treats as important what is basic in them and, therefore, common to
all men. This is why the Qur'an speaks of God as the Rabb of all
mankind (1:1); of the Rasool as "the fount of Rahmah to all men"
(21:107), and of its message as ''a reminder for the whole world"
(6:91).
V. Adl and IhsaanWe can now proceed to consider the principles of adl and ihsaan
that form the basis of the social order of Islam. Muslims are
commanded never to deviate from the path of Adl and ihsaan the
Qur'an says: "Verily Allah enjoins adl and ihsaan" (16:91). By 'adl is
meant giving each man his due, and ihsaan means actively
contributing to make good the deficiency of others to enable them
to develop their personality without hindrance. The term adl is not
used in the strictly legal sense of justice. It is taken in the widest
sense possible and assures to man not only his legal rights but fair
and equitable treatment in all aspects of social life. Two principles
have been laid down by the Qur'an for the guidance of man. Firstly
that no one shall carry another's burden (53:38), and secondly that
everyone will be entitled to get according to his efforts (53:39). It
means that in the Islamic Order, man is punished or rewarded for
his own deeds and is held responsible for his voluntary acts.
Nobody is to be deprived of the fruit of his labour, nor is he to
appropriate to himself what somebody else has earned. If these
principles are sincerely believed in and conscientiously acted upon,
there will be an end to all exploitation and injustice.
Again, the Qur'an enjoins us to be strictly just in our dealings with
even our enemies. In this matter we have no right to discriminate
between friend and foe. The Qur'an is explicit on this point:
O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and
let not enmity of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal
justly; that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah (5:8).
We should always act justly, even when regard for justice is
detrimental to our own interests:
O ye who believe! Be ye staunch in justice; witnesses for Allah, even
though it be against your own selves, or your parents, or your kindred,
whether (the case be of) a rich man or a poor man, for Allah is nearer
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