عَدَالَة
عَدَالَة in 30 Seconds
- Adalah means justice or fairness in Arabic.
- It is a feminine noun derived from the root meaning balance.
- Commonly used in legal, social, and religious contexts.
- It is a key term in media and political discourse.
The Arabic word عَدَالَة (Adālah) is a profound and multifaceted noun that serves as a cornerstone of legal, social, and moral discourse in the Arabic-speaking world. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'justice' or 'fairness.' However, to truly understand its weight, one must look at its linguistic roots. Derived from the root ع-د-ل (ʿ-d-l), the core concept is one of balance, straightness, and equality. In ancient usage, the root referred to the act of balancing two loads on either side of a camel to ensure it could walk straight. This visual metaphor remains embedded in the word today: justice is the act of keeping society in perfect balance, ensuring that no side is unfairly weighted against the other. In modern contexts, you will encounter this word in news reports regarding court rulings, political speeches advocating for human rights, and religious sermons discussing the attributes of the Divine. It is a word that carries an inherent authority and a demand for moral integrity.
- Legal Context
- In the legal sphere, عَدَالَة refers to the judicial system itself (the administration of justice) and the principle of impartiality. For instance, وزارة العدل (Wizārat al-ʿAdl) is the Ministry of Justice in almost every Arab country. It signifies the impartial application of law regardless of status.
- Social Justice
- When combined with the adjective اجتماعية (ijtimāʿiyyah), it forms العدالة الاجتماعية, a term central to modern political movements. This refers to the fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
- Moral and Ethical Use
- Beyond the courts, it describes the character trait of being fair-minded. A person who possesses عَدَالَة is someone who is objective and does not let personal bias cloud their judgment of others.
إنَّ العَدَالَةَ هي أَسَاسُ المُلْكِ.
— Arabic Proverb (Justice is the foundation of governance)
The word is used extensively in formal writing. You will rarely hear it in casual slang, where people might use simpler terms like 'haqq' (right), but in any discussion involving rights, laws, or ethics, عَدَالَة is the standard. It is also a popular female given name, Adala, though less common than its male counterpart, Adil (meaning 'just'). Understanding this word requires recognizing its aspirational quality; it is often used in the context of seeking something that is currently missing, such as 'the search for justice' (البحث عن العدالة) or 'demanding justice' (المطالبة بالعدالة).
تَسْعَى المُنَظَّمَاتُ الدُّوَلِيَّةُ لِتَحْقِيقِ العَدَالَةِ لِلضَّحَايَا.
لا يُمْكِنُ بِنَاءُ سَلامٍ دَائِمٍ بِدُونِ عَدَالَةٍ حَقِيقِيَّةٍ.
يَجِبُ أَنْ نُحَافِظَ عَلَى مِيزَانِ العَدَالَةِ.
غِيَابُ العَدَالَةِ يُؤَدِّي إِلَى الفَوْضَى.
- Philosophical Dimension
- In Arabic philosophy (Falsafa), Adalah is considered the supreme virtue that encompasses all other virtues. It is the state where every part of the soul or every member of the city is in its rightful place.
- The Scale Symbol
- The 'Mizan' (Scale) is the most common visual accompaniment to the word Adalah. In Arabic literature, 'the scales of justice' (موازين العدالة) is a frequent metaphor for the ultimate truth.
Using عَدَالَة correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a feminine noun. It frequently appears as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or as the second part of an 'Idafa' (possessive) construction. Because it is an abstract concept, it is almost always used with the definite article الـ (al-) when referring to justice in a general or absolute sense. For example, 'Justice is important' becomes العدالةُ مهمةٌ. When you want to specify a type of justice, you use an adjective that follows the noun in gender and case, such as العدالة الانتقالية (Transitional Justice).
- As a Subject
- When justice is the 'doer' or the main topic: تَتَطَلَّبُ العَدَالَةُ وَقْتاً (Justice requires time). Here, the verb is feminine because 'Adalah' is feminine.
- In Idafa Constructions
- This is very common for titles and institutions: قَصْرُ العَدَالَةِ (The Palace of Justice/The Courthouse) or مَبَادِئُ العَدَالَةِ (The principles of justice).
- With Action Verbs
- Common verbs include حَقَّقَ (to achieve), نَشَرَ (to spread), and طَالَبَ بِـ (to demand). Example: نَحْنُ نُطَالِبُ بِالعَدَالَةِ (We demand justice).
هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ العَدَالَةَ قَدْ تَحَقَّقَتْ فِي هَذِهِ القَضِيَّةِ؟
Translation: Do you believe that justice has been achieved in this case?
In complex sentences, عَدَالَة often anchors the moral argument. For instance, in B2 level writing, you might use it to contrast with الظلم (injustice). A sophisticated sentence might look like: إنَّ سِيَادَةَ القَانُونِ هِيَ الضَّمَانَةُ الوَحِيدَةُ لِتَحْقِيقِ العَدَالَةِ النَّاجِزَةِ (The rule of law is the only guarantee for achieving prompt justice). Note the use of the adjective الناجزة (prompt/effective), which is a high-level collocation. Another important structure is using the preposition بـ (bi-) to mean 'with justice' or 'fairly,' though usually, the adverbial form بِعَدْلٍ is preferred for 'fairly.'
