Adl (God's Justice)

Adl (Arabic: عدل) means "justice" and is the second of the five usul al-din (fundamental beliefs) in Shia Islam. Adl declares that Allah is absolutely just — He never commits injustice, does not impose a burden beyond anyone's capacity, does not punish the innocent, and rewards everyone in accordance with their actions.

The Quran affirms Allah's justice: "Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, not even the weight of an atom" (Surah An-Nisa 4:40). And: "And your Lord does no injustice to anyone" (Surah Al-Kahf 18:49). Shia Islam places such great emphasis on Adl that they are also known as "al-Adliyyah" (the adherents of justice).

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in Nahj al-Balagha: "Justice places things in their rightful place, and benevolence removes them from their place. Justice is the general policy, while benevolence is the specific." Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Allah does not command His servants to do anything beyond their ability, and He does not punish them for something they did not do" (Al-Kafi, vol. 1, Kitab al-Tawhid).

In the context of prayer, Adl is the basis for prayer being meaningful: if Allah were not just, prayer, good deeds, and worship would be meaningless, as reward and punishment would not be tied to actions. Adl guarantees that the one who prays sincerely will be rewarded, and that no action — great or small — is lost with Allah. For the worshipper, Adl gives confidence that Allah's promises are true, and that worship is always meaningful.