[6.] Ibn Yakub - The Greatest Injustice (Political Conceptions)
The Greatest Injustice
The word injustice, or sacrilege, or "the unjust" or "the wicked," is mentioned in various contexts in the Qur'an.
The Islamic meaning of the term can be summarized as encompassing any kind of sin.
The Qur'an mentions in several places that a person can wrong themselves as well as others. Accordingly, there is sinful behavior that harms only oneself and other sinful behavior that harms other people and potentially even the entire society in which one lives.
The higher the position of the person who acts unjustly in society, the more people are affected by this injustice. When a head of state governs his country contrary to the laws of Allah, the Exalted, this constitutes a great injustice, a great sacrilege, because his entire people are affected.
Allah, the Exalted, has also made it obligatory for believing Muslims to stand up against injustice when they witness it. Accepting a state of injustice and wrongdoing is also an unjust act, as every sincere Muslim should strive to eliminate injustice and contribute to building a functioning Islamic society.
Allah, the Exalted, says in the Qur'an:
"And do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only grants them respite until the Day when their eyes will stare blankly. (42) They rush forward in fear, their heads held high, and their gaze does not return to them, and their hearts are empty. (43) And warn the people of the Day when punishment will come upon them. Then the wrongdoers will say, 'Our Lord, grant us respite for a short time.'" We will heed your call and respond to the messengers." -- "Did you not swear before that destruction would not befall you? (44) "And you dwell in the homes of those who wronged themselves, and it has been made clear to you how We dealt with them; And We have provided you with clear proofs.”” (45) “And they have already plotted their schemes, but their schemes are with Allah, even if their schemes were such that mountains could be moved by them. (46) Do not think that Allah will not fulfill His promise to His Messenger. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might, the One Who Makes His Retribution (47) on the Day when the earth will be changed to another earth and the heavens will be changed; and they will all appear before Allah, the One, the All-Powerful. (48) And on that Day you will see the sinners bound in chains. (49) Their garments will be of tar, and fire will cover their faces. (50) That Allah may recompense each one for what he used to do. Indeed, Allah is swift in reckoning. (51) This is a revelation to mankind so that they may be warned by it and that they may know May He be the One and Only God, and may those who have understanding be reminded. (52)
(Surah 14, Ibrahim, Ayat 42-52)