يَسْعَى القَاضِي دَائِمًا إِلَى تَطْبِيقِ العَدَالَةِ دُونَ تَمْيِيزٍ.
لا يُمْكِنُ لِلْمُجْتَمَعِ أَنْ يَتَقَدَّمَ إِذَا فُقِدَتْ العَدَالَةُ.
تُعْتَبَرُ العَدَالَةُ الجِنَائِيَّةُ رُكْنًا أَسَاسِيًّا فِي الدَّوْلَةِ.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 1. إقامة العدالة (Establishing justice). 2. إنفاذ العدالة (Enforcing justice). 3. عرقلة العدالة (Obstruction of justice).
- Prepositional Phrases
- 'In the name of justice' is بِاسْمِ العَدَالَةِ. 'For the sake of justice' is مِنْ أَجْلِ العَدَالَةِ.
If you turn on an Arabic news channel like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you are almost guaranteed to hear the word عَدَالَة within the first fifteen minutes. It is a staple of political and legal reporting. News anchors use it when discussing court cases—especially international ones like those at the International Court of Justice (محكمة العدل الدولية). You will also hear it in the context of social movements; during the Arab Spring, the concept of العدالة الاجتماعية (social justice) was one of the primary slogans shouted in squares from Cairo to Tunis. This gives the word a revolutionary and emotional charge that goes beyond its dry legal definition.
- In Cinema and TV
- Arabic legal dramas (musalsalat) often feature characters who are idealistic lawyers or judges fighting for عَدَالَة against a corrupt system. The word is used in dramatic monologues to appeal to the conscience of the audience.
- In Religious Sermons
- Friday sermons (Khutbah) frequently touch upon the عَدَالَة of God. It is presented as an absolute truth that humans must strive to emulate in their daily dealings.
نَادَى المُتَظَاهِرُونَ بِالحُرِّيَّةِ وَالعَدَالَةِ الِاجْتِمَاعِيَّةِ.
Context: Protests and political movements.
In academic settings, such as universities in Beirut, Amman, or Cairo, students of law and political science spend entire semesters deconstructing the concept of عَدَالَة. You will hear it in debates about the 'Digital Divide' (العدالة الرقمية) or 'Environmental Justice' (العدالة البيئية). Furthermore, in the corporate world, human resources departments might use the term العدالة التنظيمية (organizational justice) when discussing fair treatment in the workplace. This shows how the word has evolved from a classical theological/legal term to a modern, versatile tool for describing fairness in every facet of life.
القَضِيَّةُ الآنَ بَيْنَ يَدَيِ العَدَالَةِ.
سَيُوَاجِهُ المُجْرِمُ العَدَالَةَ عَاجِلًا أَمْ آجِلًا.
- News Headlines
- 'Seeking Justice for the Victims' (البحث عن العدالة للضحايا) is a common headline in humanitarian reporting.
- Official Documents
- Constitutions of most Arab nations explicitly mention العَدَالَة as a primary goal of the state.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using عَدَالَة is confusing it with the word مُسَاوَاة (musāwāh), which means 'equality.' While they are related, they are not synonyms. Justice (Adalah) is about giving everyone what they deserve or what is fair, which might not always mean giving everyone the exact same thing (which is Musawah). For example, in a legal context, treating a child and an adult exactly the same might be 'equality' but it wouldn't be 'justice.' Learners often use Adalah when they actually mean Insaaf (equity/fairness in a specific situation), though the two are closer than Adalah and Musawah.
- Confusing Adalah with Adil
- Learners often use the noun عَدَالَة where they should use the adjective عَادِل. You cannot say 'The judge is justice' (*القاضي عدالة), you must say 'The judge is just' (القاضي عادل).
- Gender Errors
- Because 'Justice' is masculine in some languages (like French 'le justice' - wait, French is 'la justice', so it's feminine there too, but in many learners' minds abstract concepts default to masculine), they might use masculine verbs. Remember: تَحَقَّقَتِ العَدَالَةُ (Justice was achieved - feminine verb) not تحقق العدالة.
❌ هَذَا القَرَارُ لَيْسَ عَدَالَة.
✅ هَذَا القَرَارُ لَيْسَ عَادِلًا.
Another mistake is the over-reliance on the word Adalah for every instance of the English word 'fairness.' In casual games or sports, Arabs rarely say 'This isn't justice!' Instead, they say هذا ليس عدلاً (This isn't fair) or هذا غير منصف. Adalah is heavy; save it for serious moral or legal discussions. Furthermore, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'Ayn' (ع) at the beginning. If pronounced as a simple 'A,' it can sound like other words or simply be unintelligible to native speakers. It requires a deep pharyngeal constriction.
يَخْلِطُ بَعْضُ النَّاسِ بَيْنَ العَدَالَةِ وَالِانْتِقَامِ.
لا تَسْتَخْدِمْ كَلِمَةَ عَدَالَة فِي المَوَاقِفِ التَّافِهَةِ.
- Translation Trap
- The English phrase 'Bring to justice' is not translated literally. In Arabic, we say تَقْدِيمُهُ لِلْعَدَالَةِ (Presenting him to justice).
- Pluralization
- While 'Adalah' can technically be pluralized in very specific philosophical texts, it is almost always used as a singular uncountable noun in modern Arabic.
