An-Nisa Verse Displayed at Harvard University
Publish Date: 2/15/2014 Code: 29738

An-Nisa Verse Displayed at Harvard University

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

An-Nisa Verse Displayed at Harvard University

A Qur’an verse from An-Nisa (The Women) is recognized as one of ‘the greatest expressions of justice in history’ by Harvard Law School.

 O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.

This quote, taken from the Holy Quran 4:135, has been posted at the entrance of the Harvard Law School faculty library as part of an art installation that aims to display ‘the greatest expressions of justice in history’. The exhibition, called The Words of Justice, features around two dozen quotes relating to law and justice from various periods of civilization. These are displayed at four areas of the library: the entrance wall, the east conference room wall, the end wall and the roof garden wall. The An-Nisa verse is one of the three most prominent displays on the entrance wall. According to the exhibit’s official website: The words on these walls affirm the power and irrepressibility of the idea of justice… It reflects a hope that the aspirations and ideals expressed here will continue to inspire all who struggle for laws that are just. Established in 1817, Harvard Law School is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the United States. Among its outstanding alumni are US President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle and a host of other leading politicians, judges, journalists and famous figures from around the world.

 

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