Surah al-Nisa teaches justice for all
“Putting things at the right places and giving the rights to those who deserve them at their due times, this is adl.”
Surah al-Nisa calls believers to practice divine justice and fairness, grounded in taqwa, especially toward vulnerable people and in positions of responsibility.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Surah al-Nisa as a surah centered on taqwa and adl, meaning justice, fairness, and putting things in their proper places.
- Applies adl to guardianship of orphans, treatment of women, and inheritance within the wider family and social system.
- Expands the theme to shirk, vulnerable children, surrendered prisoners, and oppressed people.
- Contrasts Allah’s guidance with human bias, personal interests, and desire-based theories of justice.
- Explains that qualified people should receive responsibilities and that judgment must remain consistent with divine commands.
- Concludes that following Surah al-Nisa’s guidance lightens one’s burden before Allah and ends with supplications for justice and the oppressed.
In the khateeb's words
“I can be just with two brothers in the community giving them the same tasks even though I know the two brothers one of them cannot handle it as the other”
“putting things at the right places and giving the rights to those who deserve them at their due times this is adl”
“with the taqwa of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala your desires will make everything seem just for you”
For the dinner table
Imam Mohamed Sayed explained that Surah Al-Nisa calls us to justice and fairness, guided by taqwa, being mindful of Allah. Fairness means considering people’s needs and abilities, rather than assuming that giving everyone the same thing is always enough. He highlighted our responsibility to protect the rights of orphans and others who depend on our care or decisions. He encouraged us to treat other people’s children with the concern we would want someone to show our own. He also reminded us to question our selfish desires and explained that Allah’s guidance helps us avoid carrying the burden of injustice into the Day of Judgment.
- When might giving everyone the same chore be unfair, and what could we do instead?
- How would you want someone to care for you if you needed extra help?
- What could help you choose fairness when you really want your own way?
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