Islam and Human Rights — Page 103
Articles 6-8 103 be evaded by taking shelter behind a judgment handed down by a fallible authority even so high as that of the Prophet. Judges are admonished to carry out their duties with strict impartiality and justice. They are laid under the Divine injunction: “When you judge between the people, judge with justice. Surely, excellent is that with which Allah admonishes you! Allah is All-Hearing, All- Seeing” (4:59). The course of justice is not to be sought to be cor - rupted through bribery (2:159) or the presentation of false evidence (25:73). The hostility of a people should not incite a Muslim, or the Muslim Community or the Muslim State, to act unjustly or inequitably towards them. “O ye who believe, be steadfast in the cause of Allah, and bear witness in equity and let not a people’s enmity toward you incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is closest to righteousness. Be ever mindful of your duty to Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do” (5:9). A more emphatic and comprehensive injunction is: “O ye who believe, be strict in observing justice, and bear your witness for the sake of Allah, even though it be against your own selves, or against parents or kindred.