Intermediate
Justice
Surah: Al-Nisa (58)
Allah Commands You to Render Trusts to Their Rightful Owners — Trustworthiness in Judgment and Appointments
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُكُمۡ أَن تُؤَدُّواْ ٱلۡأَمَٰنَٰتِ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهَا
— النساء الآية 58
Verse: "Allah commands you to render trusts to their rightful owners, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice." (4:58) — The verse came in the context of the Kaaba keys (context of revelation: Uthman ibn Talha) — interpreting trust at its highest meaning. Trust is broader than wealth: it includes positions, judiciary, knowledge, and testimony. "To their rightful owners" = those most competent and deserving, not the closest or most influential. "Allah gives you excellent advice" = Allah knows this is difficult and praises us when we fulfill it. Lesson: appointing the incompetent is a betrayal of trust — even if they are family or allies.
Source: Ibn Kathir (2/297); Al-Sadi; Asbab al-Nuzul (Al-Wahidi)
Test Yourself
Why is appointing an incompetent person to a position considered a betrayal of trust?
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