Thus, on account of the promise which is contained in being human, namely, the potential to be God s vicegerent on earth, the humanness of all human beings is to be respected and considered to be an end in itself. Both are enjoined and both are related to the idea of balance , but they are not identical in meaning. Adl is defined by A.A.A. Fyzee, a well-known scholar of Islam, as to be equal, neither more nor less.
Justice introduces the balance in the form of scales that are evenly balanced.
In making such a distinction, the Qur an while upholding high moral standards, particularly in the case of the Prophet s wives whose actions have a normative significance for the community, reflects God s compassion for women slaves who were socially disadvantaged. The word ummah comes from the root umm , or mother . The symbols of a mother and motherly love and compassion are also linked with the two attributes most characteristic of God, namely, Rahim and Rahman , both of which are derived from the root rahm , meaning womb . The ideal ummah cares about all its members just as an ideal mother cares about all her children, knowing that all are not equal and that each has different needs. While showing undue favour to any child would be unjust, a mother who gives to a handicapped child more than she does to her other child or children, is not acting unjustly but exemplifying the spirit of ihsan by helping to make up the deficiency of a child who need special assistance in meeting the requirements of life.