Absolute Justice, Kindness and Kinship — Page 126
The Role of the Three Creative Principles in the Shaping of Religion 125 don’ts. The evil tree mentioned has to be understood with respect to that part of the teaching in which religious society is forbidden by God to transgress the dictates of common morality and justice in relation to each other. However, this is not left to be defined by man, who may differ with his fellow human beings in his concept of justice and fair play, etc. To prevent this from happening, the teaching bestowed upon Prophets as is very clear and concise. The other tree is the one which bears wholesome fruit, and Adam as and Eve are permitted to freely eat thereof as they desire. This evidently refers to the positive injunctions of Adam’s as Divine law. Although there are no details mentioned in this verse indicating the basic structure of the code of conduct prescribed, it can be safely inferred from this that Adam as and his society were forbidden from violating each other’s fundamental rights—the practice which always leads to the disturbance of peace and resultant misery. Another verse on the same subject seems to lay down the foundation for the code of economic justice suitable for that primitive society: It is provided for you that you will not hunger therein, nor will you be naked. And that you will not thirst therein, nor will you be exposed to the sun. (S u rah Ta H a ; Ch. 20: Vs. 119, 120)