Pieces of Advice for Believers
They should also intend to please God in everything they do.
God says in Verse 8 of Surah Al-Ma’idah: “Believers, be steadfast for the cause of God and just in bearing witness. Let not a group's hostility to you cause you to deviate from justice. Be just, for it is closer to piety. Have fear of God; God is Well Aware of what you do.”
God, the Almighty, talks directly to those who believe in His existence. Every believer, wherever he or she is, can listen to this verse and act upon it. This is a royal order following which makes one a king.
Which king has had a grandeur and magnificence without exercising justice and fairness? Which ruler can reach such a power that when he talks and judges, he does not cause enmity and hostility and can side with justice and the truth without any tribal, religious and other prejudices? If there have been a few kings who have reached such a status, the crown of their kingship has been justice and fairness.
The verse addresses believers. If one is asked the question that why should believers, who have accepted God and the Resurrection Day, be encouraged to move toward justice and Taqwa (God-fearing), the answer is that in this verse the essence of belief is introduced and interpreted so that people know what the requirements of faith is.
They should know that if they turn away from justice and fairness, they will no longer be among the people of faith. In this short verse, several pieces of advice are given to believers: They must always rely on God, do everything for the sake of God, and intend to please God in everything they do. This is achieved when whatever they do is in the direction of reaching the divine attributes of Kamal (perfection) and Jamal (beauty).
Believers should also be just in bearing witness, because it is among the duties of the people of faith.
Another point is that they should avoid doing injustice and act unfairly due to hatred, enmity and hostility toward a certain group.
This is a mistake that happens everyday, in family relations and in social, professional, economic and political relations and elsewhere. There are few people who control their Nafs (Self) and have enough justice and fairness to avoid trampling on the truth.
Another point in this verse is reemphasizing the importance of justice and acting justly and also the fact that God sees and is aware of whatever everyone does.
