He also said in another verse: “Be steadfast for Allah, witnesses in equity.” (1)

[Thus, the two verses comprise four matters: the first is upholding justice] (2); the second is that this upholding be for Allah; the third is bearing witness with justice; and the fourth is that the witness be for Allah alone.

The verse in al-Nisāʾ is distinguished by commanding the establishment (3) of justice and bearing witness for Allah, whereas the verse in al-Māʾidah commands the establishment for Allah and bearing witness with justice—an astonishing secret among the subtleties of the Quran, whose detailed exposition is not intended here.

He, exalted be He, then said: “even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives,” commanding (4) that justice be upheld and testified to for or against every individual, even the dearest people to the servant. Accordingly, he must uphold it (5) against himself, his parents—his very origin—and his relatives (6) who are nearer and more closely attached (7) to him than all other people,