…embraces the science of ethics, the ordering of the household, and the governance of the city-state. All of it rests upon these famous common notions; indeed, every act that the Law commands must involve justice, for justice is required in all deeds, while injustice is unconditionally forbidden.
For that very reason the finest revealed laws and divinely guided ways were sent to realize and perfect this principle. God has made justice obligatory for everyone, toward everyone, in every circumstance, as He—exalted is He—declares:
“O believers, stand firm for justice, bearing true witness for Allah, even against yourselves, your parents, or your close kin. Whether the person is rich or poor, Allah has a greater right over them both. So do not follow desire, lest you swerve from justice.” (Qur’an 4:135)
“O believers, be steadfast for Allah, bearing witness with justice. Let not the hatred of a people move you to depart from justice. Be just; that is nearer to God-consciousness.” (Qur’an 5:8)
“We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down with them the Book and the Balance so that people might uphold justice.” (Qur’an 57:25)
“Allah commands you to render trusts to those entitled to them, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice.” (Qur’an 4:58)
“Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to near relatives; and He forbids indecency, wrongdoing, and transgression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.” (Qur’an 16:90)
Texts of this tenor are many.
Similarly, the prohibition of oppression in all its forms is repeatedly affirmed in the divine texts—even in the sacred hadith narrated by Abu Dharr, recorded by Muslim, in which the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) relates from his Lord, Magnified and Exalted, that He said:
“O My servants, I have forbidden injustice for Myself and have made it forbidden among you; so do not wrong one another. O My servants, you sin by night and by day, yet I forgive all sins, and I care not; so seek forgiveness from Me and I shall forgive you. O My servants, all of you are hungry save those whom I feed, so ask Me for food and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked save those whom I clothe, so ask Me for clothing and I shall clothe you. O My servants, all of you are astray save those whom I guide, so ask Me for guidance and I shall guide you. O My servants, you will never be able to harm Me so as to harm Me, nor will you ever be able to benefit Me so as to benefit Me. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, and the humans among you…”