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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Taqwa (Piety) Advice of Justice And Fairness ======================== One of the issues that a Muslim has to observe is justice and fairness, whether reasonable justice, like the approval of benevolence and the disapproval of oppression, or it is legal, like retribution or discretionary punishments. If justice is done in a society and people observe it, then social piety will be realized fully.

In this connection, the Lord of the universe has said: “…and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably; act equitably, that is nearer to piety, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is Aware of what you do.” [^1] The Lord of the universe has sent messengers for the people to keep to rights and to keep away from injustice.

God has said: “Certainly We sent Our apostles with clear arguments and sent down with them the Books and the balance that people may conduct themselves with equity.” [^2] Imam Baqir and Imam Sadiq (AS) have been reported as saying: “God Almighty revealed to Adam: ‘O Adam! I have summed up all the good words for you in four words.’ Adam asked: ‘O my Lord! What are they?’ God said: ‘One is for Myself, one is for you, one is between Me and you, and one is between you and people.

As for the first one, you should obey Me and not associate anything with Me. As for the second one, I will reward you for your deeds more than you need. As for the third one, it is incumbent on you to pray and incumbent on Me to answer your prayer.

As for the fourth one, it is social justice and fairness, that is, you should wish for yourself what you wish for others and do not wish for others what you do not wish for yourself.’”[^3] God has spoken of full justice and the infallible Imams too have said the same.

Imam Sadiq (AS) has reported the Messenger of Allah (SAW) as saying: “The most just one among people is one who wishes for others what he wishes for himself, and does not wish for others what he does not wish for himself.”[^4] Imam Ali (AS) has been reported as having said to an old man from Sham: “O Sheikh!

Wish for others what you wish for yourself and treat people as you wish to be treated.” ^5 An advice by Imam Ali (AS) at his deathbed was this: “I advise you to keep to justice both in contentment and in anger.”[^6] In these two states, man is in need of justice.