In the Qur'an...

In the Qur'an, it is obvious that terms like 'oppression' and 'tyranny', with their narrow political connotations, cannot begin to do justice to the wide range of meanings included in the primary Qur'anic significance, since oppression is merely one of many forms of human 'wrongdoing', an English term which is sufficiently vague and concrete to render the Qur'anic idea rather closely.

According to the Qur'an, the basic meaning of dhulm is to deny the reality of God and the truth of His revelation and then to transgress the bounds, limits, laws, and statutes He has set down. This Qur'anic concept can clearly be perceived in such typical verses as the following: Who does greater wrong than he who bars God's places of worship, so that His Name be not rehearsed in them, and strives to destroy them? (2:114); Who does greater wrong than he who conceals a testimony received from God?

(2:140); Whosoever transgresses the bounds of God - those are the wrongdoers (2:229); And the unbelievers - they are the wrongdoers (2:254); Whoso judges not according to what God has sent down - they are the wrongdoers (5:45); Who does greater wrong than he who forges against God a lie, or cries lies to His signs? (7:37, 10:17); Who does greater wrong than he who, being reminded of the signs of his Lord, turns away from them? (18:57, 32:22); None denies Our…