Al-ʿAdl (العدل) - The Just
Definition
Al-ʿAdl (العدل) is one of the ninety-nine names (Asma’ul Husna) attributed to God (Allah) in Islamic tradition. The term signifies “The Just” and underscores the divine attribute of absolute justice and fairness of God.
Etymology and Translation
Etymology: The word “Al-ʿAdl” is derived from the Arabic root ع-د-ل (ʿa-d-l), which generally means “to act justly” or “to be equitable.”
Translation:
- Arabic: العدل
- Turkish: Adalet Sahibi
Significance in Islam
Although Al-ʿAdl does not explicitly occur as an attribute of the Divine Being in the Qur’an, it is recognized and venerated in Islamic theology through the Hadith (Prophetic traditions). The name is part of the revered list of divine attributes mentioned in the Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, particularly in Book X.
Al-ʿAdl emphasizes the inherent and absolute justice that is synonymous with the essence of Allah. This attribute assures that God exercises justice in all aspects of creation — from the balance in natural laws to the moral and ethical regulations guiding human conduct.
Theological Implications
- Divine Justice: The attribute of Al-ʿAdl conveys that God’s judgments are always fair and devoid of any form of injustice.
- Moral Accountability: Belief in God’s justice acts as a moral compass for Muslims, encouraging them to act justly in their dealings with others.
- Social and Ethical Doctrines: It underpins many social and ethical rulings in Islamic law, emphasizing that justice should prevail in societal structures and personal behavior.
Books for Further Study
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Al-ʿAdl and other divine attributes, consider exploring the following works:
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“The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by Ghazali
- A classical text explaining the names and attributes of God.
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“Kitab al-Asma’ wa’l-Sifat” by al-Bayhaqi
- A scholarly exposition of the beautiful names and high attributes of God in Islam.
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“The Second Treatise of Government” by John Locke
- While not directly Muslim, this provides insights on justice that have cross-cultural and interfaith applications.
Takeaways
- Al-ʿAdl reminds Muslims of the unparalleled fairness of God.
- It is a crucial attribute that encourages adherence to justice in personal and communal life.
- This divine name underscores foundational Islamic principles relating to equality, ethics, and righteous conduct.
Conclusion
The attribute of Al-ʿAdl offers profound insights into the Islamic conception of divine justice. It not only defines a key characteristic of God but also serves as a guiding principle for human actions and societal structures. Understanding Al-ʿAdl fosters a sense of accountability and fairness that is central to the faith and practice of Islam.
For Muslims and scholars alike, delving into the meanings and implications of Al-ʿAdl reveals much about the ethical dimensions of Islamic theology and its influence on the moral conduct of its adherents.
