It is impossible for Allah to oppress

The Search for Fairness

We live in a world where we see many things that look like pure injustice. We see good people suffer and bad people succeed. This often leads to a deep feeling of frustration or even anger toward the Divine. However, the Quran makes a very bold and comforting statement: It is impossible for the Creator to be an oppressor.

Defining Divine Justice

To understand this, we look at the concept of ‘Adl. According to the Glossary of Islamic Terms, ‘Adl means “justice” and “rectitude.” It is the opposite of Zulm, which refers to “wrong, injustice, or tyranny.” Islam teaches that while humans are often driven by their ego to oppress others, the Creator is free from such needs. Because He owns everything and needs nothing, He has no reason to be unfair to His creation.

The Test vs. The Oppression

Many people confuse “hardship” with “injustice.” In Islam, life is described as a Fitna, which the glossary defines as a “trial” or “test.” A teacher who gives a hard exam isn’t being “unfair” to the students; they are providing an opportunity for the students to show what they have learned. Similarly, the challenges we face are not acts of oppression, but tools for our spiritual growth.

Full Compensation

A key part of this belief is that justice will be perfectly completed on the Day of Judgment. Every tiny bit of suffering and every small act of patience is recorded. One of the Names of God is ash-Shakur, defined as “The Rewarder of those who do good.” This means that even if you don’t see justice in this world, it is guaranteed in the next. Nothing is ever lost or forgotten.

Let’s Find the Path Together

At Diálogo Rahmah, we know that talking about suffering and justice is difficult. It’s okay to have questions and it’s okay to feel hurt by life’s circumstances. We offer a safe, compassionate space to discuss how faith can provide a different perspective on the “unfairness” of the world.

Do you want to talk about the problem of suffering or how to find peace in difficult times?

We invite you to a free, private dialogue with a Muslim expert. There is no question too big or too difficult. Let’s talk about it together.

Reach out to us at Rahmah Dialogue today to start your conversation.