| Violence: Islamic
Perspective
Islam condemns violence in every form... be
it at the personal, social or national level. This includes domestic
violence and abuse.
'Zulm'... the all-encompassing term used
for abuse or cruelty in the Qurān is best translated as 'putting asunder
anything from its natural state.' This includes misuse as
well, eg: misusing or abusing the natural elements in the environment;
wastage of any kind, be it water, food or wealth.
To understand this concept of 'zulm' we
need to recognize what Islam values the most. The Qurān is clear on
the importance it gives to human life, relationships, property and wealth
of an individual or group and the environment.
Qur'ān
Sūrah
al A'rāf 7:33
Say: My Lord has forbidden all atrocities, whether
overt or disguised, and harm (ithm).
Sūrah
al An'ām 6.120
Abandon all harm (ithm), whether committed openly or
in secret.
Sūrah al Baqarāh 2.60
... and do not act wickedly on earth by spreading corruption.
Sūrah al Ma'idah 5.8
"O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in your
devotion to God, bearing witness to the truth in all equity; and
never let hatred of anyone lead you into the sin of deviating from
justice. Be just: this is the closest to being God-conscious."
Sūrah an Nisa' 4.135
"O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for
justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your
parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for
Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts
(of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (the truth) or
decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye
do."
Sūrah al Ma'idah 5.32:
"Whosoever slays a soul, not to
retaliate for a soul slain nor for corruption done in the land, should
be as if he had slain all mankind. And whosoever saves the life of one, it
shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind"
Sūrah al An'ām 6.151:
"Do not take any human being's life (the
life) which God has declared to be sacred -- other than in (the
pursuit of) justice: this has He enjoined upon you so that you might use
your reason."
Sūrah al Isrā 17.33
Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred
- except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have
given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him not
exceed bounds in the matter of taking life for he is helped (by the Law).
Sūrah al Mśminūn 23:96
"Repel evil with that which is better"
Sūrah ash Shūrā 42:3
"...And when they are angry, forgive..."
Sūrah al Hujurāt 49.13
"O Mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a
female and made you into nations and tribes, that
you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the
sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you"
Sūrah ar Rum 30.22
"And among His Signs is the creation of the
heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors.
Verily, in that are indeed signs for those who know".
Sūrah ash Shūrā 42.39
And those who, when an oppressive wrong is
inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves.
Sūrah ash Shūrā 42.40
The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto: but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is
due from Allah for Allah loves not those who do
wrong.
Sūrah ash Shūrā 42.41
But indeed if any do help and defend
themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of
blame.
Sūrah ash Shūrā 42.42
The blame is only against those who oppress
men and wrongdoing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the
land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty
grievous
Sūrah 93.9
treat not the orphan with harshness,
Sūrah 93.10
and him that seeks thy help shalt thou
never chide.
Sūrah al Baqarāh 2:233
No mother shall expose her own child to harm, nor shall any father expose
his child to harm.
Sūrah an Nisa' 4.36
slaves be treated in a just and humane way
Sūrah al Baqarāh 2.217
Oppression is worse than killing
Sūrah al Baqarāh 2.190
And fight in Gods cause against those who wage war against you,
but do not commit aggression for verily God
does not love aggressors.
Sūrah al Baqarāh 2.191
And slay them wherever you may come upon them, and drive them away
from wherever they drove you away for oppression
is even worse than killing.
Sūrah al Baqarāh 2.193
Hence fight against them until there is no
more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone, but if
they desist, then all hostility shall cease, save against those who
willfully do wrong.
Sūrah 8.39
And fight against them until there is no
more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone.
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