Arabic is a language rich in synonyms, each carrying a slightly different shade of meaning. While عَدَالَة is the most general and formal word for justice, you will often encounter إِنْصَاف (Inṣāf), قِسْط (Qisṭ), and حَقّ (Ḥaqq). Understanding the nuances between these can elevate your Arabic from functional to eloquent. Inṣāf comes from the root meaning 'half,' implying that you have split something exactly in the middle—it is often used for 'equity' or 'fairness' in a personal or specific dispute. Qisṭ is a more classical, often Quranic term that refers to 'distributive justice' or 'acting justly' in a very precise, measurable way.
- Adalah vs. Insaaf
- Adalah is the system and the abstract principle. Insaaf is the act of being fair in a specific moment. You might ask a friend for 'Insaaf' in an argument, but you ask the state for 'Adalah.'
- Adalah vs. Haqq
- Haqq means 'truth' or 'right.' While justice leads to Haqq, Haqq is the actual entitlement one has. 'This is my right' is هذا حقي, not هذه عدالتي.
- Adalah vs. Musawah
- Musawah is 'equality.' As discussed, Adalah is the moral framework that may or may not require Musawah depending on the situation.
البَحْثُ عَنِ الإِنْصَافِ أَصْعَبُ مِنَ البَحْثِ عَنِ العَدَالَةِ.
Translation: Searching for equity is harder than searching for justice.
In a modern political context, you might also hear نَزَاهَة (Nazāhah), which means 'integrity' or 'transparency.' While not a direct synonym for justice, it is often paired with it in the phrase العدالة والنزاهة to describe a clean and fair legal process. When choosing which word to use, consider the 'weight' of the situation. If you are talking about the Supreme Court, use Adalah. If you are talking about a teacher grading fairly, use Insaaf. If you are talking about a person's rights being violated, use Haqq. Mastering these distinctions is a hallmark of the C1/C2 levels of Arabic proficiency.
العَدَالَةُ هِيَ المَظَلَّةُ، وَالإِنْصَافُ هُوَ التَّفَاصِيلُ.
لا يَسْتَقِيمُ الحَقُّ إِلَّا بِالعَدَالَةِ.
How Formal Is It?
"تَسْعَى الحُكُومَةُ إِلَى تَرْسِيخِ قِيَمِ العَدَالَةِ."
"العَدَالَةُ مُهِمَّةٌ لِكُلِّ فَرْدٍ."
"مَا فِيهْ عَدَالَة فِي هَذَا العَالَمْ."
"العَدَالَةُ تَعْنِي أَنْ نَلْعَبَ جَمِيعًا بِعَدْلٍ."
"وِينِ العَدَالَة يَا صَاحِبِي؟"
Fun Fact
The root ʿ-d-l is used in Arabic to describe 'modifying' something (ta'dil) and also 'equations' in math (mu'adalah), because both require finding a balance.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'Ayn' (ع) as a simple glottal stop or 'A'.
- Shortening the long 'aa' (alif) in the middle.
- Pronouncing the final 'ah' as a hard 't' when not in Idafa.
- Confusing the 'd' (د) with a heavy 'D' (ض).
- Using an English 'L' sound which is too 'dark' or 'velarized'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize due to common root, but context can be dense.
Requires knowledge of feminine endings and abstract noun usage.
The initial 'Ayn' and the 'da' versus 'Da' distinction are tricky.
Common in media, making it easier to pick out in audio.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Feminine Noun Agreement
العَدَالَةُ مَوْجُودَةٌ (Justice is present - both feminine).
Idafa Construction (Possessive)
وِزَارَةُ العَدْلِ (Ministry of Justice).
Definite Article with Abstract Nouns
العَدَالَةُ (The Justice - used for general concept).
Adjective Following Noun
عَدَالَةٌ حَقِيقِيَّةٌ (True justice).
Prepositional Use (Bi-)
يَحْكُمُ بِالعَدَالَةِ (Rules with justice).
Examples by Level
العَدَالَةُ جَيِّدَةٌ.
Justice is good.
A simple nominal sentence (Mubtada and Khabar).
أَنَا أُحِبُّ العَدَالَةَ.
I love justice.
Verb + Subject (implied) + Object (Adalah).
العَدَالَةُ مُهِمَّةٌ لِلنَّاسِ.
Justice is important for people.
Adjective 'muhimma' matches the feminine noun 'Adalah'.
أَيْنَ العَدَالَةُ؟
Where is justice?
Question word 'Ayna' followed by the noun.
العَدَالَةُ فِي المَدْرَسَةِ.
Justice is in the school.
Prepositional phrase 'fi al-madrasa'.
هَذِهِ هِيَ العَدَالَةُ.
This is justice.
Demonstrative pronoun 'hadhihi' (feminine).
العَدَالَةُ حَقٌّ.
Justice is a right.
Simple noun-noun sentence.
نَحْنُ نُرِيدُ العَدَالَةَ.
We want justice.
Present tense verb 'nuridu' (we want).
القَاضِي يَحْكُمُ بِالعَدَالَةِ.
The judge rules with justice.
Preposition 'bi' (with) used with Adalah.
زُرْتُ وِزَارَةَ العَدْلِ.
I visited the Ministry of Justice.
Idafa construction: Wizārat (Ministry) + Al-Adl (Justice).
العَدَالَةُ أَسَاسُ المُجْتَمَعِ.
Justice is the foundation of society.
Idafa: Asas (foundation) + al-mujtama' (society).
