    • Actions
    • Words
    • Judgments
    • Social interaction


Scope of Justice
  • Not limited to legal courts only.
  • Covers all areas of life, including:
    • Individual behaviour
    • Family responsibilities
    • Business dealings
    • Community relationships
    • National conduct
    • International relations
  • Justice applies both privately and publicly.


Qur’anic Foundation

Qur’an (Al-Ḥadīd: 25)

Allah sent Messengers and revealed Books so that people may establish justice.

Summary
  • The main purpose of sending prophets and scriptures is to guide humanity toward justice.
  • Justice is not optional; it is central to Islam’s message.
  • Without justice, society collapses into oppression and inequality.


Justice Must Be Objective
  • Justice in Sharī‘ah is neutral and must not be influenced by:
    • Racial identity
    • Tribal affiliation
    • Nationality
    • Religious bias
  • All people must be treated fairly:
    • Muslim or non-Muslim
    • Friend or enemy
  • Justice is based on truth, not personal feelings.

Additional Details
  • Justice requires:
    • Fair testimony
    • Avoiding favoritism
    • Not allowing hatred to distort judgment
  • Justice preserves trust and social stability.


Ibn Qayyim’s Explanation
  • Justice must be upheld wherever it exists.
  • Justice is the highest objective of Islam.
  • Allah sent scriptures and prophets so that justice may be established.
  • If a situation occurs where:
    • A ruling is not explicitly mentioned in the revealed law,
    • Muslims must choose the option that leads to justice.
  • Any ruling that achieves fairness is part of Sharī‘ah.
  • Any ruling leading to oppression is against Sharī‘ah, even if someone claims it is religious.

Summary
  • Justice is the foundation of Islam.
  • Truth and fairness must always be prioritized.
  • Justice is universal — for all times and places.



Qur’an (Al-Mā’idah: 8)

Stand firm for Allah as just witnesses.
Do not allow hatred to lead you to injustice.
Be just — it brings you closer to piety.
Summary
  • Muslims must be fair even toward those they dislike.
  • Emotions must not interfere with truth.
  • Justice is a sign of true piety (taqwa).


Justice with Non-Muslims

Qur’an (Al-Mumtaḥinah: 8)

Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just toward those who do not fight you because of religion nor force you from your homes. Allah loves those who are just.
Summary
  • Muslims must treat peaceful non-Muslims fairly and kindly.
  • Justice applies beyond religious boundaries.
  • Justice is a universal principle of Islamic ethics.
  • Allah loves people who practice justice.
Final Summary
  • Al-‘Adl (justice) is a major objective of Sharī‘ah.
  • It means putting everything in its proper place and giving everyone their due rights.
  • Justice:
    • Removes oppression
    • Maintains social balance
    • Builds trust among society
  • Justice must be practiced in every part of life:
personal, social, economic, political, and global.
  • Qur’an emphasizes justice repeatedly — over fifty references.
  • Prophets were sent and books revealed to establish justice.
  • Justice must be objective and not influenced by hate, bias, or personal benefit.
  • Muslims must be just with everyone, including enemies and non-Muslims.
  • Ibn Qayyim states:
    • Justice must be pursued wherever it is found.
    • Any rule supporting justice aligns with Sharī‘ah;
any rule violating justice contradicts Sharī‘ah.


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