Given the current turmoil in our world, especially in Gaza, we are reminded of several Hadiths and Qur’anic verses that we can reflect on to find guidance and call for action.
The Prophet said, “When you see an act of injustice, do everything you can to stop it. If you can’t stop it, then speak out against injustice. If you can’t even do that, then at least hate such injustice in your mind. In this latter case, your faith is the weakest.”
The Prophet said, “When you see an act of injustice, help the sufferer of injustice and help even the unjust!” Some people who heard this voiced their concerns as to why should and how can one help the unjust. The Prophet said, “Make him realize his acts of injustice and discourage him against the evils of his unjust acts.”
The Qur’an has been unequivocal about the rights of the oppressed to defend themselves, while cautioning against evils, injustice, and unprovoked aggression. The Qur’an also calls for patience and forgiveness to bring reconciliation. Here are couple of verses to reflect on.
2:217 …Oppression is worse than killing…
4:75 How could you not defend the Ways of God when helpless men, women and children cry out, “Our God, save us as we are oppressed in this land by its people. Grant us protectors and helpers out of Your Grace!” This verse should also remind to us the cries of Jewish slaves of the Pharaoh when they pleaded with Moses to save them by God’s grace, eventually leading to the Exodus!
4:95 Believers who are passive—except those who are disabled—cannot be equal to those who actively strive for faith and justice in God’s way with their possessions and their own lives. God excels those who strive for faith and justice in God’s way, with their possessions and their lives, to a degree much higher than those who are passive… God is Ever Forgiving and Merciful!
22:39-41 Permission (to active resistance) is granted to those who are forced to defend themselves and they have been oppressed. God is certainly able to assist them – as they were driven of their land without any justification except that they said, “Our Sustainer is God!” If God did not repel one group from another then monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques – where God’s name is much mentioned – would have been destroyed! God will help those who help His cause – God is Strong, Mighty – those who, if they are given sovereignty over a land, they establish worship (salat), given their wealth tax (zakat), establish what is good and forbids what is evil. To God all matters come for resolution!
8:73 Evil people are allies of one another; if you don’t oppose (lies and injustice), corruption and oppression will become the norm…
