Al-Usul al-Khamsa

2. Adalah (Justice of God)

Whereas Tawhid establishes God’s unity, the principle of Adalah introduces the paramount concept of divine justice. This tenet affirms that God is inherently just, which precludes any notion of capriciousness or injustice in His actions. Adalah asserts that every act of God aligns with wisdom and justice, culminating in a moral framework that underscores the importance of righteousness among human beings.

This principle begs an essential reflection: if God is just, how do we reconcile perceived injustices in the world? Such inquiries lead Shia Muslims to consider the significance of human agency alongside divine decree. The dialogue between human free will and God’s justice encourages believers to actively engage in ethical choices and societal reform, reinforcing the idea that injustice cannot be tolerated on earth, as it contradicts God’s nature.