companions. We learn that being oppressive is a trait of Yazeed, and patiently bearing oppression is from the character of Imam Husayn  رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. Those who call themselves Husayni must remain patient even if they are faced with mountains of oppression. They must never become the oppressors as this is the attribute of Yazeed.

We might say we have not oppressed anyone, but if we contemplate deeply, it is possible that a large number of us have imitated the oppressors. Yes! This is the truth. We do not understand the true meaning of oppression. Oppression does not only refer to killing and stealing; oppression can take many forms. Here is a summary of what Imam Ahmad Raza Khan has stated: Oppression is every injury or difficulty inflicted upon a person’s religion, honour, life, body, wealth or heart. This can be by way of the tongue, an action or by abandoning an act [i.e. not completing a task which has consequently caused someone difficulty]. There are 18 types of oppression, and there are countless examples for each one.^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers, here are some examples of oppression:

*   Approaching someone with the sleeves rolled up, resulting in hurting his feelings, is oppression;

*   Looking at someone with a frown can make them feel uncomfortable; this is oppression;

*   Not repaying a loan;

*   Swearing;

*   Taunting;

*   Mocking;

*   Ridiculing;

*   Intentionally mispronouncing someone’s name;

*   Stealing;