Majlis 59: "What is the meaning of injustice (zulm)?" - Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS

Allah Ta’ala declares in the Quran Majeed that He does not like those who are ‘unjust’, those who commit ‘zulm.’ What is the meaning of zulm? In English this word is generally translated as injustice, oppression or tyranny. Zulm is generally understood as causing someone distress or suffering, or to take for one’s self that which belongs to someone else, or to wrongfully kill someone. This is a correct understanding of the meaning of zulm. But what is the deeper meaning of the word?

Allah Ta’ala mentions the word zulm in many ayats in the Quran. In one ayat He says, “Indeed assigning partners to Allah is a great zulm and injustice.” How can the created commit injustice on the Creator? What is the meaning of this ayat?

Allah Ta’ala also declares in the Quran that, “Allah never commits zulm or injustice, even as much as the weight of an ant.” However, we see that this world is full of injustice. People rampantly oppress each other. Why does Allah Ta’ala let this happen?

Describing the believers, Allah Ta’ala states that they are “Those who believe and do not garb their belief with zulm or oppression.” What does ‘garbing with oppression’ mean? How does one ensure that he does not oppress anyone? What are the teachings of our Hudaat Kiraam in this regard?

Syedna TUS answers these questions in this Majlis, the 59th in the Majalis al Hikma series.