The real test of justice is with those you dislike

The Challenge of Objectivity In a world that is often divided, we tend to see things in black and white. We protect our “side” and are quick to judge the “other side.” This natural human bias makes it very difficult to remain objective. However, the Quran presents a high moral standard: our personal dislike for a person or a group should never lead us to be unjust toward them.

Justice as a Divine Command The core of this lesson is the concept of ‘Adl, which the Glossary of Islamic Terms defines as “justice” and “rectitude.” In Islam, ‘Adl is not a suggestion; it is a foundational requirement. A person is expected to speak the truth and act fairly even if it goes against their own family, their wealth, or their personal preferences. When justice is anchored in the Divine, it becomes a fixed point that does not move based on how we feel that day.

Guarding Against Prejudice Maintaining fairness toward those we dislike requires a high level of Taqwa. While often translated as “piety,” the glossary describes it as being “on guard.” In this context, it means being on guard against your own ego and your own anger. If you allow your hatred for someone to make you treat them unfairly, you have lost your Taqwa. You have allowed your emotions to become more powerful than your principles.

The Path of Excellence True spiritual growth, or Ihsan, involves treating everyone with excellence regardless of their status or your relationship with them. By practicing justice toward everyone—friend or foe—we protect the harmony of society and the purity of our own hearts. It is a way of recognizing that every human being has rights that must be respected, simply because they were created by the same Creator.

Let’s Find the Path Together At Dialogue Rahmah, we understand how difficult it is to set aside personal feelings in the heat of a conflict. We offer a safe space to discuss how we can all work toward becoming more just and balanced individuals in our daily lives.

Do you find it hard to be fair to people you disagree with? We invite you to a free, private dialogue with a Muslim expert. There is no pressure to agree—just an opportunity to share perspectives and learn about the Islamic approach to human rights and fairness.

Reach out to us at Rahmah Dialogue today to start your conversation.