He who picks the pockets of the people ends up having his own pocket picked.

There is a true proverb from real life that says, “He who tears open others’ pockets will have his own torn open.” We hear this from those who came before us, like a bequest to us not to harm people except with good. Undoubtedly, whoever aggresses against others will be aggressed against and will receive the recompense for his actions. Whoever treats people as he wishes to be treated will be treated likewise, and the aggressor is the one who is wronged. Allah, the Exalted, said in the clear verses of His revelation: “So if anyone aggresses against you, then aggress against him in the same manner as he aggressed against you.”

The picture becomes clearer in the words of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic: “And We prescribed for them therein: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution. But whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – they are the wrongdoers.” How well said was Abu al-Atahiya in this regard, when he said:

Whoever befriends people will be safe;

Whoever insults people will be insulted;

Whoever oppresses people will be oppressed;

Whoever shows mercy to people will be shown mercy.

It is neither wisdom nor reason to harm people. Our Islamic religion has strictly prohibited this. Nor is it anyone’s right to investigate people’s flaws and defects and speak about them, for there is no one in this world who is free from shortcomings; perfection belongs to Allah alone, the Great and Exalted. Oppression has dire consequences. If you are strong, do not oppress those weaker than you, for Allah is the All-Powerful, the Lord of Might. As the proverb goes: “If your house is made of glass, do not throw stones at people.” The Eye of Allah watches over His servants, and the two recording angels, the Qarid and the Raqib, record everything you do and say. Let each person be a guardian over himself and fear his Lord. Keep in mind the words of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic: “When the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left. Not a word does he utter except that there is a watcher by him.”

May you remain safe and sound.