Dhulm

Dhulm (or Zulm) refers to "wrongdoing," "injustice," or "oppression." It is considered one of the most serious sins in Islam because it involves violating the rights of others or the commands of Allah. The Quran repeatedly states that "Allah does not love the wrongdoers." Dhulm is essentially the absence of "Adl" (justice). Whether it is a leader oppressing their people, a person cheating in business, or an individual harming another's reputation, all forms of Dhulm are strictly forbidden. Islam teaches that ultimate justice will be served on the Day of Judgment, where every victim of Dhulm will be compensated and every oppressor held accountable. The Quran uses the word dhulm to describe shirk (associating partners with Allah): "Indeed, shirk is a great injustice (dhulm)" (31:13). This is the greatest dhulm because it violates Allah's right to be worshipped alone. Dhulm also includes violating the rights of others. The Prophet said: "Beware of injustice, for injustice will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection" (Bukhari, Muslim). The darkness will be overwhelming for the oppressor, while the oppressed will have light. Dhulm can be against oneself,through sin, negligence, or self-destruction. The Quran says: "Whoever does wrong (yadhlum) does it only to his own soul" (10:23). Dhulm is of three types: dhulm against Allah (shirk), dhulm against oneself (sin), and dhulm against others (violating their rights). The Prophet warned: "Whoever has wronged his brother regarding his honor or anything else, let him seek his forgiveness today before there is no dinar or dirham" (Bukhari). The supplication of the oppressed is especially powerful. The Prophet said: "Beware the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah" (Bukhari). For believers, dhulm is to be avoided at all costs. They strive to be just, to return what is owed, to apologize when wrong, and to stand against oppression. The ultimate justice is with Allah, who will judge all oppressors and compensate all victims on the Day when there is no injustice.