Qur’anic Verses on Injustice and the Oppressed
The Qur’an features numerous verses that highlight Allah’s support for the oppressed. Below are some key examples:
- Allah -the Exalted- states: “But he called upon his Lord, ‘Indeed, I am overcome, so help me.’”
- Allah -the Exalted- says: “Indeed, those who disbelieved and committed wrongs, Allah would not forgive them, nor would He guide them to a path.”
- In the Qur’an, it is mentioned: “Has the news not reached them of those before them— the people of Noah, ‘Aad, Thamud, the people of Ibrahim, the companions of Madyan, and the overturned cities? Their messengers came to them with clear signs, and it was not Allah who wronged them, but they were wronging themselves.”
- Allah -the Exalted- asserts: “And whoever is killed unjustly—we have given his guardian authority, but let him not overstep limits in taking life.”
- Allah -the Exalted- states: “Indeed, Allah does not do injustice to people at all; rather, it is the people who are unjust to themselves.”
- Furthermore, Allah -the Exalted- cautions: “And do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do; He only delays them for a Day when the eyes will stare in horror.”
Qur’anic Verses on the Consequences of Injustice
There are several Qur’anic verses that address the repercussions of injustice. Here are a few examples:
- Allah -the Exalted- says: “And those cities We destroyed when they wronged, and We made an appointment for their destruction.”
- Allah -the Exalted- states: “And We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong, and their messengers had come to them with clear proofs, but they were not to believe. Thus, We recompense the guilty people.”
- On the Day when injustice will be reckoned, Allah says: “So on that Day, there will not benefit the those who wronged excuses, nor will they be asked to appease.”
- Allah -the Exalted- assures: “And never would your Lord destroy the cities until He had sent to their mother a messenger reciting to them Our verses; and never would We destroy the cities unless its people were unjust.”
- Moreover, Allah -the Exalted- declares: “And We will set up the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be wronged in anything; and if there is even the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth, and sufficient are We as account takers.”
- It is further noted: “And the faces will be humbled before the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. And he has failed who carries injustice. And whoever does righteous deeds while being a believer will not fear injustice or deprivation.”
Hadiths on Injustice and Its Consequences
Numerous Hadiths convey the Prophet’s condemnation of injustice and elucidate its consequences. Here are a few notable mentions:
- In a narration from the Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him-, he reported that Allah -Blessed and Exalted- said: “O My Servants! I have forbidden injustice upon Myself and made it unlawful among you, so do not oppress one another.”
- According to Abdullah ibn Abbas -may Allah be pleased with him-, the Prophet -peace be upon him- sent Muadh to Yemen, saying: “Beware of the supplication of the wronged, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.”
- The Prophet -peace be upon him- stated: “Whoever takes the right of a Muslim by his oath, has incurred upon himself the fire, and Paradise is forbidden for him.” A man asked, “Even if it is a small matter, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Even if it is a branch from a bush.”
- The Prophet -peace be upon him- warned: “Fear injustice, for injustice will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection. And fear greed, for greed destroyed those before you, leading them to shed blood and to justify unlawful acts.”
- The Prophet -peace be upon him- said: “May Allah have mercy on a servant who has a grievance with his brother concerning honor or wealth and approaches him to seek resolution before he is taken to account, even when there is not a dinar or dirham.” If he has good deeds, he will be taken from his good deeds; if he has none, he will have to bear their sins.”
- Finally, the Prophet -peace be upon him- affirmed: “Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for it is lifted up to the clouds. Allah says: ‘By My Glory and My Majesty, I will support you, even if it is after a while.’”