105–113. “Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book in truth so that you may judge between people according to what Allah has shown you. And do not be an advocate for the treacherous.”
The Most High states that He sent down the Book in truth to His servant and Messenger: it was protected, as it was sent down, from the devils introducing any falsehood into it. Rather, it was sent down in truth and also contains the truth: its reports are true, and its commands and prohibitions are just. “The word of your Lord has been perfected in truth and justice.” He also states that He sent it down so that the Messenger might judge between people.
In another verse, He says: “And We sent down to you the Reminder so that you may make clear to people what was sent down to them.” It is possible that the present verse concerns judging between people in matters of dispute and disagreement, while the other concerns explaining the whole religion, both its fundamentals and its subsidiary matters. It is also possible that both verses have the same meaning. In that case, judging between people here includes judgment in matters of blood, honor, property, and all other rights, as well as matters of belief and every question of religious law.
His words, “according to what Allah has shown you,” mean: not according to your own desire, but according to what Allah has taught and inspired you. This is like the statement of the Most High: “Nor does he speak from his own desire. It is nothing but revelation sent down.” This proves his infallibility—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—in all the rulings ⦗200⦘ and other matters that he conveys from Allah. It also shows that knowledge and justice are required of a judge (1), for He says, “according to what Allah has shown you,” and not, “according to what you have seen.” He also made judging between people contingent upon knowledge of the Book.
After commanding judgment between people—which entails justice and equity—Allah forbade him from injustice and wrongdoing, which are the opposite of justice. He therefore said, “And do not be an advocate for the treacherous.” That is, do not argue on behalf of anyone whom you recognize as treacherous, such as one who claims what is not his or denies a right that he owes, whether you know this with certainty or deem it likely. This proves that it is forbidden to argue in support of falsehood or to represent one who is in the wrong in religious disputes or disputes over worldly rights.
Conversely, the verse indicates that it is permissible to undertake representation in a dispute on behalf of someone who is not known to have acted unjustly.