Verse: "Indeed Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives — and forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression." (16:90)
Ibn Masud said: "This is the most comprehensive verse in the Quran for good and evil." Arab wise man Aktham ibn Sayfi said: "Search the Quran for the most comprehensive verse of good and evil — you'll find it here."
The positive triad:
- Justice: giving everyone their due — the minimum of decent human conduct
- Ihsan (excellence): giving more than required and taking less than deserved — a level above justice
- Giving to relatives: caring for family specifically — the first community of a person
The negative triad:
- Fahsha: extreme indecency in all its forms
- Munkar: what sound mind and human nature reject
- Baghy: transgression and oppression of others
Question: What is the difference between justice ('adl) and excellence (ihsan) in this verse?
Answer: Justice: giving everyone exactly their right. Excellence: going beyond — giving more and taking less. It is a higher and more complete level than justice.