OPPRESSION

Oppression is, indeed, the most hateful practice a human being may follow. It is degrading to the one who commits it & to the one at the receiving end of it. It is for this reason that Islam stresses in a variety of methods the importance of justice.

The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) lists seven groups of people who will have Allah's Shelter on the Day of Judgment. The first of these is a "just ruler." With such emphasis, it is not surprising that Islamic history has known a long chain of fair-minded rulers.

The Holy Quraan says: "Wrong not & you shall not be wronged." (2:279) Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Oppression is the darkness on the Day of Resurrection." (Bukhari & Muslim) This means that the oppressor will face severe torments on the Day of Judgment.

The Holy Prophet of Islam (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Allah loosens the rope of the oppressor but when He tightens it, He gives no concession." Then Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) recited this verse: "Even thus is the grasp of your Lord when He grasps the townships while they are doing wrong. Lo! His grasp is painful, very strong." (11:102)

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Don't say that if people will good to us we shall do good to them & if they oppress us we shall oppress them. Do good if others do good to you & if they do wrong, don't repay them in the same coins." (Tirmizi)

The Beloved Habib (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said: "Guard against the curse of an oppressed as he will demand his right from Allah & Allah will not deny him his right." (Bay'haqi)

At the last minute of his life, Sayyiduna Ali Ibn-e-Abi Taalib (radi Allahu anhu) called upon his sons & gave them the advice: "O my sons! Always be truthful, be merciful & helpful to the people. Try to slay the hand of the oppressor & help the oppressed."