Transliteration:( Yaa aiyuhal lazeena aamanoo koonoo qawwa ameena bilqisti shuhadaaa'a lillaahi wa law 'alaa anfusikum awil waalidaini wal aqrabeen iny yakun ghaniyyan aw faqeeran fallaahu awlaa bihimaa falaaa tattabi'ul hawaaa an ta'diloo; wa in talwooo aw tu'ridoo fa innal laaha kaana bimaa ta'maloona Khabeera )
“O you who believe! Stand firmly [401] for justice, giving witness for Allah even though it may be against your own selves, or of your parents or your relations. And whether it (witness) is against the rich or the poor. Allah is more worthy of both of them [402]. Therefore, do not follow the passions lest you may be far away from justice. And if you distort [403] or turn your face, then Allah is aware of your doings.”
This verse addresses rulers, judges, witnesses, Ulema, pious leaders, and all believers.
Each person is commanded to administer justice according to their capacity. The command “stand firmly” signifies that every word, action, and judgment of a Muslim must be rooted in fairness.
Even:
Admitting one's own faults,
Acknowledging shortcomings,
Or ruling against personal interest—
are part of portraying the true spirit of Islamic justice.
Several key principles arise from this portion:
While serving one’s parents and treating relatives kindly is noble, prejudice must never influence legal or ethical decisions.
The fear or awe of the wealthy should not make us unjust to the poor. Likewise, using one's position to falsely defend the guilty, or making twisted religious interpretations to support wrongdoing, are all severe crimes.
Justice is greater than mercy—because it safeguards rights universally, while mercy can be selective.
The rights of Allah take precedence over all other obligations and must be upheld above any emotional or worldly inclination.
This refers to manipulating or distorting justice under the cover of personal interest or clever legalism.
It includes:
Defence lawyers trying to acquit the guilty using deceit,
Governors or rulers passing unjust verdicts under pressure,
Religious scholars misrepresenting sacred law to justify oppression.
All such actions are condemned, and the verse closes with a powerful reminder:
Allah is fully aware of your intentions and actions, whether open or concealed.
Thus, justice must be upheld fearlessly, impartially, and sincerely, for the sake of Allah alone.
135. O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a better Protector to both. So follow not the lusts, lest you may avoid justice; and if you Talwu or Tu`ridu, it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.
Allah commands His believing servants to stand up for justice and fairness and not to deviate from it, right or left. They should not fear the blame of anyone or allow anyone to prevent them from doing something for the sake of Allah. They are also required to help, support and aid each other for Allah’s sake. Allah’s statement,
(as witnesses to Allah) is similar to His statement,
(And establish the testimony for Allah). Testimony should be delivered precisely, for the sake of Allah, thus making the testimony correct, truly just, and free of alterations, changes or deletions. This is why Allah said,
(even though it be against yourselves,) meaning, give correct testimony, and say the truth when you are asked about it, even if harm will effect you as a consequence. Indeed, Allah shall make a way out and give relief for those who obey Him in every matter. Allah’s statement,
(or your parents, or your kin,) means, even if you have to testify against your parents and kin, do not compromise for their sake. Rather, give the correct and just witness even if they are harmed in the process, for the truth presides above everyone and is preferred to everyone. Allah’s statement,
(be he rich or poor, Allah is a better Protector to both.) means, do not favor someone (in your testimony) because he is rich, or feel pity for him because he is poor, for Allah is their caretaker, a better Protector of them than you, and has better knowledge of what is good for them. Allah’s statement,
(So follow not the lusts, lest you may avoid justice;) means, let not desire, lust or the hatred you have against others, lure you into injustice in your affairs. Rather, stand for justice in all situations. Allah said;
(And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety) when the Prophet sent `Abdullah bin Rawahah to collect the tax on the fruits and produce of the Jews of Khaybar, they offered him a bribe so that he would go easy on them. He said; “By Allah! I have come to you from the dearest of the creation to me (Muhammad), and you are more hated by me than an equivelent number of apes and swine. However, my love for him (the Prophet ) and hatred for you shall not prevent me from being just with you.” On that, they said, “This (justice) is the basis which the heavens and earth were created. ” We will mention this Hadith later in Surat Al-Ma’idah (chapter 5) Allah willing. Allah’s statement afterwards,
(and if you Talwu or Tu`ridu) means, “Distort your testimony and change it”, according to Mujahid and several others among the Salaf. Talwu, includes distortion and intentional lying. For instance, Allah said,
(And verily, among them is a party who Yalwuna (distort) the Book with their tongues (as they read)). Tu`ridu, includes hiding and withholding the testimony. Allah said,
(Who hides it, surely, his heart is sinful) The Prophet said,
(The best witness is he who discloses his testimony before being asked to do so.) Allah then warned,
(Verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.) and will reward or punish you accordingly.
(4:135) Believers! Be upholders of justice,[164] and bearers of witness to truth for the sake of Allah,[165] even though it may either be against yourselves or against your parents and kinsmen, or the rich or the poor: for Allah is more concerned with their well-being than you are. Do not, then, follow your own desires lest you keep away from justice. If you twist or turn away from (the truth), know that Allah is well aware of all that you do.
164. It is not enough for believers to uphold justice themselves: they are expected to be its standard-bearers. They are supposed not merely to practise justice in their own dealings but to strive for its triumph. They have to do all within their power to ensure that injustice is eradicated and replaced by equity and justice. A true believer is required to be the pillar supporting the establishment of right and justice.
165. The testimony of the believers should be solely for the sake of God. Their testimony should not be biased in favour of any of the parties concerned, they should not use any opportunity for personal aggrandizement, and they should not seek to please anyone but God.
[223]- i.e., more knowledgeable of their best interests. Therefore, adhere to what He has enjoined upon you and testify honestly.
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