هَلْ هُنَاكَ عَدَالَةٌ فِي العَالَمِ؟
Is there justice in the world?
Use of 'hal hunaka' (is there).
يَجِبُ أَنْ نَحْتَرِمَ العَدَالَةَ.
We must respect justice.
Modal verb 'yajibu an' (must).
العَدَالَةُ تَحْمِي الضُّعَفَاءَ.
Justice protects the weak.
Feminine verb 'tahmi' matches 'Adalah'.
قَرَأْتُ كِتَابًا عَنِ العَدَالَةِ.
I read a book about justice.
Preposition 'an' (about).
العَدَالَةُ لَيْسَتْ سَهْلَةً دَائِمًا.
Justice is not always easy.
Negation using 'laysat' (feminine).
تَسْعَى الدُّوَلُ إِلَى تَحْقِيقِ العَدَالَةِ الِاجْتِمَاعِيَّةِ.
Countries strive to achieve social justice.
Verbal sentence starting with 'tas'a' (strives).
العَدَالَةُ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ تَمْنَعُ الصِّرَاعَاتِ.
Justice among people prevents conflicts.
Subject 'Adalah' + prepositional phrase + verb 'tamna'u'.
لا بُدَّ مِنَ العَدَالَةِ لِيَسُودَ السَّلامُ.
Justice is necessary for peace to prevail.
Fixed expression 'la budda min' (it is necessary).
تُطَبِّقُ المَحَاكِمُ قَوَانِينَ العَدَالَةِ.
Courts apply the laws of justice.
Plural 'mahakim' (courts) + feminine verb 'tutabbiqu'.
العَدَالَةُ تَعْنِي أَنْ يَأْخُذَ كُلُّ ذِي حَقٍّ حَقَّهُ.
Justice means that everyone who has a right takes it.
Complex sentence with 'an' + subjunctive verb.
نَاضَلَ الشَّعْبُ مِنْ أَجْلِ الحُرِّيَّةِ وَالعَدَالَةِ.
The people struggled for freedom and justice.
Past tense 'nadhala' (struggled).
يُؤْمِنُ الكَثِيرُونَ بِعَدَالَةِ القَضِيَّةِ.
Many people believe in the justice of the cause.
Idafa: Adalat (justice) + al-qadiyya (the cause).
العَدَالَةُ تَتَطَلَّبُ الشَّفَافِيَّةَ فِي الحُكْمِ.
Justice requires transparency in governance.
Abstract nouns as subject and object.
مَفْهُومُ العَدَالَةِ يَخْتَلِفُ مِنْ ثَقَافَةٍ إِلَى أُخْرَى.
The concept of justice varies from one culture to another.
Idafa: Mafhum (concept) + al-Adalah.
يَجِبُ تَعْزِيزُ العَدَالَةِ الِانْتِقَالِيَّةِ بَعْدَ النِّزَاعَاتِ.
Transitional justice must be strengthened after conflicts.
Passive-like construction using 'yajibu ta'ziz'.
تُعَدُّ العَدَالَةُ الرُّكْنَ الأَسَاسِيَّ فِي دَوْلَةِ القَانُونِ.
Justice is considered the fundamental pillar in a state of law.
Passive verb 'tu'addu' (is considered).
لا يُمْكِنُ تَجَاهُلُ مَطَالِبِ الشَّعْبِ بِالعَدَالَةِ.
The people's demands for justice cannot be ignored.
Verbal noun 'tajahul' (ignoring) as subject.
تَسْهَمُ العَدَالَةُ فِي اسْتِقْرَارِ النِّظَامِ السِّيَاسِيِّ.
Justice contributes to the stability of the political system.
Verb 'tushimu fi' (contributes to).
يَسْعَى القَانُونُ الدُّوَلِيُّ إِلَى فَرْضِ العَدَالَةِ الجِنَائِيَّةِ.
International law seeks to impose criminal justice.
Adjective 'al-dawli' and 'al-jina'iyyah'.
العَدَالَةُ الإِلَهِيَّةُ هِيَ مَلَاذُ المَظْلُومِينَ.
Divine justice is the refuge of the oppressed.
Adjective 'al-ilahiyyah' (divine).
غِيَابُ العَدَالَةِ يُؤَدِّي إِلَى انْتِشَارِ الفَسَادِ.
The absence of justice leads to the spread of corruption.
Subject 'Ghiyab' (absence) in Idafa.
تَرْتَكِزُ فَلْسَفَةُ الحُكْمِ الرَّشِيدِ عَلَى مَبَادِئِ العَدَالَةِ النَّاجِزَةِ.
The philosophy of good governance is based on the principles of prompt justice.
Sophisticated vocabulary like 'al-najizah'.
يُثِيرُ مَوْضُوعُ العَدَالَةِ التَّوْزِيعِيَّةِ جَدَلًا وَاسِعًا بَيْنَ الِاقْتِصَادِيِّينَ.
The topic of distributive justice sparks wide debate among economists.
Verb 'yuthiru' (sparks/arouses) + noun 'jadal' (debate).
إِنَّ العَدَالَةَ لَيْسَتْ مُجَرَّدَ نُصُوصٍ قَانُونِيَّةٍ، بَلْ هِيَ مُمَارَسَةٌ أَخْلَاقِيَّةٌ.
Justice is not merely legal texts; rather, it is an ethical practice.
