Justice (adl) and oppression (dhulm) are two pivotal concepts in Islam that shape a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, fellow humans, and creation. The Quran and Sunnah emphasize justice as a divine command and warn against oppression as a grave sin. This article explores the meanings of adl and dhulm, their implications, and practical steps to embody justice while avoiding oppression.
The Meaning of Justice (Adl) in Islam
In Arabic, adl (عدل) means to place things in their right place, to balance, and to act equitably. In Islamic terminology, it refers to giving everyone their due rights and acting in accordance with divine law. Allah commands justice in the Quran: « Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition. » (Surah An-Nahl, verse 90). Justice is not merely a social ideal but a religious obligation that encompasses all aspects of life—from personal dealings to governance.
Justice as a Divine Attribute and Human Duty
Allah Himself is Al-Adl (The Just), and He commands His servants to mirror this attribute. In the Quran, Allah says: « O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. » (Surah Al-Maaida, verse 8). This verse highlights that justice must be upheld even towards enemies, and it is a path to taqwa (piety). The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized justice in all matters. For example, he taught that giving everyone their due rights is essential, as seen in the hadith where Salman advised Abu Ad-Darda’: « Your Lord has a right on you, your own self has a right on you, and your family has a right on you, so give everyone their due rights. » (Narrated by Bukhari).
Justice in Worship and Daily Life
Justice begins with worshipping Allah alone and avoiding shirk, as the greatest injustice is associating partners with Him. The Prophet ﷺ said: « Allah’s right upon His servants is that they should worship Him and associate no partners with Him. » (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim). Beyond worship, justice permeates family relations, business transactions, and social interactions. For instance, Islamic inheritance laws ensure fair distribution, and the Zakat system addresses economic inequality. To calculate your Zakat accurately, you can use the Zakat calculator on Al Muslim Plus, which accounts for gold, silver, and investments.
The Concept of Oppression (Dhulm) and Its Consequences
Dhulm (ظلم) literally means to put something in the wrong place, to exceed bounds, or to act unjustly. In Islamic terminology, it refers to any act that violates the rights of Allah or His creation. The Quran warns: « The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous. » (Surah Ash-Shura, verse 42). Oppression is a major sin that brings darkness in this world and the Hereafter.
The Three Categories of Dhulm
Scholars categorize dhulm into three types: (1) Dhulm against Allah, which is shirk and disobedience; (2) Dhulm against oneself, such as committing sins that harm one’s soul; and (3) Dhulm against others, including injustice in wealth, honor, or life. The Prophet ﷺ warned: « Injustice will be excessive darkness on the Day of Judgment. » (Narrated by Muslim). This darkness is a spiritual consequence that can only be avoided through repentance and restitution.
Oppression Leads to Destruction
History shows that oppressive nations and individuals face divine punishment. The Quran states: « Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. » (Surah Al-Baqara, verse 257). Oppression not only harms the victim but also corrupts the oppressor’s soul. The Prophet ﷺ also warned against miserliness, which often leads to oppression: « Beware of oppression, for oppression will be layers of darkness on the Day of Judgment; beware of stinginess, as stinginess ruined those before you. » (Narrated by Muslim).
How to Uphold Justice and Oppose Oppression
Upholding justice is a collective responsibility. The Quran commands: « And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah doth see all that they do. » (Surah Al-Anfaal, verse 39). This verse indicates that Muslims must strive to eliminate oppression and establish justice, whether through words, actions, or even armed struggle when necessary. However, the primary means are peaceful advocacy and personal reform.
Speaking Truth to Power
One of the best forms of jihad is speaking a word of justice to an oppressive ruler. The Prophet ﷺ said: « Among the best of Jihad is to speak a word of justice to an oppressive ruler. » (Narrated by Abu Daoud & At-Termedhy). This applies to all forms of authority—parents, employers, or government leaders. Muslims are encouraged to advise gently but firmly, and to never remain silent in the face of injustice.
Supporting the Oppressed and Reforming the Oppressor
The Prophet ﷺ taught: « Support your brother whether he is an oppressor or oppressed. » When asked how to support an oppressor, he replied: « Stop—or prevent—him from oppression. This is indeed supporting him. » (Narrated by Bukhari). Thus, supporting the oppressed involves defending their rights, while supporting the oppressor means guiding them back to justice. In legal disputes, judges must be fair, as the Prophet ﷺ acknowledged human fallibility: « I am only a human being, and you refer your disputes to me. Perhaps some of you are more eloquent than others, so I deem him truthful and rule in his favor. He whom I, by my judgment, give an undue share of a Muslim’s right, then it is indeed a portion of fire. » (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim).
