Allah [may He be Glorified] said: "Verily! Allâh commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching, which He (Allâh) gives you! Truly, Allâh is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer." (4:58)
Commentary:
1. "Trusts" means all that which man is entrusted and is required to fulfil. In this Glorious verse Allah commands people to discharge trusts without any infringement and to convey them to their recipients without delay. This includes responsibilities in every field of life, such as those related to authorities, properties, secrets and the acts commanded by Allah, whose fulfilment cannot be seen but by Allah.
2. The phrase "and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice" contains the ruling or judging among people in the cases of blood, properties and honour, in minor or major cases. In this regard, no difference should be made between relatives and non-relatives, the righteous and the disobedient, the friend and the enemy. Allah stressed this fact in the Glorious Qur'an when He said: "And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety" (5:8)
The meaning of justice in this verse is what Allah ordained through His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him).
3. The phrase "Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allâh) gives you! Truly, Allâh is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer)." denotes praise of the commandments and the prohibitions of Allah as they include serving both terrestrial and celestial interests. These commandments and prohibitions are in favour of the people and contain no harm because they are ordained by the All-Hearer and the All-Seer who knows what the people do not know of their benefits and interests.
See Tafsir Ibn Sa'di, p.148 (Al-Luwaihiq Edition).
