On the day of Ashura, when all the companions of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) had been martyred, he offered a final piece of advice to his son, Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him), in his last moments before martyrdom. This critical advice, delivered in a moment of utmost importance, is encapsulated in the following words:
“O my son! Beware of oppressing anyone who has no helper other than Allah.” [1]
Perhaps the most striking example of this narration is the tragedy of Karbala itself, where malicious individuals wronged Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), his family, and his companions, brutally martyring them. After the martyrdom of the men, the women and children, who had no protector other than Allah Almighty, were taken captive. However, this narration is not confined to that time; its relevance spans all eras and encompasses various instances of oppression against the helpless. Below are a few examples of such oppression:
1. Oppression by Governments Against Vulnerable Populations
One significant example of this narration is when oppressive regimes dominate a nation and inflict injustice upon its people, who find no defender against such tyranny except Allah. Similarly, the exploitation of workers by employers is a great injustice, particularly when workers are forced to accept unfair treatment or risk being fired and left unemployed.
2. Family Members Oppressing Each Other
Oppression within families also exemplifies injustice toward those without support. For instance, a wife who lacks a protector may feel compelled to endure her husband’s mistreatment, or a husband may tolerate his wife’s cruelty for the sake of preserving his reputation or other considerations. Ridiculing, mocking, or speaking harshly to a spouse who has no refuge or support other than Allah is a severe form of injustice. Similarly, an elderly, frail mother who has no one in the world except her child might be forced to endure their mistreatment and biting remarks. A daughter who remains unmarried and is under the care of her parents may also face sensitive circumstances and should not be subjected to coercion, harsh speech, or insults from them.
3. Gossip, Slander, and Defamation
Another form of oppression against the defenseless includes sins like backbiting, slander, and spreading rumors, which unfortunately are common in society. In many gatherings, individuals who are absent are criticized, or rumors are fabricated and spread about them. Because they are not present to defend themselves, they become oppressed with no helper except Allah. Tarnishing someone’s reputation, dishonoring their character, and insulting others constitute violations of their rights. If these transgressions are not rectified, they can lead to dire consequences in the hereafter. Sadly, many media outlets, newspapers, and websites publish defamatory content knowing it to be false, waiting for rebuttals. However, once a person’s reputation is tarnished and their character is damaged in the public eye, mere denials do little to restore their dignity.
It must be emphasized that all forms of oppression are condemned. However, this narration highlights the severity of injustice where the oppressed have no protector but Allah, as such acts carry graver consequences and more dreadful outcomes. If one commits an act of oppression or witnesses it without defending the oppressed, they must immediately repent and strive to rectify the injustice.
(Adapted from the moral lessons of Ayatollah Mazaheri, with minor edits and additions)
Footnote:
[1] Al-Kafi, Vol. 2, Page 331