When al-Mutawakil read the poetry he ordered him freed...

When al-Mutawakil read the poetry he ordered him freed, but by the time that the royal decree reached the prison, Ibn Malik was dead in a terrible condition in his own oven.[^1] Indeed, those who claim that life is just a day to day struggle for survival, constantly attempt to destroy the weak with the pressure of deprivation; hoping by doing so to strengthen their power and protect their position. They will commit any crime no matter how inhuman in order to satisfy themselves.

But as the days pass, the flames of anger rage in the hearts of the oppressed, who inflict great calamities on the lives of the tyrant. Oppression, however, is not limited to certain positions or classes. Any person in any position who intentionally or unintentionally attempts to exploit life of others for his own sake, of tries to go beyond the limits of the laws of reason or legislation can be classified as an oppressor.

Unfortunately, today oppression has reached its peak; the flames of oppression and injustice rage through various classes of societies and threaten the structure of human civilizations with sure destruction. The agents of oppression abuse the rights of human societies and rob them of their resources and wealth with every available means, while the statute of justice appears helpless.

The Role of Religion in Fighting Oppression and the Oppressors The Holy Qur’an announced the inevitable severe punishment of oppressors when Allah the Almighty said: “And (as for) these towns, We destroyed them when they acted unjustly and We have appointed a time for their destruct ion.” (The Holy Qur’an, 18:59). The leaders of religion have all believed in the continuity of human society, therefore they made the establishment of justice their main goal in life.

Whenever they noticed disarray in human development, they endeavored to change such disarray by revolting against the oppressors misconduct. In many cases, the leaders were able to overpower and eradicate the oppressors. According to the Holy Qur’an, the conduct of the leaders of religion is an important factor in awakening people against oppression: “Certainly We sent Our apostles with clear arguments.

and sent down with them the book and the balance that men may conduct themselves with equity.” (The Holy Qur’an, 57: 25) Since the ultimate goal of Islam is collective justice, it commands all its adherents to implement justice and equality fully amongst them and others regardless of titles or personal considerations.