The Oppressor and the Oppressed

In some Islamic philosophy courses, the enlightened Mu’tazila school holds the view that when an individual or a people suffer injustice, they are experiencing divine retribution.

In such cases, the afflicted individual or people must engage in self-reflection and ask: Why has all this injustice befallen me? What is my share of responsibility for the problems, calamities, disasters, defeats, and setbacks I have endured and continue to endure?

It is likely that among us, someone has wronged innocent others without justification, thereby invoking God’s curse upon us all, leading to the arrival of oppressors even more unjust than ourselves to oppress us.

We must rectify our mistakes before God eradicates us.

God is just, and because He is just, He punishes the sins of unjust fathers in them or in their children, extending to the second and third generations of those who hate them, so that the oppressors serve as a lesson for those who heed and for those who do not.

O you who oppress your weak and suffering brother in this base, difficult, and bitter world, show him a moment of leniency, so that God Almighty may have mercy on you and be kind to you and to us.

If your power tempts you to oppress others, remember God’s power over you… God delays punishment but does not neglect… Reflect on yourselves: Why has all this injustice and exploitation befallen you?

Refrain from your arrogance and your oppression of the poor and helpless… and restrain the oppressor among you, lest your ship sink.

Perhaps and hopefully, God will be kind to you and to us.

A Palestinian journalist