As-salamu `Alaykum Wa Rahmatu Allah,
Introduction:
Injustice and oppression are the most heinous crimes plaguing human societies. The misuse of power in the form of money, authority, weapons, and media has led to oppression and the misplacement of rights, resulting in the suffering of innocent people. This paper explores the concept of ‘ẓulm’ or oppression as defined in the Qur’an and the consequences it carries. It confirms that oppressors and wrongdoers will never succeed nor be guided and that the loss and failure of oppressors is an inevitable Divine promise and a universal law. The paper also highlights some of the prevalent types of oppression in today’s world and emphasizes the need for the oppressed to stand up against the oppressors.
The Definition of ‘Ẓulm’ Oppression:
The Qur’an defines ‘ẓulm’ as the misplacement of things by giving those who do not deserve it the rights of others and elevating those who are not qualified over the noble. This often happens by exploiting and misusing four powers–money, authority, weapons, and media. ‘Ẓulm’ is the tool of every traitor who fears the consequence of their treachery and oppression and the means of every transgressor to conceal their transgressions.
Allah has condemned individuals and nations that oppress and do wrong, promising they will ultimately fail and be losers. Allah states: “The oppressors do not succeed” (12:23). This verse is mentioned four times in the Qur’an and refers to instances where people unjustly take what is rightfully due to others. For example, in the story of Prophet Yusuf, he was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, while the woman who falsely accused him lived freely in her palace. Similarly, in the story of Prophet Musa, the tyrant Pharaoh claimed to be divine and made decisions that harmed the innocent. At the same time, Prophet Musa and his followers were persecuted and had their freedoms restricted.
The Consequences of (Ẓhulm) Oppression:
Despite the temporary ability of oppressors to misplace things through oppression and tyranny, they are deprived of the blessing of success, guidance, and prosperity. This is one of the most important meanings of what Ibn Manẓūr mentions in his book (Lisān al-‘Arab) when he says, “Success is to earn what would make you happy forever and guarantee your survival, salvation, and goodness forever.” Pharaoh did not ultimately win except by immortalizing his name at the top of the record of unjust corruptors throughout history, and only a body remained, testifying to the power of Allah in seizing the oppressors. No king or kingdom remained. In the Qur’an, Allah says, “So We seized him and his soldiers, casting them into the sea. See then what was the end of the wrongdoers” (28:40)
Oppression in Today’s World:
In today’s world, we witness many oppressions inflicted upon nations and individuals across various regions. These injustices, persisting over countless years, mirror a disturbing pattern. The oppressors, emulating their defeated predecessors, have replaced honorable leaders with corrupt traitors, wise and righteous minds with bribed thieves, scholars, and honest individuals with perpetrators of injustice and criminals. Truth has been distorted and swapped for falsehood, with the false narrative forcefully inserted into the ears and minds of the people. Most heinous of all, support is extended to killers while innocent women and children suffer.
These oppressors may parade their power, adorned with splendor, exuding joy and astonishment. Yet, beneath their façade, their hearts resonate with the groans and the blood of the oppressed, kindling flames of unrest. This, undeniably, is a sign of their utter failure, the truth of their tyranny, and heralds the ultimate divine judgment. It suffices to recognize that God does not love them, for who can love those whom God rejects? “God does not love traitors,” “God does not love corrupters,” and indeed, “God does not love oppressors.” The divine promise looms large–the oppressors and their allies are destined for destruction. Allah says: “And warn the people of a Day when the punishment will come to them, and those who did wrong will say, ‘Our Lord, delay us for a short term; we will answer Your call and follow the messengers.'” Yet, the response echoes, “Had you not sworn, before, that there would be no cessation for you?” (Qur’an 14:44).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, injustice and oppression are the most heinous crimes plaguing human societies. The misuse of power in the form of money, authority, weapons, and media has led to the oppression and misplacement of rights, resulting in the suffering of the innocent. The ruination and failure of oppressors is an inevitable divine promise and a universal law. The oppressed and their supporters must stand up against the oppressors and fight for their rights. Let the patient and steadfast rebel against the traitors and the oppressed be assured of God’s promise and that he is close to the pious.
Dr. Basyouny Nehela
President
Boston Islamic Seminary