Terminology of "Justice" and Its Relationship with Similar Concepts in the Teachings of Nahjol Balaqah (the Peak of Eloquence)

The present paper examines each meaning of "justice" by reviewing its literal meanings and citing evidence from Nahjol Balaqah (the peak of eloquence- Imam Ali's sayings and letters) and proves that the word "justice" is literally the antonym of "injustice" and implies persistence and conformity with religious and natural limits of things. In other words, justice means observing the limits which each thing (in the general sense of the word) requires in regard with the judgment of intellect or commandment of the Law. This single meaning can be applied to all kinds of justice including divine justice and human justice. Therefore, Imam Ali's definitions of justice as "fairness", "granting the rights of those who deserve them", "moderation" and "putting everything in its proper place" are in harmony with each other and related to the literal meaning of justice. So, the term justice applies to all kinds of its relevant instances due to their common meanings.