Five Roots of Injustice

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Injustice and oppression are realities that have existed in societies throughout history. They are rooted in factors recognizing which is necessary to distinguish between just and unjust persons.

The intellect and thought that have been given to us by God help us recognize good and evil. We realize with our intellect that Dhulm (injustice) is bad and Adl (justice) is good. We also know through our intellect that God never does bad deeds and there is no injustice in His work.

We further recognize that all of the injustices and oppressions originate from five factors:

1- Ignorance: Sometimes ignorance leads to injustice and oppression. For example someone may not know that races have no difference. Imagining that white people are superior to black people, he oppresses the black people. This is rooted in ignorance or selfishness.

So one may take actions out of ignorance and wrong ideas that result in injustice and oppression. God, however, is omniscient and will never do injustice.

2- Fear: Sometimes fear causes oppression and injustice. For example, a power is fearful of its rival’s power and thinks that if it does not attack first, it may be attacked by the rival. So in order to prevent that from happening, it does oppression to enhance its power. God, however, is omnipotent and all-powerful and does not need to do injustice to boost His power.

3- Needs and Shortcomings: Sometimes it is the needs that cause injustice, including materialistic or psychological needs.

4- Internal Malice and Wickedness: Some injustices are rooted in individuals’ internal malice. Due to spiritual illness some people enjoy making others suffer.

5- Complexes: Sometimes one makes others suffer because of his complexes. He has failed to reach his objectives and expectations and now tries to take revenge by making others suffer.

Now that we have learned about the roots of injustice, we realize that none of them exists in God and that God has no motivation whatsoever to do injustice.

“God does not do even an atom's weight of injustice.” (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 40)

“Your Lord is not unjust to any one.” (Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 49)

“And they shall not be wronged by as much as a single datefiber.” (Surah Al-Isra, Verse 71)

“God does not want injustice for any of His creatures.” (Surah Al-Imran, Verse 108)

How can God, Who commands justice, do injustice? “Allah orders justice, and good deeds, and giving to one's kindred.” (Surah An-Nahl, Verse 90)

God, Who says, “Do not allow your hatred for other people to turn you away from justice,” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 8), never does injustice.