Why Do the Corrupt Hold Power While the Righteous Are Constrained?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
Why does Allah withhold the means to do good from those who long for it, while those who spread corruption are given wealth and power? Is Allah not with the oppressed?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate
It is painful to see those in positions of power do wrong, while those who wish to do good feel unable to act. Your question reflects a sincere concern and longing for justice, and it is a question that many believers have asked before you.
The rise and fall of people in this world is not a sign that Allah has abandoned the oppressed. Rather, this is part of the test of life. The final judgment and true justice belong to Allah alone.
The Triumphant Days: Bestowed in Turn by Allah
Allah Most High says: “…While those are the triumphant days We bestow in turn between men; And so Allah may openly know those who truly believe, and choose martyrs from amongst you…” [Quran 3:140; Keller, The Quran Beheld].
Ibn Kathir explains this alternation of days as a wisdom: Allah at times allows the enemy the upper hand, though the good end belongs to the believers, so the patient are distinguished from the faint-hearted [Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim].
Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi adds a fine point: the alternation is not that Allah aids disbelief — divine aid is too honorable for that — but that He alternates the trial upon each side, so that faith is chosen freely and its reward is greater.
This world is not the place of final justice. Allah Most High tells us that true reward and punishment will be on the Day of Resurrection. The success or wealth given to those who do wrong is not a sign of Allah’s approval. Sometimes, it is a test or a gradual drawing to account (istidraj). Allah tests us all with both good and hardship.
This does not mean that we should give up or stand aside. The believer is called to uphold truth and justice, as best as they are able. Those who are wronged are never without support, for Allah is always with them.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) warned, “Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah” [Bukhari; Muslim].
Keep the true scale in view: were this world worth to Allah the wing of a gnat, He would not give a disbeliever a sip of water from it [Tirmidhi].
The Days Turn, but the Outcome Is Already Written
Strive to do good with whatever means you have, even if it seems small. Avoid wrongdoing, and trust the outcome to Allah, who never lets any good deed go to waste. The days of this world pass, but in the end, success is for those who are mindful of Allah.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
