Definition
ʿADL (عدل): In Islamic theology, ‘ʿADL’ refers to the divine attribute of justice. It encompasses fairness, balance, equality, and moral righteousness. Islam places significant emphasis on the practice and maintenance of justice through personal and societal regulations. This attribute of Allah is reflected in His commandments and expected to be mirrored in the conduct of the believers.
Etymology
The term ‘ʿADL’ stems from the Arabic root ‘ع-د-ل’ (‘ʿad-l’), which denotes balance, equality, fairness, and rectitude. In pre-Islamic Arabic culture, the connotation of the word also included the concept of acting justly and distributing resources or judgment equitably.
Background
Justice, as articulated in Islamic jurisprudence, permeates every aspect of life—be it social interactions, economics, legal systems, or personal conduct. The Qurʾān and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) both extensively address the concept of justice, emphasizing it as both a personal virtue and a societal necessity.
Qurʾānic References
The mention of ‘ʿADL’ across the Qurʾān illustrates its centrality:
- Sūrah Al-Nisā’ (4:128): Highlights equitable treatment in marriage.
- Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:44): Underscores the accountability of the soul and stressed justice in behavior.
- Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:123): Reflects the dire consequences of injustice in the afterlife.
- Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:282): Stresses faithful adhesion to promises and equitable record-keeping.
- Sūrah Al-Mā’idah (5:105): Discusses equitable testimony in important matters like inheritance.
- Sūrah Al-Anʿām (6:69): Declares the non-acceptance of wrongful compensations.
- Sūrah Al-Anfāl (8:61): Calls for peaceful reconciliations with equity.
- Sūrah Al-Ḥijr (15:79): Notes that Allah’s commands are balanced in truth and justice.
- Sūrah Al-Naḥl (16:78, 16:92): Reiterates Allah’s call to maintain justice.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In many cultures and religions, justice is equally central but expressed differently. For instance:
- Western Legal Systems: Emphasize individual freedoms and codified law enforcement mechanisms.
- Hinduism: Dharma incorporates justice as a duty aligned with cosmic order.
- Christianity: Similar themes of divine justice are pursued through forgiveness and redemption, but less through prescriptive laws.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
- Equity (إنصاف, Insāf)
- Fairness (عدالة, ʿAdālah)
- Balance (ميزان, Mīzān)
- Rectitude (استقامة, Istiṣāma)
Antonyms
- Injustice (ظلم, Ẓulm)
- Bias/Partiality (تحيز, Taḥayyuz)
- Inequity (لا عدل, Lā ʿAdl)
Related Terms with Definitions
- ʿAdālah (عدالة): Generally refers to the broad principle of justice but can also denote moral integrity in certain contexts.
- Iḥsān (إحسان): Excellence and kindness beyond just actions—doing more than what is required by justice.
- Sharīʿah (شريعة): The divine law which encompasses all aspects of justice and ethical conduct in Islam.
Exciting Facts
- Islamic Architecture: Influenced by the principle of ‘ʿADL’, Islamic architecture often embodies symmetry and balance, symbolizing divine justice.
- Sufi Interpretations: In Sufism, ʿADL transcends legalistic bounds, merging with divine love (Ḥub) and beauty (Jamāl), portraying a holistic sense of justice.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Muḥammad Asad: “Justice in Islam is not merely a sentiment; it is a binding command, as immutable as the other divine laws of creation.”
- Al-Ghazālī: “Justice is a principle so firmly entrenched in the nature of creation that the universe subsists by it.”
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies
- “Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence” by Muḥammad Hashim Kamali
- “Justice in Islam: Comparative Perspectives” by Abdulaziz Sachedina
- “Ethical Dimensions of Islamic Law” by Recep Şentürk
Quizzes
Zainab Al-Khatib Publisher: Islamic Heritage Press Date of Publication: October 3, 2023
“Justice is the thread that weaves the fabric of a just society, connecting divine command with human actions.”
Farewell and embark on this journey of divine insight and righteous conduct. Salaam 🌙
