Religiosity and Injustice Cannot Coexist

Iman signifies a believer’s pledge and submission to Allah. A believer's thoughts and actions are shaped by their iman. To build a life unerringly aligned with Allah’s commands and prohibitions is to walk the straight path – to embody istiqamah (steadfastness).

Allah the Exalted has charged His creation with certain responsibilities. These are not burdens but blessings, signposts to a dignified and tranquil life, guarantors of eternal happiness. Accordingly, a believer owes duties to their Lord, to themselves, and to their fellow human beings.

The paramount duty of an individual is to anchor one’s heart to Allah with a solid, resolute iman and then to fulfill the obligatory acts of worship required by that iman. This fundamental principle is followed by avoiding deeds that lead to loss in this world and the Hereafter, cultivating pure and commendable character, and ensuring one does no harm. These, too, are obligatory and as vital as the acts of worship.

Islam designates Muslims and their environment as “trustworthy.” A Muslim person refrains from actions that would tear this veil of trust and always aspires to benevolence and righteousness.

In his renowned work Mukashafatu’l-Qulub, Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh) states:

"Allah has chosen the ummah of Muhammad as the best among humans. They advocate righteousness and deter malevolence. They strive in the path of Allah to guide people to Islam and be beneficial to them. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

'The best among you are those who are beneficial to people, and the worst are those who harm them.'

The phrase '...and you believe in Allah...' in the 110th verse of the Al-Imran chapter signifies: You affirm the Oneness of Allah and remain steadfast in this belief. You acknowledge that Muhammad Mustafa (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) is the messenger of Allah."

Imam Rabbani (quddisa sirruhu), also known as “Mujaddid-i alf-i thani” (the reviver of the second millennium), mentioned in his work titled Maktubat:

"The essence of the matter ultimately rests with the heart. If the heart is tethered to things other than Allah and is lost in them, it’s in dire straits. One cannot attain salvation through rituals and rote worship alone. Instead, the heart must fully embrace faith, and while in this state, one must perform the physical acts of worship as commanded by Allah.

To speak of the goodness or purity of the heart without accompanying righteous actions is a hollow claim. Just as one cannot conceive of a soul without a body in this world, one cannot envision the heart's salvation without righteous deeds."

Islam is fundamentally a religion of rights. It places categorical emphasis on safeguarding the rights of individuals, communities, and every entity, animate or inanimate. Its principles are constant reminders of the transitory nature of power and consistently reiterate that the ultimate sovereign is Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Hence, we should lead our lives with humility, ensuring that the resources in our possession, especially those intended for public welfare, are never employed as instruments of oppression.

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Allah Almighty becomes angry with five types of individuals. He might manifest this anger in this world, or He might reserve it for the Hereafter, recompensing them in hellfire:

Firstly, the leader who, even when granted absolute power by the people, treats them unjustly and fails to shield them from oppression.

Secondly, the community leader who, despite the people's obedience, does not treat the strong and weak equally and speaks as he pleases.

Thirdly, the family head who neither instructs his wife and children to follow Allah’s commands nor teaches them the tenets of the faith.

Fourthly, the employer who hires workers, who get their work done, but does not pay them their dues in full.

Lastly, the one who treats his wife unfairly regarding her dowry."

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) further advised:

"Blessed is the one who displays humility without being humbled. Blessed is the one who spends, in the path of Allah, the wealth earned rightfully. And blessed are those who show compassion to the destitute and associate with scholars and righteous people."

May Allah protect us from all infringements of rights, particularly the rights of fellow humans. He has informed us that while He can forgive all sins, for the sins related to fellow beings, one needs to seek forgiveness from the person wronged.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was ever-vigilant in his relationships, striving never to harm or upset anyone. The rightly guided Caliphs and the esteemed Companions followed in his footsteps. Notably, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, known for his firm disposition, would tread softly when matters concerned human rights or sentiments. He earned the title "Al-Faruq" (The Distinguisher) due to his ability to discern right from wrong and truth from falsehood, all while maintaining justice.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) consistently admonished his companions and all of humanity to respect rights. Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

"The Messenger of Allah delivered a khutbah saying:

''Beware of injustice. Injustice will appear as darkness on the Day of Rising. Fear avarice. It destroyed those before you and caused them to shed one another's blood and to make lawful what was unlawful.''

A man stood up and asked:

'O Messenger of Allah! What is the best aspect of Islam?'

He replied: 'That Muslims are safe from your tongue and your hand.'"

During the expedition of Tabuk, Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) addressed his companions, saying:

"Allah pardons the forgiving, rewards the one who suppresses anger, compensates the one who bears hardships with patience, disgraces those who heed to gossip and act upon it. Allah grants manifold rewards to the patient and punishes those who act against His commands."

So decreed Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), who walked the path shown by Allah with utmost diligence and without deviation. It behooves us to follow in his footsteps, for it serves our best interests. This is the most beneficial course for one and all.

With His tawfiq and inayah...

Sheikh Sayyid M. Mübarek Elhüseyni