Adl is justice: to put things in their place, to give each their due, and to not let hatred make you unfair. Allah commands justice even toward a people you dislike (Quran 5:8, meaning). He forbids transgression. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is described as a just ruler and a just witness. This article explains justice in the Quran, in courts, in the home, and on the tongue. It is for learning, not a legal opinion for a case.
Justice is part of Tawhid’s fruit
If Allah is the Just, a servant who worships Him cannot treat people as toys. The Quran tells you not to follow desire so that you do not be just (see Quran 4:135). Stand with truth even if it is against yourselves, parents, or relatives. That verse is heavy. It ends family cover-ups of theft and ends nationalist cover-ups of harm.
Justice is not the same as revenge
You may seek your right. You may not invent extra punishment. Hudud and ta‘zir belong to a legitimate authority, not to a mob. In a land without Islamic courts, you still do not steal, slander, or beat. You use lawful means and tawbah.
Justice at home
Between wives if a man is married to more than one, between children in gifts, between employees in wages. The Prophet (peace be upon him) refused to witness an unfair gift to one child, as in the sahih collections. Favouritism plants hatred.
Speech
Ghibah is taking a person’s honour. It is a theft. Justice is to speak of people as you would accept someone speaking of you, except where shari‘ah allows warning from harm.
Frequently asked questions
Is justice only for Muslims?
No. The Quran’s command in 5:8 is not limited to a club. You do not oppress a non-Muslim neighbour. You also do not equalise falsehood and Tawhid. Justice is not relativism.
And Allah knows best.
Note: This article is for learning. It is not a personal fatwa.
