"Allah Commands Justice and Goodness" — When Uthman ibn Mazun Heard It

Verse: "Indeed, Allah commands justice and goodness and giving to relatives, and He forbids immorality and wrongdoing and oppression." (16:90)

Occasion (Famous Mursal): A number of commentators including Al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Kathir narrated: The Prophet recited this verse to Uthman ibn Mazun. Uthman said: "Recite it to me again." The Prophet repeated it. Uthman said: "By Allah, it has manifest beauty and inner excellence — I bear witness this is from Allah."

Reliability: Mursal — appears in most books of commentary. It is among the most famous stories about the eloquence and impact of the verse.

Ibn Masud said: "This is the most comprehensive verse in the Quran for good and evil."

Lesson:

• Justice: giving every right-holder their due — the binding obligation
• Goodness: giving beyond what is obligatory — a higher station
• "Giving to relatives" — maintaining kinship ties as the third command
• Immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression — three prohibitions corresponding to three commands