Islam is religion who truly stands to the concept of justice. Meaning of ADL is justice, equality and balance. Equality does not mean that the division of rights between two persons should be on fifty fifty basis. Also it doesn't mean that all people should be treated equally, even if there is a world of difference between them. For example, there are those who provide high grade service and there are those who give low grade service. It will be unfair if both categories are given equal compensation.
Similarly, ADL does not mean that we should behave with us. A Muslim, in his affairs is subject to value system of sound ethics, gentlemanliness and humanity. If an opponent behaves in a way that hurts and human and moral values get sullied, then a Muslim is very obviously required to forebear. For example, the killing of elders, women and children may, to an opponent, appear proper, yet Islam forbids its followers from indulging in inhuman acts in Revenge.
Importance of Justice
Justice is the very foundation of a good society. On this foundation rests community life and pillars of governance. If justice is not instituted, cohesive binding of the social framework breaks up. Life, property and respect for each other become insecure, and can hardly last and endure. As a consequence, society disrupts, after which civil war is likely to ensue and destruction follows. It is because of this that Allah has laid great emphasis on ADL.
"And Allah enjoins justice and kindness, and helping kinsfolk and forbids lewdness, wickedness and oppression. He exhorts you in order that you may be reminded."[An Nahl:90]
The holy Qur'an has declared the instituting of ADL as the very purpose of sending Messenger (AS). Allah says in Holy Qur'an, "we sent our Messenger with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and scales of measures so that people may institute ADL". [Al Hadeed:25]
Special occasions of ADL
A person generally loses his sense of fairness and impartiality, if the matter pertains to him or to a relation or if a person of wealth and means is involved. In such a situation, he is not able to stand firm on the path of justice and equity and his faith on Allah gets shaken. This is a very difficult and testing situation. For such occasions too, the Holy Qur'an commands, "O people! Who have accepted the Faith! Be the flag bearers of justice, and be witness in the causes of Allah, even if your bearing witness for the causes of justice goes against you, harms you or your parents relatives. [An Nisa:135]
- Adl is expected in all situations and in every aspect of life particularly, in those situations where human beings tend to turn away from it. The Qur'an says, "when weighing, be particular about handing out an exact measure." [Al Anam:152]
- Generally, people tend to embezzle, gobble or usurp the property of orphans. In this context, Qur'an says, "Indeed, those who unjustly consume orphans’ wealth (in fact) consume nothing but fire into their bellies. And they will be burned in a blazing Hell!" [An Nisa:10]
- If a document is to be prepared, the commands in the Holy Qur'an are, "The document writer must write the document with equity among the parties." [Al Baqrah:282]
- Generally, people forget the duty of Adl, if the party is an opponent or an enemy and think everything is permissible. Allah ordains impartially in respect of all, friend or foe. The Qur'an says, "O believers! Stand firm for Allah and bear true testimony. Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just! That is closer to righteousness. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what you do." [Al Maidah:8]
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Allah and his messenger knows best