A Comparative Study of the Qur’anic Verses on Divine Justice in Creation in the Most Prominent Contemporary Exegeses of the 15th Century AH

Abstract

Abstract 

Divine justice in legislation (tashrī‘) is one of the foundational topics in Islamic theology (kalām) and Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr). It demonstrates that all divine rulings and commands are firmly grounded in wisdom (ḥikmah), expediency (maṣlaḥah), and perfect proportionality with human capacity. 

The present study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology to examine the Qur’anic verses pertaining to justice within the sphere of legislation. By referring to major commentaries – particularly contemporary ones – it shows that divine law (sharī‘ah) constitutes a just system oriented toward public and private welfare and fully consonant with the individual and social interests of humankind. 

The findings reveal that exegetes regard justice in legislation as the negation of all forms of oppression, the rejection of baseless obligations, the denial of burdens beyond human endurance (taklīf mā lā yuṭāq), and the repudiation of rulings devoid of wisdom. They consider verses on qisṭ (equity), mīzān (balance), taswiyah (equality), taklīf (responsibility), and the negation of ḥaraj (hardship) to be clear evidence of this principle. 

Based on the analysis presented in the article, just legislation is one of the principal characteristics of Islamic law, revealed for the purpose of educating human beings, safeguarding rights, and regulating social relations. It is in complete harmony with human nature (fiṭrah), human capability, and human needs.