However, today while translating one of the verses of Qur'an, i just thought of finding the true meaning of this word and how does it effect our lives. The verses if from Surah 7. Al A'raf (The Heights) mentioned below:
وَاِذَا صُرِفَتۡ اَبۡصَارُهُمۡ تِلۡقَآءَ اَصۡحٰبِ النَّارِۙ قَالُوۡا رَبَّنَا لَا تَجۡعَلۡنَا مَعَ الۡقَوۡمِ الظّٰلِمِيۡنَ
(7:47) And when the eyes of the people of the Heights will be turned towards the people of Hell they will say: 'Our Lord! Do not cast us among the wrongdoing people.'
So let me share what I find a deeper meaning of the word and see how inadvertently we also fall into this category for there are many meanings that can be associated with it.
Meaning of Ẓulm (ظلم) in the Qur’an
In Arabic, ẓulm means to put something in a place where it does not belong — i.e., injustice, wrongdoing, or oppression. In the Qur’an, the term is used in various contexts, ranging from shirk (associating partners with Allah) to social injustice and personal wrongdoing.
Linguistic and Qur’anic Meaning
The root word ẓ-l-m (ظ ل م) implies “to darken” or “to deprive something of its proper light.” Hence, a ẓālim (ظالم) is someone who transgresses the limits set by Allah — against Himself, others, or creation.
Types of Ẓulm in the Qur’an
Since this Ẓulm, whetehr used in singular our plural, is used at many different places in Qur'an, let us its meanings in different context as used in Qur'an:
- Shirk — The Greatest Ẓulm:
- “Indeed, shirk (associating partners with Allah) is a great injustice (ẓulmun ʿaẓīm).” — Surah Luqman 31:13
- Explanation: Shirk violates the fundamental right of Allah — exclusive worship. This is why Luqman warned his son against committing it. It is the root of all ẓulm.
- Injustice Against Others
- “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly (bil-bāṭil)...” — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:188
- “And those who, when tyranny strikes them, defend themselves...” — Surah Ash-Shura 42:39–42
- Explanation: Social injustice, oppression, exploitation, or denying others their due rights all fall under ẓulm. Islam strongly forbids oppressing others regardless of religion or status.
- Wronging One’s Own Soul
- “But they wronged themselves.” — Repeated in Surah Al-A‘raf 7:160, Surah At-Tawbah 9:70, and others.
- Explanation: When a person sins or disobeys Allah, he harms none but himself spiritually. Such a person is a ẓālim to his own soul.
Who Are the Ẓālimūn (الظالمون)?
The Qur’an uses al-ẓālimūn to describe:
- Those who commit shirk (31:13)
- Those who reject truth and faith (2:254)
- Those who oppress others (3:57)
- Those who deceive or exploit (11:18–19)
- Those who deny Allah’s signs (29:49)
“And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” — Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:51
Ḥadīth References
Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم has warned his companions to satay away from Zulm and being in the category of Ẓālimūn. Herein under are some of his sayings as found in Hadith books:
- On Injustice The Prophet ﷺ said: “Beware of ẓulm, for indeed ẓulm will be darkness on the Day of Judgment.” — Sahih Muslim, 2579
- On Oppressing Others: “The supplication of the oppressed person is answered, even if he is a disbeliever.” — Musnad Ahmad, 12549
- On Allah’s Justice: Allah said in a ḥadīth Qudsī: “O My servants, I have forbidden ẓulm for Myself and made it forbidden among you, so do not wrong one another.” — Sahih Muslim, 2577
Relevance Today
Zulm has always been and is even today a tool in the hands of the men of authority, specially those who are unjust and heartless, not afraid of the punishment Divinely recommended for them. The Zulm may start from individual level and then elevates upward. How can we we avoid of being in the category of Ẓālimūn الظالمون, here in under are some practical tips:
- Personal Level: Avoid lying, cheating, or harming others; this is self-purification against ẓulm.
- Family and Society: Treat others with fairness; do not misuse authority or wealth.
- Global Level: Stand against oppression — political, economic, or racial — since Islam declares all forms of injustice forbidden.
In essence: Ẓulm is darkness, and Islam is light. The believer should strive to eliminate ẓulm from his soul, his dealings, and his world — to walk in the light of justice and mercy.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
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