All men are equal, rich or poor, black or white. This is the basic principle which Islam has always taught. If people are equal in the eyes of Allah, then they must be treated with equality. This is why it is very important to be fair and just when you are making a decision which affects other people.

The story below shows an example of just this:

There was a man who was journeying towards Kufa. When he arrived in Kufa, he decided to be a guest of Imam Ali (A). For a number of days, he stayed with Imam (A) without divulging the purpose of his visit; nor did Imam (A) ask him about it. Finally the man said:

"I have a dispute with a particular party here and I have come to get it settled. Would you act as an arbitrator (judge)?"

Imam (A) said: "You are party to the dispute, aren't you?"

"Yes," the man replied.

"Then you cannot expect me to be your arbitrator. If you wanted me to decide your case, you should not have become my guest". The Prophet (S) said: "When a person has been appointed a judge or an arbitrator in a case, he has no right to play host to either of the two sides, except when they are both invited together.'"

Justice starts with yourself. You cannot fool yourself about what you are doing. If you can be just with yourself, then it is easier to be just with others.

Imam Ali (A) has said that:

"He is the most just man that does justice upon himself without anyone else to judge him."

When we make decisions concerning other people, we have to decide between what we feel is right and wrong. Not between our friends and enemies. It doesn't even matter if family is involved, what is important is that the truth must be told.

This is explained to us by the Holy Qur'an,

(4:135): " you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your family, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), in case you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do."

If you feel that it will be difficult for you not to take sides in a decision, then ask someone else to make the decision.
Islam has explained to us how important it is to be fair. Only those people who do not believe in Allah, or who do not care about what Allah says practice injustice.

"The Hypocrites, men and women, (have an understanding) with each other: they enjoin evil, and forbid what in just, and are close with their hands. They have forgotten God; so He has forgotten them."

Allah commands us that we must be Just. If we try to cheat or be unfair, then how can we expect Allah to treat us fairly on the day of Judgement?

(16:90):  "God commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition."

Allah tells us that being just is like being pious, they both gain the pleasure of Allah.

(5:9):  "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: THAT IS NEXT TO PIETY: and fear God, for God is well-acquainted with all that you do."