Transgression and injustice (Zulm) is any type of action that would lead to harming others. It is a major sin because it consists of many actions that may affect other people’s lives 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 Mohammed (PBUH) 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. So what are some acts that would be considered as injustice/transgression?
Forms of Injustice/Transgression
Killing a soul regardless of their race or faith: “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). Deceiving your customers/clients in all types of business transactions: “And give full measure when you measure, and weight with an even balance. That is the best [way] and best in result” (Ch. Al-Israa, 35). Cheating is not a behaviour of a Muslim as our prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said: “Whoever bears arms against us is not one of us, and whoever cheats us is not one of us” (Sahih Muslim). Lying, misinforming, giving a false testimony (in court or any other setting), or even speaking about something that you are not knowledgeable about: “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” (Ch. Al-Israa, 36). Stealing in all of its forms especially when it comes to the weak and orphan: “Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a blaze” (Ch. An-Nisa’a, 10).
How to Avoid Injustice/Transgression?
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, safety, and happiness. I would like to explain to you a small concept and if you apply it in your life then you will be able to free yourself from committing injustice. When you are committing a sin that is not involving others then it’s between you and Allah. Allah may punish you for it (in life and hereafter) and He may forgive you if you make tawbah (sincere repentance). But if you commit sins that involve others, then you will be held accountable for your actions (also in this life and hereafter). You will stand by the persons you harmed and you will be questioned about your intentions and wrong doings. To remove hatred, envy, arrogance, and injustice from our lives, we must unite as one body as our beloved Prophet (PBUH) advised: “The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”(Sahih Bukhari/Muslim).
