| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Linguistic Meaning | The verb ẓalama (ظَلَمَ) means to commit ẓulm, derived from placing something in other than its rightful place. It includes meanings of injustice, unfairness, and harm. It is the opposite of justice (ʿadl).🔹 Source: Al-Miṣbāḥ al-Munīr (p. 146) |
| Terminological Meaning | Ẓulm is defined as:– Putting something in other than its rightful place, whether by adding, reducing, delaying, or misplacing it.– Exceeding bounds, infringing upon others' rights, or moving from truth to falsehood.🔹 Sources: Mufradāt al-Fāẓ al-Qurʾān by Al-Rāghib (p. 537), Al-Taʿrīfāt by Al-Jurjānī (p. 186) |
The Arabic language is rich in expressions that convey nuanced meanings. Words like ẓulm (ظلم), jawr (جور), ghashm (غشم), and haḍm (هضم) all relate to injustice or harm, but each carries a unique connotation depending on the context. Below is a detailed comparison of these terms, derived from Al-Furūq al-Lughawiyyah by Abū Hilāl al-‘Askarī.
| Term | Literal Meaning 📖 | Usage Context 🧾 | Key Distinction 🔍 | Opposite Concept ⚖️ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ẓulm (ظلم) | Infliction of harm without just cause | General injustice, including theft, betrayal, or abuse | Refers to any unjust deprivation, partial or total | Inṣāf (إنصاف): Full due rights |
| Jawr (جور) | Deviating from justice or fairness | Primarily used for rulers or officials | Connotes biased or tyrannical governance | ‘Adl (عدل): Just action |
| Ghashm (غشم) | Aggressive, blind oppression | Arbitrary or overwhelming oppression, esp. by rulers | Implies reckless, forceful harm without deliberation | Silm (سِلم): Peace & order |
| Haḍm (هضم) | Diminishing or reducing one’s due rights | Situations where only part of one’s rights are denied | Always implies partial loss, not total deprivation | Tamām al-Ḥaqq: Full entitlement |