Use of 'laysat mujarrad' (not merely) and 'bal' (but/rather).
تُعَانِي بَعْضُ النُّظُمِ القَضَائِيَّةِ مِنْ بَطْءِ سَيْرِ العَدَالَةِ.
Some judicial systems suffer from the slow pace of justice.
Idafa: Bat' (slowness) + sayr (course/pace) + al-Adalah.
يَجِبُ أَنْ نُمَيِّزَ بَيْنَ العَدَالَةِ الشَّكْلِيَّةِ وَالعَدَالَةِ المَوْضُوعِيَّةِ.
We must distinguish between formal justice and substantive justice.
Verb 'numayyiza bayna' (distinguish between).
تُعَدُّ العَدَالَةُ المِعْيَارَ الأَسْمَى لِتَقْيِيمِ التَّشْرِيعَاتِ.
Justice is considered the supreme standard for evaluating legislation.
Superlative 'al-asma' (the supreme).
لا يُمْكِنُ اخْتِزَالُ العَدَالَةِ فِي مَفْهُومِ الِانْتِقَامِ.
Justice cannot be reduced to the concept of revenge.
Passive verbal noun 'ikhtizal' (reduction).
تَسْعَى المُنَظَّمَاتُ الحُقُوقِيَّةُ لِضَمَانِ العَدَالَةِ لِلأَقَلِّيَّاتِ.
Human rights organizations strive to ensure justice for minorities.
Adjective 'huquqiyyah' (rights-related).
تَتَجَلَّى العَدَالَةُ فِي أَبْهَى صُوَرِهَا عِنْدَمَا تَتَسَاوَى الرُّؤُوسُ أَمَامَ القَانُونِ.
Justice is manifested in its finest forms when heads are equal before the law.
Literary verb 'tatajalla' (manifests).
يُنَاقِشُ الفَلَاسِفَةُ الطَّبِيعَةَ الأُونْتُولُوجِيَّةَ لِلْعَدَالَةِ وَعَلَاقَتَهَا بِالفَضِيلَةِ.
Philosophers discuss the ontological nature of justice and its relationship with virtue.
Academic term 'ontolojiyyah'.
إِنَّ إِقْرَارَ العَدَالَةِ يَتَطَلَّبُ اسْتِقْلَالِيَّةً تَامَّةً لِلسُّلْطَةِ القَضَائِيَّةِ.
The establishment of justice requires complete independence for the judicial authority.
Emphasis using 'inna' and complex nouns.
تُعْتَبَرُ العَدَالَةُ الرَّادِعَةُ جُزْءًا لَا يَتَجَزَّأُ مِنَ السِّيَاسَةِ الجِنَائِيَّةِ.
Retributive justice is considered an integral part of criminal policy.
Phrase 'juz'an la yatajazza'u' (an integral part).
يَبْحَثُ هَذَا المَقَالُ فِي إِشْكَالِيَّةِ العَدَالَةِ فِي عَصْرِ الذَّكَاءِ الِاصْطِنَاعِيِّ.
This article explores the problematic of justice in the age of artificial intelligence.
Abstract noun 'ishkaliyyah' (problematic).
تَظَلُّ العَدَالَةُ غَايَةً بَعِيدَةَ المَنَالِ فِي ظِلِّ الِانْقِسَامَاتِ الدُّوَلِيَّةِ.
Justice remains an elusive goal in light of international divisions.
Compound adjective 'ba'idat al-manal' (elusive).
إِنَّ تَحَيُّزَ القَاضِي يُقَوِّضُ دَعَائِمَ العَدَالَةِ وَيَهْدِمُ الثِّقَةَ فِي المَحَاكِمِ.
A judge's bias undermines the pillars of justice and destroys trust in the courts.
Verb 'yuqawwidu' (undermines).
يَجِبُ إِخْضَاعُ جَمِيعِ القَرَارَاتِ لِمِعْيَارِ العَدَالَةِ وَالإِنْصَافِ.
All decisions must be subjected to the standard of justice and equity.
Verbal noun 'ikhda'' (subjecting).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To bring someone to justice. Used when a criminal is caught.
تَمَّ تَقْدِيمُ المُجْرِمِ لِلْعَدَالَةِ.
— Justice is above everyone. Implies no one is above the law.
فِي بَلَدِنَا، العَدَالَةُ فَوْقَ الجَمِيعِ.
— The International Court of Justice (ICJ).
أَصْدَرَتْ مَحْكَمَةُ العَدْلِ الدُّوَلِيَّةُ حُكْمَهَا.
— Blind justice. Refers to impartiality regardless of identity.
يُقَالُ إِنَّ العَدَالَةَ عَمْيَاءُ لَا تُمَيِّزُ بَيْنَ غَنِيٍّ وَفَقِيرٍ.
— The search for justice. Common in human rights contexts.
يَسْتَمِرُّ البَحْثُ عَنِ العَدَالَةِ لِلضَّحَايَا.
— Swift or prompt justice. Justice that isn't delayed.
نَحْنُ بِحَاجَةٍ إِلَى عَدَالَةٍ نَاجِزَةٍ.
— The spirit of justice. Going beyond the literal text of the law.
يَجِبُ أَنْ نَحْكُمَ بِرُوحِ العَدَالَةِ.
— Heavenly justice. Used when earthly justice fails.
