Avoiding Oppression: A Timeless Lesson from Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS)

Introduction

As we approach Arbaeen, the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), our thoughts return to the days following Karbala. In those testing times, Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS), the sole surviving son of Imam Hussain (AS), became the moral voice of truth, guiding a wounded community. Among his profound teachings is a timeless warning about the injustice of oppressing those who have no one to defend them but Allah; a principle that is vital for our personal lives, families, and communities today.

امام علی ابن الحسین (ع): يَا بُنَيَّ، إِيَّاكَ وَ ظُلْمَ مَنْ لاَ يَجِدُ عَلَيْكَ نَاصِراً إِلاَّ اَللَّهَ (وسائل الشیعه، ج ۱۶، ص ۴۸)

“O my son, beware of wronging the one who has no supporter against you except Allah.”
(Wasa’il al-Shi‘a, Vol. 16, p. 48)

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Teenagers and Youth

1. Avoid All Forms of Injustice

Actively distance yourself from any behaviour that causes harm, whether through words, actions, or neglect.

Challenge: Before acting in a way that affects someone else, ask yourself if it could be considered unjust and choose the fairer option.

2. Watch Out for Self-Justification

We often find excuses to defend our wrong actions, but honesty with ourselves is the first step to avoiding injustice.

Challenge: Think of a recent time you might have hurt someone and list the excuses you gave yourself; then imagine the situation from their perspective.

3. Respect Those Who Must Endure

Some people, like parents, may have no choice but to accept our behaviour which makes it even more important to treat them well.

Challenge: Do one thoughtful act this week for someone who usually tolerates your mistakes without complaint.

4. Keep God in Mind

Remembering that Allah is watching over every choice we make helps keep our actions pure and fair.

Challenge: Before making a decision, quietly say “Allah sees me” to yourself and let that guide your choice.

5. Be a Defender, Not a Bystander

Silence in the face of injustice is silent approval. Your voice can be the shield someone needs.

Challenge: Step in, respectfully but firmly, if you see a classmate or co-worker being belittled, even if it’s by a friend.

1. Reach Out to the Isolated

Many suffer quietly because no one notices them; your attention can change that.

Challenge: Invite someone sitting alone at lunch or in class to join you, even if it feels awkward at first.

1. Pause Before You Act

A moment of reflection can stop you from making choices that hurt others and displease Allah.

Challenge: When you feel angry or tempted to mock someone, pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself if you would want to answer for this before God.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Parents

1. Practise Justice at Home

Children measure fairness by how equally they are treated, and injustice in the home can leave deep wounds.

Challenge: Review recent decisions about privileges or discipline and correct any unfairness you discover.

2. Honour and Protect Subordinates

Those under your authority – children, employees, or anyone dependent on you – deserve extra care and respect, not less.

Challenge: Find one way this week to ease the responsibilities or worries of someone who depends on you.

1. Avoid the Trap of Favouritism

Showing favouritism among your children can create deep hurt, and since they may have no one to complain to but Allah, such injustice carries a serious moral weight.

Challenge: This week, give each child individual time and attention, ensuring they feel equally valued and heard.

1. Model Advocacy for the Oppressed

Showing your children how to stand with those who are wronged gives them a lifelong moral compass.

Challenge: Involve your family in helping a neighbour or community member who is being treated unfairly.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. Define and Expose Injustice Clearly

Teach your congregation what injustice looks like in its various forms, and warn that people often justify it to themselves.

Challenge: In your next sermon, explain three everyday examples of injustice and how common self-justifications disguise them.

2. Make Justice a Pulpit Priority

Regularly reminding the community about Allah’s defence of the oppressed strengthens social responsibility.

Challenge: In your next sermon, highlight a current example of injustice and connect it to Islamic principles of fairness.

1. Provide a Safe Listening Space

Many oppressed people remain silent because they lack a safe and trusted ear.

Challenge: Set aside specific weekly hours for private, confidential conversations with those in need.

1. Teach Stories of Divine Justice

Historical examples show how Allah intervenes for the oppressed and warns oppressors.

Challenge: Share a story from Qur’an or Islamic history where God’s justice was made clear, and discuss its lesson for today.