Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan
The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 133)
Educational Lessons from the Story of Prophet Musa (AS) (Continued…)
Lesson Twenty-Six: The Security and Peace of Societies Depend on Avoiding Oppression and Restraining Oppressors
One of the important educational lessons that can be derived from the story of Prophet Musa (AS) is that lasting security and peace in society cannot be achieved without confronting oppression and preventing the aggression of oppressors. Therefore, a Muslim should hasten to support the oppressed to the extent that he is able to protect them from oppression, while ensuring that he does not exceed the necessary limits in doing so.
When Prophet Musa (AS) saw that a man from Bani Israel was being mistreated by one of the people associated with Pharaoh, he came to the aid of the oppressed man and rescued him from the oppressor. In the course of this intervention, the blow delivered by Musa (AS), without any intention or deliberate purpose of killing, resulted in the death of the Egyptian man. Following this incident, Musa (AS) turned to Allah Almighty and said, [1] «رَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَغَفَرَ لَهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ» Translation: “My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.” So, he forgave him. Indeed, He is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. [2]
On the other hand, a Muslim should not support, assist, or serve oppressors, nor should he participate in their acts of aggression and injustice. Ata ibn Abi Rabah (RA) said, “It is not permissible for anyone to assist an oppressor, write anything for him, or accompany and associate with him, because if he does so, he becomes one of the supporters of the oppressors.” [3]
This meaning is also clearly reflected in the words of Prophet Musa (AS). After Allah (SWT) reminded him of His blessings upon him, he said, [4] «قَالَ رَبِّ بِمَا أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ فَلَنْ أَكُونَ ظَهِيرًا لِّلْمُجْرِمِينَ» Translation: “He said, ‘My Lord, because of the favor You have bestowed upon me, I will never support the criminals.’” [5]
The commentators have derived from this verse the prohibition of cooperating with, serving, or assisting people of oppression in their affairs, because serving and cooperating with oppressors contributes to the continuation of their injustice and aggression. Consequently, whoever knowingly assists them in their oppression shares, to the extent of his participation, in their sin and transgression. [6]
Likewise, not only direct cooperation with oppressors is condemned; inclining toward them, becoming attached to them, accompanying them, associating closely with them, showing approval of them, or being pleased with their oppressive conduct can also bring a person closer to them. Allah Almighty says, [7] «وَلَا تَرْكَنُوا إِلَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا فَتَمَسَّكُمُ النَّارُ» Translation: “And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire touch you; and you will have no protectors besides Allah (SWT), nor will you be helped.” [8]
Therefore, if merely inclining toward and relying upon oppressors has been prohibited, then assisting them, serving them, and carrying out their oppressive commands are, all the more, matters from which a person must refrain.
The fate of Pharaoh and his followers is also a clear example of the consequences of oppression and supporting oppressors. Allah Almighty says concerning them: [9] «يَقْدُمُ قَوْمَهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَأَوْرَدَهُمُ النَّارَ وَبِئْسَ الْوِرْدُ الْمَوْرُودُ» Translation: “He will lead his people on the Day of Resurrection and bring them into the Fire. What an evil place to which they will be brought.” [10]
Therefore, Muslims must not assist oppressors in their injustice and aggression, rely upon them, or participate in carrying out their oppressive demands. At the same time, they should not abandon an oppressor to continue in his wrongdoing; rather, they should, to the extent of their ability, prevent his oppression and stop him from continuing his aggression.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: [11] «إِنَّ النَّاسَ إِذَا رَأَوُا الظَّالِمَ فَلَمْ يَأْخُذُوا عَلَى يَدَيْهِ، أَوْشَكَ أَنْ يَعُمَّهُمُ اللهُ بِعِقَابٍ مِنْهُ.» Translation: “When people see an oppressor and do not restrain him from his oppression, it is likely that Allah will soon encompass all of them with a punishment from Him.”
To be continued…
[2] Mahmud al-Hasan Deobandi, Tafsir Kabuli, vol. 2, p. 1147.
[3] Al-Qurtubi, Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Ansari, Tafsir al-Jami li Ahkam al-Quran, vol. 13, p. 263.
[4] Surah al-Qasas: 17.
[5] Mahmud al-Hasan Deobandi, Tafsir Kabuli, vol. 2, p. 1148.
[6] Abu Muhammad Abd al-Haqq ibn Atiyyah, Al-Muharrar al-Wajiz fi Tafsir al-Kitab al-Aziz, 1412 AH, vol. 11, p. 277, State of Qatar: Presidency of the Sharia Courts and Religious Affairs.
[7] Surah Hud: 113.
[8] Mahmud al-Hasan Deobandi, Tafsir Kabuli, vol. 2, pp. 187–188.
[9] Surah Hud: 98.
[10] Mahmud al-Hasan Deobandi, Tafsir Kabuli, vol. 2, p. 179.
[11] Abu Dawud, Hadith no. 4338; al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 2168.
