ADʿIYATU ʾL-MĀS̤ŪRAH (ادعية الماثورة). “The prayers handed down by tradition.” Those prayers which were said by Muḥammad, in addition to the regular liturgical prayers. They are found in different sections of the traditions or Aḥādīs̤.
ʿADL (عدل). Justice. Appointing what is just; equalising; making of the same weight. Ransom. The word occurs twelve times in the Qurʾān, e.g., [Sūrah iv. 128], “Ye are not able, it may be, to act equitably to your wives, even though ye covet it.” [Sūrah ii. 44], “Fear the day wherein no soul shall pay any ransom for another soul.” [Sūrah ii. 123], “And fear the day when no soul shall pay any ransom for a soul, nor shall an equivalent be received therefrom, nor any intercession avail; and they shall not be helped.” [Sūrah ii. 282], “Write it down faithfully … then let his agent dictate faithfully.” [Sūrah v. 105], “Let there be a testimony between you when any one of you is at the point of death—at the time he makes his will—two equitable persons from amongst you.” [Sūrah vi. 69], “And though it (soul) compensate with the fullest compensation it would not be accepted.” [Sūrah v. 115], “The words of thy Lord are fulfilled in truth and justice.” [Sūrah xvi]. 78, “Is he to be held equal with him who bids what is just, and who is on the right way?” [Sūrah xvi. 92], “Verily God bids you do justice.” [Sūrah xlix. 8], “Make peace with them with equity and be just.” [Sūrah lxxxii. 8], “Thy generous Lord, who created thee and moulded thee and disposed thee aright.”
AL-ʿADL (العدل). One of the ninety-nine special names of God. It signifies “the Just.” It does not occur in the Qurʾān as an attribute of the Divine Being, but it is in the list of attributes given in the Traditions. (Mishkāt, book x.)
ʿADN (عدن). The garden of Eden. Jannatu ʿAdn. The garden of perpetual abode. The term is used both for the garden of Eden, in which our first parents dwelt, and also for a place in celestial bliss. [[JANNATU ʿADN].]
ADOPTION. Arabic Tabannī (تبنى). An adopted son, or daughter, of known descent, has no right to inherit from his, or her, adoptive parents and their relatives,—the filiation of this description being neither recommended nor recognised by Muḥammadan law. Such son or daughter is, however, entitled to what may be given under a valid deed in gift or will. In this particular the Muḥammadan agrees with the English, and the Hindu with the Roman law. (Tagore Law Lectures, 1873, p. 124.)
ADORATION. The acts and postures by which the Muslims express adoration at the time of prayer are similar to those used by the ancient Jews (vide Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, in loco), and consist of Rukūʿ, or the inclination of the body, the hands being placed on the knees; and Sujūd, or prostration upon the earth, the forehead touching the ground. [[PRAYER].] The adoration of the black stone at Makkah forms an important feature in the ceremonies of the pilgrimage. [[HAJJ].]
ADULTERY. Arabic zināʾ (زناء). The term zināʾ includes both adultery and fornication, but there is a difference in the punishment for these offences. [[FORNICATION].]
Adultery is established before a Qāẓi, either by proof or confession. To establish it upon proof, four witnesses are required. (Qurʾān, [Sūrah iv. 1].) When witnesses come forward, it is necessary that they should be examined particularly concerning the nature of the offence. When the witnesses shall have borne testimony completely, declaring that “they have seen the parties in the very act of carnal conjunction,” the Qāẓi passes sentence.
A confession of adultery must be made by the person who has committed the sin, at four different times, although, according to the Imām ash-Shāfiʿī, one confession is sufficient. Some of the doctors hold that if a person retract his confession, his retraction must be credited, and he must be forthwith released.
At the commencement of Muḥammad’s mission, women found guilty of adultery and fornication were punished by being literally immured—Sūratu ʾn-nisā (iv.) 19, “Shut them up within their houses till death release them, or God make some way for them.” This, however, was cancelled, and lapidation was substituted as the punishment for adultery, and 100 stripes and one year’s banishment for fornication.