Stand out firmly for justice (Surah An-Nisa' 4: 135)

Commanding Justice and Conveying the Witness for Allah

Allah commands His believing servants to stand up for justice and fairness and not to deviate from it, right or left. They should not fear the blame of anyone or allow anyone to prevent them from doing something for the sake of Allah. They are also required to help, support and aid each other for Allah's sake. Allah's statement,

as witnesses to Allah  is similar to His statement,

And establish the testimony for Allah (Surah At-Talaq 65: 2). Testimony should be delivered precisely, for the sake of Allah, thus making the testimony correct, truly just, and free of alterations, changes or deletions. This is why Allah said,

even though it be against yourselves,  meaning, give correct testimony, and say the truth when you are asked about it, even if harm will effect you as a consequence. Indeed, Allah shall make a way out and give relief for those who obey Him in every matter. Allah's statement,

or your parents, or your kin,  means, even if you have to testify against your parents and kin, do not compromise for their sake. Rather, give the correct and just witness even if they are harmed in the process, for the truth presides above everyone and is preferred to everyone. Allah's statement,

be he rich or poor, Allah is a better Protector to both  means, do not favor someone (in your testimony) because he is rich, or feel pity for him because he is poor, for Allah is their caretaker, a better Protector of them than you, and has better knowledge of what is good for them. Allah's statement,

So follow not the lusts, lest you may avoid justice; means, let not desire, lust or the hatred you have against others, lure you into injustice in your affairs. Rather, stand for justice in all situations. Allah said;

And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5: 8)  when the Prophet sent `Abdullah bin Rawahah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) to collect the tax on the fruits and produce of the Jews of Khaybar, they offered him a bribe so that he would go easy on them. He said; "By Allah! I have come to you from the dearest of the creation to me (Muhammad), and you are more hated by me than an equivalent number of apes and swine. However, my love for him (the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) and hatred for you shall not prevent me from being just with you.'' On that, they said, "This (justice) is the basis which the heavens and earth were created. '' We will mention this Hadith later in Surah Al-Ma'idah (chapter 5) Allah willing. Allah's statement afterwards,

and if you Talwu or Tu`ridu  means, "Distort your testimony and change it'', according to Mujahid and several others among the Salaf. Talwu, includes distortion and intentional lying. For instance, Allah said,

And verily, among them is a party who Yalwuna (distort) the Book with their tongues (as they read) (Surah Al-‘Imran 3: 78). Tu`ridu, includes hiding and withholding the testimony. Allah said,

Who hides it, surely, his heart is sinful (Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 283)  

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said,

The best witness is he who discloses his testimony before being asked to do so. Allah then warned,

Verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do  and will reward or punish you accordingly.



Source: Tafsir ibn Kathir (Abridged)