نَنْتَظِرُ عَدَالَةَ السَّمَاءِ لِتَنْصُرَنَا.
— A matter of justice. Something that is morally required.
هَذِهِ لَيْسَتْ سِيَاسَةً، بَلْ قَضِيَّةُ عَدَالَةٍ.
— Serving justice. Often said of lawyers and judges.
كَرَّسَ حَيَاتَهُ لِخِدْمَةِ العَدَالَةِ.
Often Confused With
Equality (giving everyone the same) vs. Justice (giving everyone what is fair).
Equity/Fairness (often more specific and personal than the broad 'Adalah').
Often used interchangeably, but 'Adl' can also mean 'just' (adj) or 'justice' (noun).
Idioms & Expressions
— Justice is the foundation of governance. Without justice, a state cannot last.
تَذَكَّرْ دَائِمًا أَنَّ العَدَالَةَ أَسَاسُ المُلْكِ.
Formal/Proverbial— The hand of justice is long. Justice will eventually catch up to criminals.
مَهْمَا هَرَبْتَ، فَيَدُ العَدَالَةِ طَوِيلَةٌ.
Metaphorical— In the scales of justice. Used when weighing options or judgments.
كُلُّ الأَفْعَالِ تُوزَنُ فِي مِيزَانِ العَدَالَةِ.
Literary— To sell justice. Meaning to take bribes or be corrupt.
القَاضِي الفَاسِدُ بَاعَ العَدَالَةَ بِالمَالِ.
Informal/Critical— Jungle justice. Meaning lawlessness or 'might makes right.'
لَا نُرِيدُ أَنْ نَعِيشَ فِي عَدَالَةِ الغَابِ.
Critical— To set up the scales of justice. To start a trial or investigation.
نَصَبَ المَلِكُ مَوَازِينَ العَدَالَةِ بَيْنَ الرَّعِيَّةِ.
Classical— To slaughter justice. To commit a grave judicial error or act of unfairness.
هَذَا الحُكْمُ الجَائِرُ ذَبَحَ العَدَالَةَ.
Dramatic— Under the umbrella of justice. Protected by the law.
الجَمِيعُ يَعِيشُونَ تَحْتَ مِظَلَّةِ العَدَالَةِ.
Formal— Thirst for justice. A strong desire for fairness.
لَدَى الشُّعُوبِ عَطَشٌ دَائِمٌ لِلْعَدَالَةِ.
Poetic— The voice of justice. Someone who speaks up for the truth.
كَانَ صَوْتَ العَدَالَةِ فِي وَقْتِ الظُّلْمِ.
RhetoricalEasily Confused
It is the adjective form.
Adalah is the concept; Adil is the person or decision that is just.
القَاضِي عَادِلٌ، وَيُحِبُّ العَدَالَةَ.
Same root (ʿ-d-l).
Ta'dil means 'amendment' or 'adjustment' of a law or document.
تَمَّ تَعْدِيلُ القَانُونِ لِتَحْقِيقِ العَدَالَةِ.
Same root (ʿ-d-l).
I'tidal means 'moderation' in behavior or temperature.
يَجِبُ التَّصَرُّفُ بِاعْتِدَالٍ.
Same root (ʿ-d-l).
Mu'adalah means a mathematical 'equation.'
حَلَلْتُ المُعَادَلَةَ فِي دَرْسِ الرِّيَاضِيَّاتِ.
Same root (ʿ-d-l).
Adil is a specific kinship term (husband of one's wife's sister).
ذَهَبْتُ لِزِيَارَةِ عَدِيلِي.
Sentence Patterns
Noun + Adjective
العَدَالَةُ جَمِيلَةٌ.
Verb + Bi + Noun
نَحْكُمُ بِالعَدَالَةِ.
Inna + Noun + Khabar
إِنَّ العَدَالَةَ مَطْلُوبَةٌ.
Noun + Adjective (Social)
نُرِيدُ العَدَالَةَ الِاجْتِمَاعِيَّةَ.
Verbal Noun + Idafa
تَحْقِيقُ العَدَالَةِ صَعْبٌ.
Negative + Yumkin + Verbal Noun
لَا يُمْكِنُ تَحْقِيقُ العَدَالَةِ بِدُونِ قَانُونٍ.
Noun + Ba'idat al-Manal
العَدَالَةُ بَعِيدَةُ المَنَالِ.
Tatajalla + Noun + Fi
تَتَجَلَّى العَدَالَةُ فِي القَرَارِ.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in formal contexts, low in casual daily life.
-
Using 'Adalah' for 'a just person'.
→
Using 'Adil'.
Adalah is the noun (justice); Adil is the adjective (just). You say 'He is a just man' (Huwa rajul adil).
-
Using masculine adjectives with 'Adalah'.
→
Using feminine adjectives.
Adalah is feminine. You must say 'Adalah ijtima'iyyah' (social justice), not 'Adalah ijtima'i'.
-
Translating 'Bring to justice' literally.
→
Taqdimuhu lil-adalah.
Arabic uses 'presenting to justice' (taqdim) rather than 'bringing' (ihdar) in this specific idiom.
-
Confusing 'Adalah' with 'Equality'.
→
Using 'Musawah' for equality.
Justice (Adalah) and Equality (Musawah) are different concepts in Arabic political thought.
-
Mispronouncing the 'Ayn' as an 'Alif'.
