Islam places extraordinary emphasis on justice—so much so that the Qur’ān commands believers to uphold justice even when it appears to conflict with personal interests, emotions, or relationships. Justice in Islam is not based on who is involved, but on what is right. It rises above enmity and friendship, beyond social ties, and higher than personal gain. True justice is an act of devotion to Allah and a manifestation of real piety.

Justice: A Divine Command Beyond Personal Bias

The Qur’ān states:

“O, you who believe! Be you securers of justice, for Allāh’s sake, even though it be against yourselves or your parents or your kinsmen, and whether the person be rich or poor; for Allāh is closer to them. So do not follow your hearts’ inclinations, lest you may deviate from the truth. And if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, then surely Allāh is Well-Informed of what you do.” (4:135)

This powerful verse highlights one of the rarest moral standards:
to stand for the truth even if it harms our own interests or those of the people we love.
Human nature tends to lean toward defending family, showing leniency to the wealthy, and easing judgment for friends. But Allah commands believers to rise above these inclinations.

The verse also warns against two dangers:

• Distorting the truth—by altering facts to favor someone.
• Withholding testimony—by staying silent when justice needs a voice.

Both are violations of divine trust, and Allah reminds us that He knows every intention behind our actions.

Justice Even Toward One’s Enemies

The Qur’ān further says:

“O, you who believe! Be you always securer of justice for Allāh in bearing witness; and do not let your hatred for a group make you depart from justice. Be just; that is nearest to piety, and fear Allāh. Surely, Allāh is fully aware of what you do.” (5:8)

Here, the Qur’ān addresses the opposite emotional pull—the tendency to be unfair to those we dislike or disagree with. Even if a community, group, or person has wronged us, justice must still prevail. Hatred, resentment, or history cannot justify injustice.

Allah declares:

“Be just; that is nearest to piety.”

This verse becomes a divine principle:
Real taqwā (God-consciousness) is impossible without justice.
A believer’s morality is measured not by how kindly they treat their friends, but by how fair they remain towards their enemies.

A Universal, Unchanging Moral Standard

The Qur’anic call to justice demands integrity that rises above personal bias, emotion, and circumstance. Believers are commanded to establish and uphold justice in all aspects of life, making it a constant and consistent trait rather than a temporary practice. True testimony and fair action can only emerge from hearts acting sincerely for Allah, with every deed—including witnessing the truth—rooted in divine intention. Islam emphasizes that justice is not merely a social value but an act of worship, requiring believers to actively supervise its implementation and ensure it remains unshaken even when dealing with relatives, friends, or enemies. Personal interests, familial ties, emotional attachments, or social status must never influence one’s commitment to fairness, for justice must be impartial and free from favoritism.

Upholding justice is described as the closest path to piety, reflecting sincerity, self-restraint, and God-consciousness. Believers are reminded that Allah is fully aware of every action, intention, and testimony, holding them accountable for both falsehood and neglect of justice. Compassion, fear, or anger should not distort judgment, nor should worldly gain or social pressures compromise truth. Therefore, standing firmly for Allah, giving truthful testimony, and ensuring fairness in all human relations are not only moral obligations but essential expressions of faith. By embodying justice in thought, word, and deed, believers contribute to a righteous and equitable society, aligning their personal conduct with divine guidance and the ultimate pursuit of God’s pleasure.

Hadees

Ali ibn Ibrahim says: Allah commanded people to be steadfast in upholding justice, meaning to act with fairness even if it goes against themselves, their parents, or their relatives. Abu Abdullah, Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him), said: A believer has seven rights over another believer, the most important of which is to speak the truth to them, even if it causes harm to oneself or one’s parents, and one must not refrain from speaking the truth because of them. He further said:
“So do not follow [your] desires in order to be just; and if you distort or turn away, Allah is fully aware of what you do.”
Here, the warning refers to turning away from the truth.

Conclusion

“Justice Above Enmity and Friendship” is not just a moral slogan—it is a Qur’ānic mandate. A believer must uphold justice for Allah’s sake, even when it seems personally difficult or emotionally uncomfortable. Whether dealing with loved ones or opponents, Islam calls for unwavering fairness.

Justice is the closest path to piety, the foundation of a healthy society, and the mark of true faith.