Justice to all Mankind — Even Those Who Make an Enemy of Islām
Ibn Kathir (an early Islamic scholar) said: “Do not let your hatred of a people cause you to be unjust to them, rather you must be just to everyone, friends or enemies, this is why Allāh said: ‘Be just: that is closer to piety’ — meaning being just is closer to piety than being unjust.”
The Messenger of Allāh, may peace be upon him, informed us that Allāh said: O My Servants, indeed I have prohibited injustice for myself, and I have prohibited it amongst you.” The noble scholar; ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Al-Shaykh commented: This is general to all mankind, whether they are Muslim or not, it is not permissible for any one person to oppress another even if they were enemies or harbored hatred for one another. Enmity and hatred do not authorize anyone in the legislation of Islām to be unjust or practice oppression.”
In the Name of Allāh, The Beneficent, The Merciful
Statements from Islamic Scholars, Past and Present
The saying of Allāh the Exalted:
“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allāh as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others allow you to avoid justice. Be just: that is closer to piety; and fear Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” [Al-Māʾidah: 8]
Ibn Kathīr (famous Qurʾān scholar) explains:
“Do not let your hatred of a people cause you to be unjust to them, rather you must be just to everyone, friends or enemies, this is why Allāh said: ‘Be just: that is closer to piety’ Meaning being just is closer to piety than being unjust.”
Al-Tabarī, a renowned scholar of the 8th century comments:
“Do not let enmity between you and others cause you to be unjust in your dealings and rulings with them such that you oppress them due to the enmity that is between you.
It has been stated that this verse was revealed when the Jews plotted to murder the Prophet.”
Al-Qurṭubī, a scholar from the 12th century states:
“This verse also proves that the disbelief of non-Muslims must not prevent us from being just to them…and it is not permissible for us to retaliate in the same manner, even if they kill our women and children and cause sorrow to befall us, it is not permissible for us to act likewise with the intention of making them feel grief and sorrow.”
Allāh the Elevated says:
“Verily, Allāh enjoins justice, beneficence, giving (help) to kith and kin, and forbids all forms of evil and Al-Munkar (i.e. all that is prohibited by Islamic law and oppression). He admonishes you, that you may take heed.).” [Al-Nahl: 90]
Ibn Kathīr states:
“Allāh orders his servants with justice, which is fairness and equity, and encourages them to be beneficent.”
Allāh the Mighty says:
“Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice.” [Al Hadeed: 25]
Al-Tabarī comments:
“Meaning: So that people may interact amongst each other with justice.”
Allāh the Merciful says:
“That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another.” [Al-Najm: 38]
Ibn Kathīr comments:
“Meaning: Anybody who has oppressed himself by disbelief or sins will be responsible for those sins, nobody else will carry the burden.”
Al-Saʿdī, a scholar of the 19th century explains:
“…and no one shall bear the sin of another.”
The noble scholar; ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Al-Shaykh, former Mufti of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia comments:
“Allāh judged that no person shall bear the burden of another person’s sin due to His absolute justness.”
The Messenger of Allāh, may peace be upon him, informed us that Allāh said:
“O My Servants, indeed I have prohibited injustice for myself, and I have prohibited it amongst you.”
The noble scholar; ‘ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Al-Shaykh further comments:
“This is general to all mankind, whether they are Muslim or not, it is not permissible for any one person to oppress another even if they were enemies or harbored hatred for one another. Enmity and hatred do not authorize anyone in the legislation of Islām to be unjust or practice oppression.”
The former Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh ʿAbd all-ʿAzīz ibn Bāz stated:
“It is not permissible for Muslims to transgress upon non-Muslims, not in their person, their wealth or their reputations if they are formal residents in a Muslim country, have a treaty with Muslims or are under Muslim protection, rather they must be given their rights. Muslims must not transgress upon non-Muslims by stealing from, betraying or cheating them with regards to their wealth. Likewise they mustn’t physically transgress upon them by hitting them and so on. The fact that they are residents, under treaty or protection secures them from that.”
The noble scholar; Ṣāliḥ al-Luhaydan, former chairman of the Higher Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia stated:
“During battles, the Messenger of Allāh would advice the army:
“Do not kill women, children, the elderly and those devoted to worship in their religious centers.”
This means that Islām does not permit killing anyone except those who kill, wage war or oppress Muslims.”
Al-Nawawī, a distinguished scholar from the 12th century states:
“There is a consensus amongst the scholars that killing women and children is prohibited in battle except if they themselves engage in battle.”
