Justice and Equity

Lesson # 600 From Holy Qur’aan

Justice and Equity

Surah Maaa-‘idah (the Table Spread) – Chapter – 5)

Verse – 8 of 120, Section – 2 of 16 (Part – 6) – Stage - 2

 BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of Allaah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allaah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty; and observe your duty to Allaah. Lo! Allaah is aware of what ye do.

Yaaa-‘ayyu-hallaziina  ‘aamanuu  kuunuu  qawwaa-miina  LIllaahi  shuhadaaa-‘a  bil-qisti  wa  laa  yajri-mannakum  shana-‘aanu  qawmin  ‘alaaa  ‘allaa  ta’-diluu.  ‘I’-diluu:  huwa  ‘aqrabu  lit-taq-waa;  watta-qUllaah.  ‘In-nAllaaha  khabiirum-bimaa  ta’-maluun.

Lesson

It was uttered with emphasis in the previous verses that the people should fulfill their undertakings with Allaah Almighty. In this verse, its one part has been described clearly. This promise is also hidden in the testimony of Kalimah, “I shall correct my all deeds in accordance with the Orders of Allaah Almighty”. It has been described here more openly.

Allaah Almighty indicates here, “The Belief demands from you to complete two subjects. 1.  Be ready always to obey Him, bearing in mind Allaah’s favors and blessings, and worship Him according to His Instructions. 2. Render those people their dues completely, with whom you pass your social life.

                                        

The Belief wishes two things from the believers: 

1.     Observe your duty to Allaah Almighty.

2.     Treat His servants (the humankind) suitably.

It is the summary of the entire religion, which has been mentioned in these two orders:   

1.  kuunuu  qawwaa-miina  LIllaahi  - (Be steadfast for Allaah)

2. shuhadaaa-‘a  bil-qisti  witnesses in equity)

We have recited a verse like this, at the end of Wal-Muh-sanaati (Part -5), in Chapter (Surah) Nisaaa’. These two orders were mentioned there as (1).  kuunuu  qawwaa-miina  bil-qisti  and (2).  kuunuu  shuhadaaa-‘a . There, the mention is about “the behavior with human beings in equity” at first, and then, the description is about “observing the duty to (steadfastness for) Allaah Almighty”. Here at first is, mention about “steadfast for Allaah Almighty” and then “behavior with the humanity in equity”. That is to say; both orders have been stressed equally and the both duties have to be observed side by side. The duty to Allaah Almighty would be observed in this manner, “Worship Him”, and the method of treating the people would be in the manner, “Bear in mind the justice and equity in every matter”.

‘Adl means, “To render everyone his/her complete due. Nobody should take part in such a matter, in which there is any chance of violation of one’s right, even that the act of justice should be equally also with the enemy and he should not be deprived of his lawful right due to enmity. Taqwaa (quality of being pious) can be obtained at that time, when level of morality is so much high. Taqwaa means “To escape from evil deeds and sins due to fear of Allaah Almighty”.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’an published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)