The Importance of Upholding Rights and Denouncing Wrongdoing
Injustice, in its various forms, is one of the most significant causes of destruction in this world and the hereafter. A fundamental aspect of injustice is the failure to fulfill rights, whether they are divine or owed to others. It is reported that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) conveyed that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “When people see an oppressor and do not restrain him, it is likely that Allah will encompass them all with punishment.” This indicates that if injustice, whether through words or actions, spreads without anyone attempting to denounce it, divine retribution may befall not only the oppressor but also those who remain silent about the oppression, as highlighted in the hadith.
The Perils of Greed
Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Beware of injustice, for injustice will bring forth darkness on the Day of Resurrection. Beware of greed, for greed destroyed those who came before you, leading them to shed blood and violate sacred trusts.” Greed, manifested as miserliness, hinders an individual’s guidance in this life and hardens the heart, leading to severe consequences, including dishonor and punishment in the hereafter.
The Dangers of Public Sinning
Publicly engaging in sin can lead to one’s ruin, as it can cause the individual to become ensnared in a cycle of disobedience and desires, effectively preventing their heart from seeking repentance and returning to Allah. Those who commit wrongs publicly may find themselves trapped by the fear of judgment from others once their transgressions become known, making repentance increasingly difficult over time. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) condemned such behavior, indicating that those who openly sin are denied Allah’s forgiveness in the hereafter, stating: “Every member of my community will be pardoned except the shameless, as an example being when a man commits a sin at night, and Allah veils him, yet in the morning, he reveals what Allah had concealed.”
The Proliferation of Usury
Allah has warned that those who engage in usury are at odds with Him both in this life and the next as usury is among the gravest of sins. The most profound loss a servant may experience is incurring Allah’s wrath. Furthermore, those who partake in usury expose themselves to His curse and anger in both worlds; the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “Allah has cursed the one who consumes usury, the one who pays it, its witnesses, and its scribe.” Allah states in the Quran: “O you who have believed, do not consume usury, doubled and multiplied, and fear Allah that you may be successful. And fear the Fire which has been prepared for the disbelievers. And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.” The harms and corruptions of usury are extensive and cannot be overstated.
Disrespecting Parents
Islam considers disrespecting one’s parents to be among the gravest and most destructive sins. A person who is disobedient to their parents subjects themselves to worldly punishments, including lack of success, hardship, and distress, not to mention the spiritual consequences in the hereafter, such as incurring Allah’s curse and wrath, and being deprived of His mercy if they do not repent before death. Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “There are three types of people to whom Allah will not look on the Day of Judgment: the one who disobeys his parents, a woman who adopts masculine traits, and a man who is subservient.” Furthermore, he noted that three types of individuals will not enter paradise: the one who disobeys his parents, the chronic drunkard, and the one who boasts about the gifts he has given.