Al-`Adl
Allah is Al-Adl, The one who rectifies and sets matters straight in a just and equitable manner. He always delivers absolute justice through His wisdom without failure. He gives to each what he deserves and puts everything in its proper order.
From the root ‘a-d-l which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to act justly, fairly to be equitable, impartial to adjust properly, to make even to straighten, to rectify, to establish justice to balance, counterbalance, to make equal, uniform to turn one away from something, rightly direct to make comfortable with what is right.
The term ‘Adl is not used directly in The Quran. Yet there are verses regarding his justice.
Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom’s weight;
while if there
is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward. (Quran 4:40)
And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (Quran 6:115)
Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, those who were just will be in the presence of Allah upon pulpits of light, near the right hand of the Merciful, the Exalted, and both of His sides are honorable. They are those who practiced justice in their judgments and with their families and in all that they did.”
Source: Sahih Muslim 4493 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim
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Name: |
Al-’Adl |
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Al-Adl in Arabic: |
ٱلْعَدْلُ |
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Arabic root: |
(ع د ل) |
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Al-Adl meaning in English: |
The Utterly Just |
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Al-Adl meaning in Urdu: |
عدل کرنے والا |
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Appearance in the Quran: |
(explicitly none) |
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Tasbeeh: |
No prescribed Tasbeeh, however, can be included in daily invocations (dua) or reflections. |
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Asma ul Husna with similar meaning: |
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Al-Adl pronunciation in Arabic is al-’Ada-l, with a clear ع in the beginning. It denotes Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) being the Embodiment of Divine Justice, meaning The Just, The One who is entitled to do what He does. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is Al-Adl (in Arabic: ٱلْعَدْلُ), The One who rectifies and sets every matter straight in a just and equitable manner. He perfects absolute justice through His wisdom without any fault or failure. He gives each of them what they deserve and puts matters in their right order.
The name Al-Adl is derived from the Arabic root ayn-dal-lam (ع د ل), which has the following classical Arabic connotations: to act justly, fairly, equitably, to adjust properly, to make even, to straighten, to rectify, to establish justice or balance. Additionally, to make equal, uniform, to turn one away from something, rightly, direct, or to make comfortable with what is right are also meanings related to the root word.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ وَٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ وَإِيتَآئِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ وَٱلْبَغْىِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ۞ [16:90]
Translation: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, grace, as well as generosity to close relatives. He forbids indecency, wickedness, and aggression. He instructs you so perhaps you will be mindful.”
Al Adl means the One who judges between His servants in this life and the Hereafter with His justice and fairness. He will not oppress anyone to the extent of an atom's weight and none will be made to carry the encumbrance of another. No servant will be recompensed in a way greater than the magnitude of his sins; he will be given only what he deserves. Not a single person's right will be denied him; he is the Just in His regulation and decree.
وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًۭا وَعَدْلًۭا ۚ لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَـٰتِهِۦ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ [6:115]
Translation: “The Word of your Lord has been perfected in truth and justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
The above verse depicts how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has perfected His Word “in truth and justice” with His al-Adl nature, the magnitude and fairness of which is unique to Him and Him alone.
The attribute Al-’Adl is disputed among scholars in the official names of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) due to differing rules and is not directly quoted in the Qur’an. However, this descriptive name has taken hold among popular lists of Allah’s name for perfectly describing the just trait of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Understanding the significance of the Divine Essence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) vitalizes the faith of a believer, strengthening them against the trials and tribulations of the world. The attribute Al-Adl emphasizes Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) unrelenting justice, reinforcing the belief that He is the ultimate Judge, who ensures objective fairness in all matters. Recognizing Allah as The Just enhances and strengthens believers' understanding of His divine essence.
Contemplation and reflection are the recognizable virtues of a good Muslim. Reflecting on the name Al-Adl provokes the believers to meditate on Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) wisdom, divine knowledge and unrelenting mercy. It fosters a deep connection with the divine and a sincere appreciation for the intricacies of divine justice, finding its way into the daily actions of the Muslim, becoming the facilitator of Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) Justice.
The concept of justice is fundamental and spiritually significant in Islam, and Al-Adl describes this principle. The faithful believers of Islam are special envoys on this earth, assigned to not just spread the True Message of Islam but to establish the correct way in society as well. Thus, the attribute Al-Adl of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), underscoring the importance of justice in individual actions and societal structures, becomes a pillar of guidance for practicing Muslims. It also signifies the divine accountability in the Hereafter, providing relief to those struggling and oppressed.
Reflection on the names or attributes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) should lead Muslims to integrate the concepts into their daily conversation and actions. It reminds the believers to emulate Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) justice and fairness in their actions and dealings with other people. Acts of Kindness and charity can be practiced to emulate and embody the Divine Justice, ensuring fair distribution of resources and opportunities to all, regardless of their status. As special envoys of the correct way of life, Muslims embodying the al-Adl in their lives align themselves with the of Allah, gaining spiritual proximity to their Creator.
Every name of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is unique and descriptive of His nature; however, the concept of His Divine justice is similar to several other names. Al-Hakam, "The Impartial Judge," emphasizes Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) role as the ultimate arbitrator, ensuring justice in all matters, and shares a similar underlying meaning with Al-Adl.
Similarly, Al-Muqsit, "The Equitable" or "The Just One," highlights the attribute of fairness in Allah's decisions regarding all His creations. These names, including Al-Adl, collectively emphasize the comprehensive Justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
While the word al-Adl does not explicitly appear in any verse in the Quran or Hadith, there are several instances with the general meaning and derived words. The following verse depicts the just nature of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and how the believers, His servants, must follow the same path,
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ قَوَّٰمِينَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ ٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ ۚ إِن يَكُنْ غَنِيًّا أَوْ فَقِيرًۭا فَٱللَّهُ أَوْلَىٰ بِهِمَا ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ ٱلْهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعْدِلُوا۟ ۚ وَإِن تَلْوُۥٓا۟ أَوْ تُعْرِضُوا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًۭا ۞ [4:135]
Translation: “O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate from justice. If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then know that Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do.”