Justice (‘Adl)

Justice in Islam

Justice as an Attribute of Allah’s Essence and Judgment

Introduction

Justice is a central divine attribute, essential to understanding Allah’s nature and His dealings with creation. It is not merely an action or response it is intrinsic to His essence and wisdom.

Justice as an Attribute of Allah’s Essence and Judgment

Allah’s justice is both an eternal quality of His essence and a guiding principle in all His actions and decrees.

• Justice in His actions and words: Scholars explained that justice encompasses everything Allah says, does, and rules with.
• Justice as an eternal attribute: Justice belongs to Allah from eternity to eternity, like His attributes of life, knowledge, power, and wisdom.

Why Justice Matters

• Theological Integrity: Belief in Allah’s justice strengthens reliance on Him. He is never unjust, even to the weight of a speck.
• Standard for Judgment: On the Day of Reckoning, every deed will be weighed with perfect justice. All of Allah’s commands and decrees are rooted in knowledge, wisdom, and fairness.
• Human Responsibility: Allah commands His servants to uphold justice—“stand firmly for justice, even if against yourselves.” Qur’an 4:135

Clarifying Misconceptions

• Justice is not partial: It does not mean treating everyone identically, but rather giving each their due according to truth.
• Not metaphorical: Divine attributes are affirmed as they are revealed without distortion, denial, or misinterpretation, and without likening Allah to His creation.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 4:40 : Allah does not wrong even the weight of an atom.
• Qur’an 16:90 : Allah commands justice and excellence.
• Qur’an 6:115 : Allah’s Word is fulfilled in truth and justice.
• Qur’an 4:135 : Stand firmly for justice, even against yourselves.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 4686 : Allah has forbidden oppression for Himself and among His servants.

Secondary Sources

• Ibn al-Qayyim, al-Turuq al-Hukmiyyah : On justice in Allah’s rulings and human governance.
• Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo‘ al-Fatawa : Justice as the foundation of law and society.
• Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, Sharh al-Usul al-Thalathah : Affirmation of justice as an eternal divine attribute.