The Evils of Oppression in Islam: A Grave Sin

 

 

 

 

Oppression, in all its forms, is deeply condemned in Islam. Whether it is the oppression of individuals, communities, or nations, the act of unjustly causing harm to others violates the very essence of Islamic teachings. In this blog post, we will explore the Islamic perspective on oppression, the severe consequences it carries, and how Muslims are encouraged to stand firmly against injustice.

Oppression in the Qur’an
The Qur’an is unequivocal in its denunciation of oppression. The term for oppression in Arabic is “ẓulm,” which can be understood as wrongdoing, injustice, or tyranny. Allah warns against the oppression of others in several verses, making it clear that such acts are despised by Him. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah states:

"Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice." (Qur’an 4:58)

This verse emphasizes that justice is a central value in Islam, and the failure to uphold it leads to oppression. Allah instructs believers to be fair and just in all their dealings, whether they involve individual relationships or larger societal responsibilities.

In another verse, Allah says:

"And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have other than Allah any protectors; then you would not be helped." (Qur’an 11:113)

This powerful warning highlights the severe consequences for those who align themselves with oppressors. Even supporting or showing leniency toward unjust actions can lead to divine punishment.

Oppression in the Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also condemned oppression and emphasized the value of justice in his teachings. One of the most profound hadiths on this subject is:

"O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden among you, so do not oppress one another." (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith illustrates that Allah has prohibited oppression upon Himself, meaning He does not deal with His creation unjustly. Therefore, oppression is completely forbidden between human beings as well. It sets a clear standard that injustice in any form has no place in an Islamic society.

The Prophet also warned of the consequences of oppressing others in this world:

"Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Judgment." (Sahih Muslim)

On the Day of Judgment, those who have wronged others will be surrounded by the darkness of their actions, deprived of Allah's light and mercy. This image vividly portrays the spiritual and moral consequences of unjust behavior.

Forms of Oppression in Islam
Oppression in Islam can manifest in various ways, from individual wrongdoings to large-scale injustices. Some of the key forms include:

Personal Oppression: This includes wronging individuals through actions such as lying, cheating, backbiting, or any form of unjust treatment. It also encompasses family oppression, where someone abuses their power within the family unit.

Economic Oppression: Islam prohibits exploitation, hoarding, fraud, and interest (riba), which contribute to the oppression of the economically vulnerable. The Islamic system advocates fairness in business transactions, zakat (charity), and ensuring that wealth is distributed equitably in society.

Political Oppression: Tyranny and the abuse of power by rulers or leaders are strongly condemned in Islam. Rulers are instructed to govern with justice and care for the welfare of their people. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best of leaders are those whom you love and who love you, and you pray for them and they pray for you. And the worst of leaders are those whom you hate and who hate you, and you curse them and they curse you.” (Sahih Muslim)

Political oppression that involves corruption, persecution, or tyranny is against the very principles of governance in Islam.

Religious Oppression: Forcing people to adopt or abandon faith is a form of spiritual oppression, which is prohibited in Islam. The Qur’an says:

“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Qur’an 2:256)

Islam promotes the freedom of belief and opposes any form of coercion in matters of faith.

Social Oppression: This includes racism, discrimination, or marginalizing certain groups of people based on ethnicity, status, or gender. Islam teaches equality, declaring that no individual is superior to another except in righteousness. In his farewell sermon, the Prophet (PBUH) declared:

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action."

Consequences of Oppression
Oppression has far-reaching consequences, both in this world and in the hereafter. It disrupts social harmony, causes immense pain and suffering, and ultimately leads to the downfall of communities. The Qur’an warns that the destruction of past nations was often due to their widespread oppression:

"And such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the cities while they are committing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe." (Qur’an 11:102)

In the afterlife, those who have oppressed others will face severe punishment. The Prophet (PBUH) taught that the oppressed will be given the opportunity to take justice from their oppressors on the Day of Judgment. Every wronged individual will be compensated, and every oppressor will be held accountable for their actions.

Standing Against Oppression
Islam not only forbids oppression but also calls upon Muslims to stand up against it wherever it occurs. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed." The companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, we understand helping the oppressed, but how do we help the oppressor?" The Prophet replied, "By preventing him from oppressing others." (Bukhari)

This hadith demonstrates that standing against oppression involves both supporting the oppressed and stopping the oppressor from committing further injustice. Muslims are encouraged to speak out against wrongdoing, work for justice, and promote fairness in all aspects of life.

Oppression is a grave evil in Islam, condemned by both the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It undermines justice, violates human dignity, and leads to both worldly and spiritual ruin. Muslims are commanded not only to refrain from oppression but also to actively work against it, promoting justice, compassion, and fairness in their societies. By standing against oppression, believers uphold the core values of Islam and contribute to the betterment of humanity.