The Concept of Justice in Islamic Legal Philosophy: A Study of Divine Command and Human Interpretation

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between divine command and human interpretation in the context of justice (al-‘adl) within Islamic legal philosophy. Justice occupies a foundational place in Islamic thought, representing not only a moral ideal but also a divine imperative shaping law, governance, and ethical conduct. The study examines how classical jurists and philosophers, including Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, and Al-Farabi, conceptualized justice as both a reflection of divine will and a product of human reasoning. It also investigates how contemporary interpretations reconcile the immutable nature of divine law with the evolving conditions of human society. The research draws upon Quranic exegesis, Hadith studies, and jurisprudential methodologies to illustrate the dynamic tension between revelation and rationality in shaping Islamic legal justice. The paper concludes by arguing that true justice in Islam lies in harmonizing divine command with human understanding to ensure moral balance, social equity, and legal consistency.