Leaders and those who have the power to adjudicate cases are often seen as God's representatives in the world. It is through their policies and decisions that justice is done in the world. That power must be used properly, otherwise there will be divine consequences that will come to those who misuse power.

Isaiah describes the fall of Israel in heart-wrenching terms. The faithful city had become a harlot. In the Bible there are many ways of expressing a people's unfaithfulness to God including the above expression, like someone who has had an affair. God's people have cheated on Him. Justice and righteousness are no longer there. The leaders no longer defend the truth but do evil. They accept bribes and kickbacks. Manipulating the truth for their own benefit, the quality of life has been severely damaged. It is not about mere material or physical quality, but moral and spirituality.

Then it was time for Israel to return to the right path if they did not want to receive judgement from God as a consequence of their actions. That righteousness seems to be firstly not about worship but about doing the right thing i.e. strive for justice, restrain the cruel, defend the rights of orphans, fight for the cause of widows. The last two parties mentioned by Allah are those who are oppressed, victims of greed, and do not have access to a decent life. Treating them right is an ethical obligation but also a spiritual responsibility.

This cry of Isaiah has slapped us quite hard. Look around us, how much injustice we can see. Leaders who are supposed to be the defenders of the oppressed are using them for their own ends. Beware that God sees all things. The call is a hope for the oppressed and a warning to those who oppress. Allah is the Lord of justice and knows all things.