This is made clear by the fact that the definitions people have given of injustice encompass this, rather than what is intrinsically impossible. For example, some say, “Injustice is putting something where it does not belong,” as in the saying, “Whoever resembles his father has done no wrong”—that is, he has not misplaced the resemblance. It is well known that Allah, Glorified is He, is a just Judge who puts things only where they belong. Putting them elsewhere is not intrinsically impossible; rather, it is possible, but He does not do it because He does not will it. Indeed, He dislikes and hates it, having forbidden it to Himself.

The same applies to those who say, “Injustice is inflicting undeserved harm,” for Allah does not punish anyone unjustly. Likewise, some say, “It is diminishing what is due,” explaining that the word’s basic meaning is diminution, as in His words:

“Each of the two gardens yielded its produce and did not fall short in anything.”

As for the definition, “It is exercising control over another’s property,” this is neither exclusive nor exhaustive. A person may rightfully exercise control over another’s property without being unjust, and may wrongfully exercise control over his own property and thereby be unjust. The Quran frequently speaks of a servant wronging himself.

The same applies to those who define it as “a person’s acting contrary to what he has been commanded to do,” and similar formulations. Even if the validity of such a formulation is conceded, Allah, Glorified is He, has prescribed mercy for Himself and forbidden injustice to Himself. Thus, He does not act contrary to what He has prescribed, nor does He do what He has forbidden. This response is not the place to elaborate on these matters to which we have drawn attention here.