Imaam Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalaani – rahimahullaah – said:
It is reported from Abu Dhar radiyallaahu anhu- from the Messenger of Allah salallaahu alayhi wasallam saying among what he narrated from Allah, Subuhanahu wata’ala that He has said:
“O MY slaves, I have made oppression unlawful for myself and I have made it unlawful among you, so do not oppress one another.”
Transmitted and recorded by Imaam Muslim in his “Sahih”#2077.
COMMENTARY
The hadith shows the importance of the following:
♦ It indicates that it is Haraam (proscribed) to commit oppression. The oppression can occur in many forms. The most extreme form of oppression is shirk (i.e associating partners with Allah).
The second form is injustice towards one own self, by committing sins. The third form is injustice towards other human beings and other creations alike. Muslims should strive to avoid injustice, as it displeases Allah and warrants His severe punishment.
♦ It shows that Allah has made oppression unlawful for himself. However, this does not mean that Allah subuhanahu wata’ala oppresses. Allah is sanctified from oppression and all his laws are justice. He controls everything with His wisdom and knowledge, He is always just in His Hukm.
And Allah used the word “unlawful” to show the similitude of oppression with a thing that is absent completely. And because it is not possible and it can never be possible to direct oppression to Allah subuhanahu wata’ala.
This means, oppression is absent completely in his Hukm and he is always just in his judgment. If Allah should punish His servant, it is Justice because of what his hands committed. If he chooses to forgive him, Allah is the forgiver and the merciful.
♦ It shows that any form of oppression no matter how small it is, is prohibited in Islam. The word “muharraman” in the hadith is indefinite. That means, any form of oppression is abhorrent in the side of Allah subuhanahu wata’ala. For this reason, no any form of oppression should be seen insignificant or negligible. No matter how negligible it is, it can lead one to hell on the day of resurrection.
Brothers beware of oppressing others in any form. It is better you should be oppressed than you should oppress others. For if you are oppressed, you will have your reward in the hereafter and vice versa.
Allaahu A’alam!
Baarakallaahu feekum!
