Is Silence in the Face of Injustice Acceptable?

From the perspective of the Holy Quran, silence in the face of injustice is not only unacceptable but is severely condemned. Islam, as a religion of justice and equity, obligates every Muslim to stand against oppression and tyranny, and to uphold the principle of 'enjoining good and forbidding evil' (Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy an al Munkar). This responsibility is not limited to rulers or those in power but extends to every individual in society, each according to their capacity and position, to establish justice and confront injustice. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of establishing justice and equity. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, Allah Almighty states: "O you who have believed, be persistently [upholders of] justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and and relatives." This verse explicitly commands believers to be upright in justice and to bear witness for Allah, even if it is against themselves, their parents, or their kin. This command demonstrates that seeking justice is a fundamental principle that no personal interest or kinship can override. Silence in the face of injustice is, in essence, an overlooking of this divine command and an implicit consent to oppression. One of the most crucial Quranic concepts directly related to this topic is 'Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy an al Munkar' (enjoining good and forbidding evil). This principle is not merely an ethical recommendation but a social and religious obligation that protects the Islamic community from corruption and decay. In Surah Aal-Imran, verse 104, we read: "And let there be [arising] from among you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful." This verse clearly states that there should be a group of Muslims who invite people to goodness, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong. Silence in the face of wrong means ignoring this vital duty, which itself leads to the gradual immersion of society in corruption. Furthermore, the Quran issues severe warnings to those who associate with oppressors or even remain silent in the face of their tyranny. In Surah Hud, verse 113, it states: "And do not incline to those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have besides Allah any protectors; then you would not be helped." This verse teaches us not to lean towards those who have wronged, or even incline towards them, for in that case, the Fire [of Hell] will touch us, and we will have no protectors or helpers besides Allah. Silence in the face of oppression can be interpreted as 'rukoon' (leaning or inclining) towards the oppressor, which carries severe consequences. The history of the prophets in the Quran also bears witness to this truth. The divine prophets never remained silent in the face of oppression and corruption. From Prophet Noah and Abraham to Prophet Moses (peace be upon them all), who stood against the tyrannical Pharaoh, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), who tirelessly fought against polytheism and ignorance, all serve as models of standing against injustice. Quranic narratives demonstrate that the fate of communities that remained silent in the face of oppression was destruction and annihilation. Silence not only allows the oppressor to persist in their injustice but also extinguishes the spirit of justice-seeking and religious zeal within society. When individuals remain silent in the face of injustices out of fear or indifference, the social environment becomes fertile ground for the growth of corruption and tyranny. This collective silence can lead to the collapse of moral and social foundations. Therefore, the Quran calls upon believers to courageously and wisely defend the truth and stand against falsehood. This steadfastness can be through speech, writing, or even a heart that rejects oppression, but it never means complete indifference and silence. It is the duty of every Muslim to exert their utmost effort to change what is wrong and build a just society based on divine teachings. In conclusion, silence in the face of injustice not only contradicts the justice-seeking spirit of Islam but also amounts to abandoning one of the primary religious and human duties of every Muslim. A true believer is one who, under all circumstances, even amidst difficulties and dangers, raises the voice of truth and strives to establish equity and justice. This divine obligation is the cornerstone of a healthy and stable Islamic society, and its reward will be salvation in this world and the hereafter.