The Quran’s concept of justice begins with the creation of the world; “… and He has set up the balance (of Justice)” (55:7). The idea of balance, indeed, is woven within the entire Islamic code of life, wherein Muslims are required to live, worship and act in a balanced way. Similarly, justice is one of God’s qualities: the Quran says God “is never unjust in the least degree” (4:40). The Prophet (PBUH) quoted God as saying: “O My Servants, I have forbidden injustice upon Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not commit injustice” (Sahih Muslim 2577). The Quran’s code of justice is built on humans dealing with each other on the basis of fairness and equity. Several words are used in the Quran for the idea of justice. According to Isfahani, justice to the self is ‘adl’and justice towards society is ‘qist’. Qur’anic justice must be seen in the context of the age of ignorance in which it was first revealed. Ignorance implies the ‘reckless temper’ of pagan Arabs who were prone to violence. Justice and balance were created by God in all things and beings in the universe, and so equilibrium in the world is an expression of divine justice. Thus, “Such is the artistry of God, who has created everything with due wisdom, balance, and perfection” (Q. 27:88). The Qur’an provides the principles of justice, but scholars have differed as to how they should be implemented.
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‘’O ye who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your heart) lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well acquainted with all ye do’’ (Al Nisa: 135). ‘’O ye who believe! Stand our firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to Piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is acquainted with acquainted with all ye do’’ (Al Ma’idah: 08). These Holy Verses emphasise that there is absolutely no space for swerving in justice, it has been fair play, even if it gets to be against yourselves, your parents, your kin, or against rich or poor. One of the most important verses on justice is: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do” (4:135).
