What is the meaning of Zulm in Islam?
Zulm is an Arabic word used in the Quran to describe any act that leads to the violation of rights of others according to the Islamic teachings. Injustice, Transgression and Oppression are some of the English words that can be used to define ”Zulm”. A good example for zulm is a witness giving a false testimony against someone in court. The witness in this case is referred to as ”Zalim” in Arabic and the accused one is referred to as ”Mazloom”.
Why is Injustice Haram (Prohibited)?
Injustice (Zulm) is a major sin in Islam because committing unjust acts will negatively impact the victim’s life and possibly destroy it. The sad part is that it has become a norm in society and if it’s not part of your belief system then you’re seen by others as a weak person. A person who chooses to treat others unjustly due to their selfishness is blindly following in the footsteps of shaytan (Satan), the one who chose to disobey God due to his own arrogance and selfishness. If you are living in this life following Satan’s model of ONLY looking out for your own interest then Islam has no place for you. The prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said that Allah said: “O my servants, I have forbidden injustice on Myself and I made it forbidden on you, so do not commit injustice to each other” (Hadith Qudsi, Sahih Muslim). The Creator of heavens and earth can do whatever He pleases, but He chose to forbid injustice on Himself. This is an obvious warning from Allah that transgression/injustice is a big deal and His own creation/servants should never even come near it.
What is Considered as an Act of Injustice (Zulm) in Islam?
Any unjust/unfair act towards others is considered injustice (zulm) but here’s a list with proofs from the Quran and hadith on some of the actions that I believe will carry a heavy load of weight in the scale of bad deeds on the Day of Judgement.
Bloodshed and Murder: “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly – We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in [the matter of] taking life. Indeed, he has been supported [by the law]” (Chapter Al-Israa, Verse 33).
Taking the Land of Others: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever takes a piece of the land of others unjustly, he will sink down the seven earths on the Day of Resurrection” (Sahih Bukhari). A great example of this is what we have been witnessing in Palestine for the last 76 years. The Zionist criminals have taken the land and homes of the Palestinians and continue to do so by oppressing and killing thousands of Palestinians every year. What the Zionists are doing is PURE INJUSTICE and anyone that supports them (even by a statement) is committing injustice just like them and will be held accountable for this on the Day of Judgement.
Deceiving Customers in Business Transactions: “And give full measure when you measure, and weight with an even balance. That is the best [way] and best in result” (Chapter Al-Israa, Chapter 35).
Cheating in All of its Forms: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Whoever bears arms against us is not one of us, and whoever cheats us is not one of us” (Sahih Muslim).
Being a False Witness: “O you who believe, be upholders of justice – witnesses for Allah, even though against (the interest of) your selves or the parents, and the kinsmen. One may be rich or poor, Allah is better caretaker of both. So do not follow desires, lest you should swerve. If you twist or avoid (the evidence), then, Allah is all-aware of what you do”(Chapter Al-Nisa, Verse 135).
Spreading Misinformation: “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned” (Chapter Al-Israa, Verse 36).
Taking the Money of Orphans: “Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a blaze” (Chapter An-Nisa, Verse 10).
Not Paying the Obligatory Charity (Zakat): “O you who believe, many of the rabbis and the monks do eat up the wealth of the people by false means and prevent (them) from the way of Allah. As for those who accumulate gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, give them the news of a painful punishment” (Chapter Al-Tawbah, Verse 34). Zakat is one of the five Pillars of Islam that obligates the rich and financially capable to spend a small portion of their savings every year for the sake of Allah. If a Muslim chooses not to pay Zakat then he/she is unjustly consuming the provision which was written for the poor and needy. If you have more questions about Zakat like who is eligible to pay/receive Zakat, how to calculate Zakat, and what are the benefits of paying Zakat, then check my guide on THE ZAKAT PILLAR
Consequences of Injustice (Zulm) on the Day of Judgement
The number of verses and hadith on injustice are massive and I feel that if non-Muslims give the Quran a chance, they will realize how Islam is here to confirm people’s rights, equality and security. I would like to explain to you an important concept that will help you understand the severity of Zulm and why you should NEVER be a Zalim (Transgresser/oppressor). When you are committing a sin that is not involving others then it’s between you and Allah. Allah may punish you for it and He may forgive you if you make tawbah (sincere repentance). If you commit sins that involve others (unjustly harming them), then no tawba will be accepted unless the mazloom (victim) has sincerely forgiven you. Therefore, you will stand by the ones you harmed on the Day of Judgement and Allah’s Justice will be served. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Do you know who are bankrupt?” They said, “The one without money or goods is bankrupt.” The Prophet said, “Verily, the bankrupt of my nation are those who come on the Day of Resurrection with prayers, fasting, and charity, but also with insults, slander, consuming wealth, shedding blood, and beating others. The oppressed will each be given from his good deeds. If his good deeds run out before justice is fulfilled, then their sins will be cast upon him and he will be thrown into the Hellfire” (Sahih Muslim).