9.2, Oppression and the Rights of Others over us

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA) reported: On the day (of the battle) of Khaibar, some Companions of the Prophet (SAW) came and remarked: “So-and-so is a martyr and so-and-so is a martyr.” When they came to a man about whom they said: “So-and-so is a martyr,” the Prophet (SAW) declared, “No. I have seen him in Hell for a mantle (or cloak) which he has stolen.” (Muslim)

This Hadith tells us that violation of the rights of people will not be forgiven even by martyrdom.

Abu Qatadah Al-Harith bin Rib3ee (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Faith in Allah and striving in His Cause (Jihad) are the deeds of highest merit.”

A man stood up said: “O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I am killed in the Cause of Allah, will all my sins be forgiven?”

He (SAW) replied, “Yes, if you are killed in the Cause of Allah while you are patient, hopeful of your reward and marching forward not retreating.”

Then the Prophet (SAW) said to him, “Repeat what you have said.”

The man said: “Tell me if I am killed in the Cause of Allah, will all my sins be remitted?”

He (SAW) replied, “Yes, if you are martyred while you are patient, hopeful of your reward and march forward without retreating, unless, if you owe any debt, that will not be remitted. Angel Jibril told me that.” (Muslim)

This Hadith again shows the importance of fulfilling the rights of people and in particular the repayment of loans, which will not be pardoned in any case. It is therefore essential that we exercise utmost care to fulfil our obligations in this matter (i.e. to avoid falling into debt and, if unavoidable, to clear any debts that we have at the earliest opportunity).

‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘aaS (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe; and a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who refrains from what Allah has forbidden.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

A true Muslim is one who does not do any harm to others, overtly or covertly (openly or secretly). Similarly, a true Muhajir is one who avoids disobeying Allah. Thus, if a person leaves his home to emigrate to some other place but does not save himself from sins, his emigration is of no avail.

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “He who has done a wrong affecting his brother’s honour or anything else, let him ask his forgiveness today before the time (i.e., the Day of Resurrection) when he will have neither a Dinar nor a Dirham. If he has done some good deeds, a portion equal to his wrong doings will be subtracted from them; but if he has no good deeds, he will be burdened with the evil deeds of the one he had wronged in the same proportion.” (Bukhari)

This Hadith tells us that if we do not compensate a person who we have harmed, and who has not pardoned us for it, then it will have a serious consequence in the Hereafter, as mentioned in this Hadith.

Thus, in conclusion, negligence in the case of public rights, which we take very lightly, is in fact ruinous and can easily become a source of much dishonour for us on the Day when no person will be wronged.