Arabic (العدل) for justice or fairness. For example, the Qur’an states that: “Allah enjoins al-adl (justice) and al-ihsan (benevolence/ doing good)…” (16: 20). In general, the term “al-adl” relates to the concepts of balance and just measure.

It is also used as adjective denoting just and well-balanced acts/ attitudes, etc. In the realm of Islamic banking and finance, Islamic financial institutions are required by shari’a to do good by operating profitably for all of its stockholders and stakeholders, including the society and economy at large. Islamic financial institutions can also do this with full disclosure, fair measures, and giving voice to all depositors, investors and participants.