Leaders’ Justice; Origin of Islam’s Social Teachings
Adl has been defined as putting everything in its proper place and doing everything properly. Adl is so important that it has been named as one of the Usul (principles) of the religion.
People gather together and make up a society based on common interests and needs. In order to live a healthy life in the society, they need to have equal and just relations and interactions. Justice is among the fundamental principles on which the society’s durability and consistency relies.
God says in verse 124 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “And when his Lord tried Abraham with certain words, he fulfilled them. He said: Surely I will make you an Imam of men. Abraham said: And of my offspring? My covenant does not include the unjust, said He.”
At least two parts of this verse are significant: The first part that talks about Abraham’s Imamate and the second part that highlights the constant accompaniment of Imamate and Adl.
In the second part only one characteristic has been mentioned for Imam. Of course the characteristics of Imam are not limited to this but it is the most important one.
Abraham (AS) is the only prophet whose path Muslims, Jews and Christians all follow. This verse, in addition to praising Abraham (AS), indicates to everyone indirectly that if you truly believe him, you should obey divine rules completely.
This is one of the verses that form the backbone of the Shia belief that Imam should be infallible and that one about whom the word unjust can be used will not reach the status of Imamate.
According to the author of the Nemuneh Exegesis of the Quran, this verse refers to Imamate with the word “Ahdi (my covenant)” and this, along verse 40 of Surah Al-Baqarah, “Fulfill My covenant, and I will fulfill your covenant with you,” displays an aspect of divine Sunnahs (laws). That is to say, God says if you are faithful to and obey the Imam that I have appointed, I will fulfil my pledge of helping and supporting you. This divine law is an emphasis on the importance of how people in society relate to Imam and leader.
Messages of the second part of the verse, according to Noor Exegesis of Quran:
1- The origin of Imamate is not inheritance but is the capacity and worth that is proven after successfully passing divine tests. (And when his Lord tried Abraham)
2- Imamate is a covenant between God and people. (My covenant)
3- Among the most important preconditions for leadership is justice. One who has a background of injustice and oppression is not worthy to be Imam. (My covenant does not include the unjust, said He.)