Practical Steps for Daily Justice
On a personal level, justice means fulfilling promises, paying debts on time, and treating family and employees fairly. Use the Islamic will tool to ensure your legacy is just. Also, remember that Allah hears the plea of the oppressed, as in the story of the woman who complained to the Prophet ﷺ: « Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah. » (Surah Al-Mujaadila, verse 1). Never underestimate the power of dua against oppression.
The Reward of Justice and the Punishment of Oppression
The Quran promises paradise for those who believe and do righteous deeds, which include justice: « But those who believe and work righteous deeds will be in the luxuriant meads of the Gardens: they shall have, before their Lord, all that they wish for. That will indeed be the magnificent Bounty (of Allah). » (Surah Ash-Shura, verse 22). Conversely, oppressors will face a grievous penalty. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized that oppression is darkness on the Day of Judgment, a severe warning for those who wrong others.
Forgiveness vs. Retribution
While Islam permits equal retaliation, forgiveness is superior. The Quran says: « The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong. » (Surah Ash-Shura, verse 40). However, forgiving an oppressor does not mean condoning injustice; rather, it is an act of mercy that may soften hearts. The ultimate justice belongs to Allah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between adl and qist in Islam?
Both terms relate to justice. Adl (عدل) often refers to equity and fairness in general, while qist (قسط) implies distributive justice and giving each person their due share. The Quran uses both, sometimes interchangeably, but qist often appears in contexts of weights, measures, and social justice.
Is it permissible to take revenge against an oppressor?
Islam permits equal retaliation (qisas) for physical harm, but forgiveness is highly recommended. The Quran says: ‘The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah.’ (Surah Ash-Shura, verse 40). However, one should not exceed the bounds of justice.
How can I protect myself from oppression?
Strengthen your relationship with Allah through prayer, dua, and reliance on Him. The Quran assures that Allah is the Protector of the believers (Surah Al-Baqara, verse 257). Also, seek help from just authorities and community support. Use the Quran app to find verses of solace and guidance.
What should I do if I have oppressed someone?
Repent sincerely to Allah, and seek forgiveness from the person you wronged. If possible, restore their rights or compensate them. The Prophet ﷺ said that oppression is darkness on the Day of Judgment, so it is crucial to make amends before that day.
Can a Muslim oppress a non-Muslim?
No, Islam forbids oppression of any person, regardless of faith. The Quran commands justice even towards enemies (Surah Al-Maaida, verse 8). Non-Muslims living under Muslim rule have rights that must be protected.
What is the Islamic ruling on oppressive rulers?
Muslims are commanded to advise rulers with wisdom and to speak truth to power. The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Among the best of Jihad is to speak a word of justice to an oppressive ruler.’. However, rebellion is not permitted unless the ruler commits clear disbelief.
How does Islam address systemic oppression?
Islam provides comprehensive laws to prevent oppression, such as Zakat to reduce economic inequality, just contracts, and the prohibition of usury. Muslims are encouraged to work collectively to establish justice. The Zakat calculator helps fulfill this obligation.
What is the punishment for oppression in the afterlife?
The Quran warns of a grievous penalty for oppressors (Surah Ash-Shura, verse 42), and the Prophet ﷺ said oppression will be ‘excessive darkness’ on the Day of Judgment. Repentance and restitution can avert this punishment.
Justice (adl) is a core Islamic value that brings light and balance to individual and societal life, while oppression (dhulm) leads to darkness and divine wrath. By understanding these concepts and applying them daily, Muslims can fulfill their duty to Allah and humanity. To deepen your knowledge and practice, explore the Islamic AI on Al Muslim Plus for answers to your questions, and use the prayer times feature to stay consistent in worship. May Allah guide us all to be just and protect us from oppression.
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Sources vérifiées
Citations recoupées mot pour mot avec le corpus canonique (Coran / hadiths).
- Sourate Ash-Shura, verset 40
- Sourate An-Nahl, verset 90
- Sourate Al-Maaida, verset 8
- Sourate Ash-Shura, verset 42
- Sourate Al-Baqara, verset 257
- Sourate Al-Anfaal, verset 39
- Sourate Al-Mujaadila, verset 1
- Sourate Ash-Shura, verset 22
- Hadith n°5328 (Narrated by Muslim – Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Sahih/Authentic with its two versions
- Hadith n°65007 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°4236 (Narrated by Bukhari) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°2959 (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°5787 (Narrated by Muslim) — grade : Authentic hadith
- Hadith n°3045 (Narrated by Abu Daoud & At-Termedhy Ibn Majah & Ahmad) — grade : Hasan/Sound by virtue of corroborating evidence
- Hadith n°5801 (Narrated by Bukhari) — grade : Authentic hadith