In Islam, the concept of **justice (Adl)** is central to the administration of law and governance. The term **Adl** means fairness, balance, and impartiality, and it reflects the divine will of Allah as the ultimate source of justice. Islam emphasizes that justice is an essential quality of God and should be mirrored in human actions, especially in legal matters. Here’s how justice is addressed in the administration of law in Islam:

### 1. **Divine Command and Accountability**

– **Adl** is rooted in the belief that Allah is Just, and human beings are accountable to Him for their actions. The Qur’an frequently mentions justice as a key divine attribute. For example, in Surah An-Nisa (4:58), Allah commands the people to deliver justice when making judgments.

– “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Quran 4:58)

– The Qur’an also states that on the Day of Judgment, every individual will be held accountable for their actions with absolute fairness (Quran 99:7-8).

### 2. **Equality Before the Law**

– Islam mandates that all people, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or gender, are equal in the eyes of the law. The Qur’an stresses that no one should be oppressed or unfairly treated. Justice is not based on personal biases or prejudices.

– The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized this in his famous sermon during the last pilgrimage (Hajj), where he declared that “all men are equal in the eyes of Allah.”

### 3. **Impartiality and Fairness in Legal Proceedings**

– Judges and administrators of justice in Islam must act impartially, without favoring any party based on personal interests or social position. The legal system is designed to ensure that the rights of the oppressed are upheld, and the guilty are held accountable.

– **Shari’ah (Islamic law)** is based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet), which provides clear guidelines for the administration of justice in both criminal and civil matters.

### 4. **Right to a Fair Trial**

– Islam guarantees the right to a fair trial, where all parties have the opportunity to present their case and evidence. The accused has the right to defend themselves, and the decision must be made based on evidence rather than assumptions or hearsay.

– False accusations are severely condemned in Islam, and the principle of **innocent until proven guilty** is upheld, as reflected in the Qur’an (24:4) and Hadith.

### 5. **Punishment and Mercy**

– While Islam prescribes certain punishments for crimes (e.g., theft, adultery, murder), it also emphasizes **mercy** and the opportunity for **repentance**. Punishments must be carried out with fairness, and the conditions for their application are strict.

– For example, the punishment for theft (cutting off the hand) is only applied under very specific conditions, including the proven intent to steal and the value of the stolen property being above a certain threshold. In many cases, the victim can choose forgiveness over punishment.

– The Qur’an highlights that Allah is both Just and Merciful, and humans are encouraged to balance justice with compassion. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178) permits retaliation (Qisas) in the case of murder or injury, but also encourages forgiveness as a better option.

### 6. **Protection of Rights and Dignity**

– Islam upholds the rights of individuals, including their life, property, and honor. Adl ensures that people’s dignity is preserved, and they are not wronged or oppressed.

– The legal system also addresses issues of **social justice**, ensuring that the poor, orphans, women, and minorities are protected from exploitation and harm.

### 7. **Social Justice and Equality**

– Beyond individual legal cases, **social justice** is an important aspect of Islamic law. Islam promotes the fair distribution of wealth, the alleviation of poverty, and the protection of social rights through mechanisms like **Zakat** (almsgiving) and **Sadaqah** (voluntary charity).

– The **state** is responsible for ensuring that justice is maintained in society, and any actions that lead to oppression, corruption, or exploitation are prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against injustice and oppression, stating that even if a person is wronged by a ruler, they are entitled to seek justice.

In conclusion, **justice (Adl)** in Islam is multifaceted, encompassing fairness, equality, and mercy in the administration of law. It ensures that individuals’ rights are protected, that societal needs are met, and that both the letter and spirit of the law are respected in the pursuit of truth and fairness.