→
Deep pharyngeal 'Ayn'.
Saying 'Adalah' with an English 'A' sound changes the character of the word and can make it unrecognizable.
Tips
Gender Matching
Always make sure adjectives following 'Adalah' end in 'ah' or 'iyyah' to match its feminine gender.
Root Recognition
Learn the ʿ-d-l root. Once you know it, words like 'ta'dil' (amendment) and 'mu'adalah' (equation) will make more sense.
The Ayn Sound
Practice the initial 'Ayn' (ع). It should come from the middle of the throat, almost like a gagging sound but softer.
Proverbs
Memorize 'Al-Adalah asasu al-mulk.' It’s a very famous phrase that will impress native speakers.
News Keywords
When watching news, look for 'Adalah' in the ticker at the bottom. It usually signals a story about a court case.
Idafa Usage
Use 'Adalah' as the second part of an Idafa to describe institutions, like 'Qasr al-Adalah' (Palace of Justice).
Adalah vs. Insaaf
Use 'Adalah' for systems and 'Insaaf' for specific acts of being fair.
Legal Texts
In legal texts, 'Adalah' may refer to the integrity of a person, not just the principle of justice.
Visualizing Scales
The root ʿ-d-l is all about balance. Visualize a scale every time you hear the word.
Formal Contexts
Reserve 'Adalah' for formal writing and speaking to maintain the correct register.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Dull' (Adalah) knife being 'straightened' to make it 'just' and 'fair' for cutting. Or visualize the 'A' at the start as the base of a scale.
Visual Association
Imagine the scales of justice (Mizan). Every time you say 'Adalah,' see those scales balancing perfectly.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'Adalah' in three different contexts today: once about a movie, once about a news story, and once about a personal opinion.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Proto-Semitic root ʿ-d-l, which is found in various Semitic languages with meanings related to straightening or equalizing.
Original meaning: To make straight, to balance, or to deviate (interestingly, 'udul' can mean turning away from wrong toward right).
Semitic -> Afroasiatic.Cultural Context
Be careful when discussing 'Adalah' in sensitive political contexts, as it is a highly charged word.
In English, 'Justice' often feels very legalistic. In Arabic, 'Adalah' feels more moral and all-encompassing.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Courtroom
- أَمَامَ العَدَالَةِ
- تَحْقِيقُ العَدَالَةِ
- قَاضِي العَدْلِ
- مَجْرَى العَدَالَةِ
Politics
- العَدَالَةُ الِاجْتِمَاعِيَّةُ
- حِزْبُ العَدَالَةِ
- مَطَالِبُ العَدَالَةِ
- الإِصْلَاحُ وَالعَدَالَةُ
Human Rights
- العَدَالَةُ لِلضَّحَايَا
- الدِّفَاعُ عَنِ العَدَالَةِ
- انْتِهَاكُ العَدَالَةِ
- نِضَالٌ لِلْعَدَالَةِ
Philosophy/Religion
- العَدَالَةُ الإِلَهِيَّةُ
- مَفْهُومُ العَدَالَةِ
- فَضِيلَةُ العَدَالَةِ
- جَوْهَرُ العَدَالَةِ
Education
- قِيَمُ العَدَالَةِ
- تَعْلِيمُ العَدَالَةِ
- العَدَالَةُ بَيْنَ الطُّلابِ
- مَبَادِئُ العَدَالَةِ
Conversation Starters
"مَاذَا تَعْنِي العَدَالَةُ الِاجْتِمَاعِيَّةُ بِالنِّسْبَةِ لَكَ؟"
"هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ العَدَالَةَ مُتَوَفِّرَةٌ فِي عَالَمِنَا اليَوْمَ؟"
"كَيْفَ يُمْكِنُنَا تَحْقِيقُ العَدَالَةِ فِي مَكَانِ العَمَلِ؟"
"مَا هُوَ دَوْرُ القَاضِي فِي حِمَايَةِ العَدَالَةِ؟"
"هَلِ العَدَالَةُ دَائِمًا تَعْنِي المُسَاوَاةَ؟"
Journal Prompts
اكْتُبْ عَنْ مَوْقِفٍ شَعَرْتَ فِيهِ بِغِيَابِ العَدَالَةِ وَكَيْفَ تَصَرَّفْتَ.
هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ القَانُونَ يَضْمَنُ العَدَالَةَ دَائِمًا؟ نَاقِشْ ذَلِكَ.
صِفْ مُجْتَمَعًا يَعِيشُ فِيهِ الجَمِيعُ بِعَدَالَةٍ تَامَّةٍ.
مَا هُوَ الفَرْقُ بَيْنَ العَدَالَةِ وَالِانْتِقَامِ مِنْ وِجْهَةِ نَظَرِكَ؟
كَيْفَ تُؤَثِّرُ العَدَالَةُ عَلَى اسْتِقْرَارِ الدُّوَلِ؟
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot usually. In daily life, people use 'adl' or 'insaaf' for fairness. 'Adalah' is reserved for formal, legal, or philosophical discussions.
They are very similar. 'Adl' is often the act of being just, while 'Adalah' is the abstract concept of justice. In many contexts, they are interchangeable.
It is a female name, but not very common. The male name 'Adil' is much more frequent.
You say 'Wizārat al-ʿAdl' (وِزَارَةُ العَدْلِ). Note that it uses 'Adl' instead of 'Adalah' here.
