Verses on Justice in the Holy Quran
The Holy Quran contains several verses that emphasize the importance of justice, which are outlined as follows:
- Allah says in Surah An-Nahl: (Indeed, Allah commands you to uphold justice and to do good and to give to relatives; and He forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression. He instructs you so that perhaps you will be reminded).
- (O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is Acquainted with what you do).
- (So call to Allah and remain steadfast as you are commanded, and do not follow their inclinations, and say, “I have believed in what Allah has revealed of scripture. And I am commanded to be just among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. There is no argument between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is the final destination).
- (Say, “My Lord has commanded justice and that you maintain yourselves at the places of worship and invoke Him, sincere to Him in religion, as He initiated you, so will you return).
- (And do not approach the property of an orphan except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a near relative. And fulfill the covenant of Allah. This has He instructed you that you may be reminded).
- Allah states in Surah Al-A’raf: (And among those We created is a nation which guides by truth and by it establishes justice).
Judgment in Justice
In addition, there are numerous verses in the Holy Quran that emphasize the necessity of judging with justice, highlighted as follows:
- Allah states in Surah An-Nisa: (Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing).
- (O Dawood, indeed We have made you a vicegerent upon the earth; so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [personal] inclination, lest it lead you astray from the cause of Allah. And whoever turns away from the remembrance of Allah – for him is a severe punishment).
- (And has the story reached you of the adversaries when they climbed over the chamber? When they entered upon Dawood and he was alarmed by them, they said, “Fear not. Two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other. So judge between us with truth and do not be unjust and guide us to the correct path).
- (And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly).
Equity with Opponents
Several verses in the Holy Quran call for fairness even in dealings with opponents, highlighted below:
- Allah commands in Surah Al-Ma’idah: (O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do).
- (And if you punish [an enemy], let your punishment be proportionate to that which you were harmed. But if you are patient, it is better for those who are patient).
- (O Messenger, let not those who hurry to disbelief grieve you, from among those who say, “We believe” with their mouths but their hearts believe not. And from among the Jews are listeners to lies, listeners to another people who have not come to you. They alter words from their proper usages and say, “If you are given this, take it; but if you are not given it, then beware.” And he for whom Allah intends fitnah – for you will not possess for him against Allah any thing. Those are the ones for whom Allah does not intend to purify their hearts. For them in this world is disgrace, and they will have in the Hereafter a great punishment).
- (Listeners to falsehood, devourers of illicit gain. So if they come to you, either judge between them or turn away from them. And if you turn away from them, you will never be able to harm them. And if you judge, judge between them in justice. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly).
- (Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly).