Is Silence in the Face of Injustice the Right Thing to Do?

In the rich and comprehensive teachings of the Holy Quran, silence in the face of oppression and injustice is not only considered an incorrect or desirable act but is strongly condemned. It is seen as a violation of one of the most fundamental faith-based and ethical duties of Muslims, namely "Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar" (enjoining good and forbidding evil). The Quran explicitly and firmly calls upon believers to stand against tyranny and to defend truth and justice. This principle is not merely an ethical recommendation but a social imperative upon which the health and stability of society depend. Numerous verses in the Quran repeatedly emphasize the importance of establishing justice and equity on earth. In various verses, Allah Almighty identifies Himself as "the Just" and "the Equitable" and calls upon His servants to be upholders of justice, even if such a stand is against themselves, their parents, or their close relatives. This unprecedented emphasis indicates that justice is the most central value in the Islamic intellectual framework. Silence in the face of injustice means overlooking this fundamental value and yielding the field to oppressors, which will lead to widespread and destructive consequences. When injustice occurs, silence, in essence, is a form of tacit consent or at least a lack of opposition, which gives the oppressor more courage and opportunity to continue their actions. This is precisely what the Quran forbids. "Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar," mentioned in several Quranic verses, is one of the main pillars of the social and religious life of the Islamic community. This principle means encouraging good deeds and deterring reprehensible and oppressive acts. This duty rests on individuals, as well as on society and government. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 104, Allah says: "Let there be from among you a community inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are the successful." This verse clearly indicates that the existence of an active group to confront deviations and oppressions in society is essential, and success depends on this action. This success applies both to the individual who fulfills their duty and to the society that is saved from corruption. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, Allah states: "O you who have believed, be persistently firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you deviate. And if you distort [your testimony] or turn away, then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted." This verse is an unparalleled directive for establishing justice and does not allow for any exceptions, even if personal or familial interests are involved. Silence in the face of injustice stands in direct opposition to this Quranic command. The Quran also depicts the horrifying consequences of silence in the face of oppression. The stories of past nations that perished due to injustice, corruption, and the lack of proper reaction to it, serve as a cautionary tale for humanity. These stories illustrate that oppression not only harms the oppressed but also damages the fabric of society, and if left unchecked, it can lead to the destruction of a civilization. Silence, over time, leads to the institutionalization of oppression, causing corruption and decay to spread throughout society, thereby eroding the ability to combat it. Under such circumstances, society moves towards downfall and destruction, as seen in the stories of the people of Lot, or Aad and Thamud, where indifference and lack of protest against evils and oppressions led to divine punishment. However, Islam teaches believers to employ wisdom and foresight in confronting injustice. This does not mean that all forms of silence are forbidden, but rather, silence out of fear, indifference, or misguided expediency is condemned. But if silence is a strategic choice, part of a more effective future confrontation, or if speaking out would only lead to a futile demise of the individual and an increase in oppression, then the form of protest might change to disapproval in the heart or covert planning. Nevertheless, the principle remains that injustice should not be abandoned and must be confronted in every possible way. Islam never accepts submission to or contentment with oppression, and this is a fundamental difference from other philosophies that might prioritize personal gain or self-preservation at any cost. In Islam, upholding human dignity and implementing justice are of high priority. In summary, the Holy Quran explicitly rejects silence in the face of injustice and calls upon believers to stand firm on the path of justice and fight oppression. This duty is universal and requires courage, awareness, and wisdom so that society can escape the grip of tyranny and corruption and move towards prosperity and salvation. The ultimate goal is to establish a just society where the rights of all individuals are protected, and human dignity is respected. Silence in the face of injustice not only harms the oppressed but also emboldens the oppressor to continue their actions and ultimately harms society itself, driving it towards ruin. Therefore, Muslims are obliged, inspired by Quranic teachings, to always be the voice of truth and justice and never bow to oppression or remain silent, unless this silence is a strategy for a greater, more effective action that ultimately leads to the eradication of injustice. This responsibility is both individual and collective, laid upon every member of the Islamic community.