Equality before the Law

Equality before the Law

Equality before the law is one of the basic principles of the Islamic Justice System[1]. So much so that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.), who is the highest judicial authority of Islam had to fear the punishment of the Mighty Day if he would not abide by the Divine Law[2]. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.) was in fact the first and the foremost to show complete submission and commitment to the Divine Law[3].

Justice has to be meted out with all fairness even if it goes against one’s own self, one’s parents or nearest relatives and whether it goes against the rich or in favour of the poor[4]. Emotional attachments or lust for worldly gains must not be a cause of deviation from the way of equity and fairness. The administration of justice has to be without any favouritism or prejudice. Even the hatred or enmity of a people must not deter a judge from doing justice[5]. There is no place for any discrimination, biasness for or prejudice against anyone in the Islamic System of Justice.



[1] Al-Quran Surah 4: Verse 58; One of the key aspects of the Quranic Term ‘Adl’ (عدل) is impartiality, unbiasedness, equity, fairness and equal treatment without any inclination to anyone in preference to another

[2] Al-Quran Surah 6: Verse 15; Surah 39: Verse 13

[3] Al-Quran Surah 39: Verse 12

[4] Al-Quran Surah 4: Verse 135

[5] Al-Quran Surah 5: Verse 8

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