No, it also refers to social justice (al-adalah al-ijtimāʿiyyah) and moral fairness in general.
It is feminine, ending with a Ta Marbuta (ة).
Al-Adalah al-Ijtimāʿiyyah (العَدَالَةُ الِاجْتِمَاعِيَّةُ).
The plural is 'Adalāt' (عَدَالَات), but it is rarely used because justice is an uncountable concept.
Yes, 'Al-Adl' (The Just) is one of the names of God, and 'Adalah' is a central theme in Islamic theology.
No, for a fair price, you would use 'si'r adil' (سعر عادل) or 'si'r munasib' (سعر مناسب).
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write 'Justice is good' in Arabic.
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Write 'I want justice' in Arabic.
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Write 'Social justice is important' in Arabic.
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Write 'The judge rules with justice' in Arabic.
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Write 'Justice is the foundation of governance' in Arabic.
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Translate: 'The Justice'.
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Translate: 'Ministry of Justice'.
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Translate: 'In the name of justice'.
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Translate: 'Achieving justice for victims'.
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Translate: 'The absence of justice leads to corruption'.
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Write the Arabic word for 'Justice'.
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Write: 'Justice is a right'.
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Write: 'We seek justice'.
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Write: 'Justice is blind'.
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Write: 'Establishing justice among people'.
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Write: 'Justice is for everyone'.
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Write: 'A just decision'.
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Write: 'The scale of justice'.
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Write: 'Criminal justice system'.
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Write: 'The concept of transitional justice'.
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Say 'Justice' in Arabic.
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Say 'Justice is important' in Arabic.
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Say 'We want social justice' in Arabic.
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Say 'The judge is fair' in Arabic.
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Say 'Justice is the foundation of the state' in Arabic.
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Say 'The Justice' in Arabic.
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Say 'Where is the justice?' in Arabic.
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Say 'Justice for all' in Arabic.
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Say 'Achieving justice is hard' in Arabic.
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Say 'Justice requires transparency' in Arabic.
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Say 'Good justice' in Arabic.
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Say 'Ministry of Justice' in Arabic.
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Say 'I believe in justice' in Arabic.
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Say 'Justice is above the law' in Arabic.
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Say 'Divine justice' in Arabic.
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Say 'Hello, Justice' (metaphorically).
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Say 'This is fair' in Arabic.
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Say 'Justice is a human right'.
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Say 'Justice will prevail'.
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Say 'The spirit of justice'.
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Listen to the word 'Adalah' and identify its first letter.
Listen to 'Al-Adalah muhimma' and translate.
Listen to 'Wizārat al-ʿAdl' and identify the place.
Listen to 'Tahqiq al-Adalah' and identify the action.
Listen to 'Adalah al-Najizah' and identify the adjective.
Is the word 'Adalah' long or short?
Listen: 'Al-Qadi adil'. Who is fair?
Listen: 'Al-Adalah al-Ijtima'iyyah'. What type of justice?
Listen: 'Bism al-Adalah'. In whose name?
Listen: 'Ghiyab al-Adalah'. What is missing?
Listen and repeat: عَدَالَة.
Listen: 'Hadhihi Adalah'. Translate.
Listen: 'Nuridu al-Adalah'. Translate.
Listen: 'Mizan al-Adalah'. Translate.
Listen: 'Adalah al-Sama''. Translate.
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Perfect score!
Summary
Adalah (عَدَالَة) is the essential Arabic word for justice. It represents both the abstract ideal of fairness and the practical administration of law. Example: 'Justice is the foundation of governance' (العَدَالَةُ أَسَاسُ المُلْكِ).
- Adalah means justice or fairness in Arabic.
- It is a feminine noun derived from the root meaning balance.
- Commonly used in legal, social, and religious contexts.
- It is a key term in media and political discourse.
Gender Matching
Always make sure adjectives following 'Adalah' end in 'ah' or 'iyyah' to match its feminine gender.
Root Recognition
Learn the ʿ-d-l root. Once you know it, words like 'ta'dil' (amendment) and 'mu'adalah' (equation) will make more sense.
The Ayn Sound
Practice the initial 'Ayn' (ع). It should come from the middle of the throat, almost like a gagging sound but softer.
Proverbs
Memorize 'Al-Adalah asasu al-mulk.' It’s a very famous phrase that will impress native speakers.
Example
الجميع يطالب بالعدالة والمساواة أمام القانون.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More law words
عدل
A2Justice; fairness in the way people are treated.
تبرئة
B2The formal act of declaring someone not guilty of a charge or accusation; acquittal or exoneration.
تعديل
B1A slight change made to something in order to improve it or make it more accurate.
إجحاف
B2Gross injustice, unfairness, or prejudice that causes harm or loss to someone.
اِنْصِاف
B2The quality of being fair and impartial; justice. Used in CAE discussions about human rights and workplace equality.
اِسْتِحْقَاق
B2The state of being worthy of something; a right to receive something based on merit, time, or law.
اِتِّفَاقِيَّة
B2A formal agreement or treaty between two or more parties, often between countries or large organizations.
بريء
A2Not guilty of a crime or offense.
تقنين
B2The process of making something legal or subject to official rules and regulations; or the limiting of use (rationing).
تعويض
B1Something given to make up for a loss, injury, or suffering, usually in the form of money.