confirming the Scripture that came before it and as a guardian over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires, turning away from the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have prescribed a law and a clear way.”

Down to His words:

“Is it the judgment of pre-Islamic ignorance they seek? And who is better than Allah in judgment for people who are certain?”

Thus Allah’s ruling, glorified is He, concerning the lives of Muslims is that they are all equal, contrary to the practice of the people of pre-Islamic ignorance. Most of the partisan passions that arise among people, in the countryside and in towns, stem from oppression and the abandonment of justice. Some members of one group may wrong members of another in matters of blood or property, or one group may unjustly dominate the other and deny it fair treatment, while the other does not confine itself to obtaining its due.

Allah’s Book therefore requires that disputes between people concerning bloodshed, property, and other matters be judged with the justice Allah has commanded, and that the judgments of pre-Islamic ignorance still practised by many people be abolished. Whoever seeks to reconcile the two groups must do so justly, as Allah Most High says:

“If two groups of believers fight one another, make peace between them. But if one of them transgresses against the other, fight the transgressing group until it returns to Allah’s command. If it returns, reconcile them with justice and act equitably. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”

“The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your two brothers.”

The slain person’s heirs should be asked to pardon, for that is better for them, as Allah Most High says:

“And wounds are subject to equal retaliation. But whoever forgoes it as an act of charity, it will be an expiation for him.”

Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Nothing was ever brought before the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,