Justice in Testimony — Even Against Oneself
fiqh
Level: intermediate
muamalat
fqh-019
كُونُواْ قَوَّٰمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ
— النساء 135
Verse: "Be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives." (4:135)
Testimony against oneself: Bearing witness is obligatory even against your own personal interest — including admitting rightful claims of opponents.
"Qawwamina" (persistently standing): Intensive form — maintain justice as a deep-rooted characteristic, not an occasional stance.
Source: Al-Qurtubi (5/413); Ibn Al-Arabi (1/474); Ibn Qudama (10/96)
Question: What does "qawwamina bil-qist" mean and how does it differ from just "qa'imina"?
Answer: "Qawwamina" is an intensive form — meaning persistent and deep-rooted maintenance of justice, not merely occasional compliance when needed.