Surah An-Nahl — Verse 90

Word Meanings:

• Al-'Adl (العدل): Justice, fairness, and giving everyone their due rights.
• Al-Ihsan (الإحسان): Excellence, perfection in worship and dealings, going beyond what is obligatory.
• Ieta' dhil-Qurba (إيتاء ذي القربى): Giving to relatives what they need to maintain family ties.
• Al-Fahsha' (الفحشاء): Immorality, indecency, and lewd acts, whether in speech or action.
• Al-Munkar (المنكر): Everything that is rejected by sound nature and divine law — all sins and disbelief.
• Al-Baghy (البغي): Oppression, transgression, arrogance, and injustice against others.

Explanation of the Verse:

This magnificent verse is a comprehensive divine charter that encapsulates the essence of Islam in a single, profound statement. Allah, the Most High, commands His servants to three noble virtues and prohibits them from three destructive vices — a perfect balance that guarantees happiness in this life and the Hereafter.

The Three Commands:

1. Justice (Al-'Adl): Allah commands us to be just — first and foremost in our relationship with Him, by worshipping Him alone without any partner, and then in our dealings with His creation, by giving every person their due rights without favoritism or prejudice. Justice is the foundation upon which all societies are built and the pillar that upholds the heavens and the earth.
2. Excellence (Al-Ihsan): This is a higher level than justice. While justice means giving what is due, excellence means going beyond — performing your obligatory duties perfectly and sincerely, and then voluntarily adding acts of goodness, kindness, and generosity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described Ihsan as "worshipping Allah as though you see Him, for even though you do not see Him, He certainly sees you." It also means treating others with kindness, forgiving those who wrong you, and giving generously even when not required.
3. Kindness to Relatives (Ieta' dhil-Qurba): Allah specifically commands us to maintain family ties and support our relatives. This includes financial support when needed, visiting them, showing them love and respect, and being there for them in times of hardship. Family is the nucleus of society, and strengthening these bonds brings about social cohesion and mutual care.

The Three Prohibitions:

1. Immorality (Al-Fahsha'): This includes all indecent acts and speech — adultery, fornication, obscene language, and anything that violates moral decency. These acts corrupt the individual and poison society.
2. The Rejected (Al-Munkar): Everything that Islamic law rejects and condemns — all forms of sin, disobedience, and disbelief. This includes anything that sound minds and pure natural disposition find repulsive.
3. Transgression (Al-Baghy): Oppression, arrogance, and injustice against people — whether through physical harm, verbal abuse, or usurping others' rights. This also includes rebellion against legitimate authority and spreading corruption on earth.

The Divine Wisdom:

Allah concludes this verse with a beautiful reminder: "He admonishes you so that you may remember." This is not merely a list of rules — it is a loving counsel from your Creator, who knows what is best for you. He does not need your obedience, nor does your disobedience harm Him. Rather, these commands and prohibitions are for your own benefit, to purify your soul, elevate your character, and secure your happiness in both worlds.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, contemplate the perfection of this verse. It covers every aspect of human life — our relationship with Allah (justice and excellence in worship), our relationship with family (kindness to relatives), and our relationship with society (avoiding immorality, sin, and oppression). This is the complete way of life that Islam offers. When you implement these teachings, you will find peace in your heart, harmony in your home, and justice in your community. This is the path to success — so take heed and remember, for indeed, in remembering Allah, hearts find rest.