Calling Out Oppression

Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

Contents

Oppression is unlawful, even for Allah Action plan Coming up

15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26

Throughout history, oppression has always been widespread; it isn’t just something we read about in books. In fact, many people, even those around us, become victims of oppression throughout their day-to-day life.

Oppression can take effect in varying forms: from heartlessly snatching away somebody’s home and preventing them from accessing bare necessities, to not paying them for the work they properly carry out, thereby making their lives increasingly difficult.

In Islam, there are a plethora of texts that sternly caution us from displaying oppression in any way, shape, or form, with the sole aim of preserving human life and mitigating accompanied harms and dangers.

Oppression is unlawful, even for Allah

One day, the Prophet (ﷺ) was addressing his fellow companions as he conveyed to them the divine words of our Creator, with respect to the evils of oppression.

He (ﷺ) relayed to them that Allah had said,

يَا عِبَادِي: إنِّي حَرَّمْت الظُّلْمَ عَلَى نَفْسِي، وَجَعَلْته بَيْنَكُمْ مُحَرَّمًا؛ فَلَا تَظَالَمُوا

“O My servants! I have forbidden dhulm (oppression) for Myself, and I have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.” [1]

Action plan

The Prophet (ﷺ) didn’t suffice with just making mention of the dangerousness of oppression, he went on to encourage his companions to speak up against it, too! [2]

As we are now in the last ten nights of this meritorious month, and as we diversify our acts of worship, let’s not be of those who completely turn a blind eye to the oppression that’s taking place throughout the world.

We are all aware of the ongoing oppression that the Palestinians have been facing for multiple decades, things are only made worse for them during this blessed month. So, in keeping with the aforementioned reports, try and do the following:

Use this month to speak up against the injustice through raising awareness of what’s happening;
Offer your donations to reputable charities that are supporting our Palestinian brothers and sisters;
Pray for all of the oppressed throughout the world, including the Uyghurs, Rohingya, Kashmiris, Palestinians, and any other communities that are being persecuted.

Coming up

As we aim to be the voice of the oppressed, let’s ponder over the next topic: showing mercy to orphans.

Do you know somebody who’s an orphan? It may seem obvious, but have you ever consciously shown kindness towards them? If not, what are you waiting for? Part 21 will touch on this key subject.

Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14