The Struggle Against Tyrants and Liberation of the Oppressed
By: Dr. Khaled Hanafy
Member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars
The 8th of December, marking the triumph of the Syrian Revolution and the downfall of the criminal Assad regime responsible for killing and displacing millions, is a divine sign of the downfall of tyrants and the liberation of the oppressed. Rejoicing on this day is a human, Islamic, and natural obligation, as Allah says:
"So, the last remnant of those who did wrong was cut off. And praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds." (Al-An’am: 45)
The demise of tyrants and oppressors calls for gratitude to Allah and joy for His mercy and grace. We rejoice because Allah has granted freedom and dignity to the oppressed:
"And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors." (Al-Qasas: 5)
The Root of Our Nation's Crisis: Political Tyranny
Our nation’s crises—destroyed homelands, devastated people, plundered resources, alliances with enemies, and institutionalized corruption—stem from political tyranny and despotism.
Praise be to Allah, who has granted the oppressed liberation and condemned the tyrants to disgrace. It is imperative that we unite over what demands consensus, rejecting pessimism or claims that Syria’s future could be worse than its past. Can there be greater injustice, corruption, and atrocity than what we have already witnessed?
A Legacy of Oppression and Atrocity
One scene of brutality is enough to justify an eternal revolution against tyranny. I witnessed a prisoner, released after enduring unimaginable torture, lose his memory to the extent that he couldn’t recall his name. Under such regimes, human life is worth nothing; people are crushed like garbage, their bodies dissolved without dignity in life or death.
Have we forgotten the explosive barrels? Or the harrowing stories of raped women? One survivor, imprisoned at the age of 19, was released at 32 with three children born of the criminals’ assaults. Another woman, raped in front of her husband, saw him die of heartbreak.
These atrocities overshadow my joy at the downfall of tyranny and the liberation of a major Arab capital. After such horrors, can there be any debate about the justice and mercy in the removal of such a criminal regime?
Messages and Lessons from the Revolution
1. Fighting Tyranny and Liberating the Oppressed: The Prophetic Mission
The core crisis in our nation—political tyranny—has led to ruin and betrayal. The mission of all Prophets was to confront tyranny and liberate the oppressed, as exemplified in the story of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), whose narrative is the most frequently mentioned in the Qur'an. The Qur'anic message centers on combating oppression:
"Go to Pharaoh; indeed, he has transgressed." (Al-Nazi’at: 17)
The immense sacrifices of the Syrian people to resist tyranny follow the Prophetic tradition, promising liberation in this world and eternal reward in the hereafter, Allah willing.
The Qur'an considers freedom a form of life and subjugation a form of death:
"It is not for a believer to kill another believer, except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake must free a believing slave." (An-Nisa: 92)
2. This World Is Not the Ultimate Abode of Justice
The prolonged suffering of the oppressed has led some to question Allah’s justice. However, this world is not the ultimate abode of justice, as Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) noted:
"This world is not the place for complete recompense; it is a domain of wisdom and trial."
Allah hastens some punishments in this world as signs of His justice, but ultimate justice is reserved for the Day of Judgment:
"Indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ." (As-Sajda: 25)
3. Trust in Allah’s Laws and Persevere
The triumph of the Syrian Revolution after years of sacrifice reaffirms the divine laws of justice. Allah says:
"And Pharaoh of the tent-pegs—who transgressed in the lands and made much corruption therein. So your Lord poured upon them a scourge of punishment. Indeed, your Lord is ever watchful." (Al-Fajr: 10-14)
Let other tyrants take heed, and let oppressed nations learn from the Syrians that perseverance leads to eventual victory, Allah willing.
4. The Duty of Unity and Awareness for the Syrian People
To our resilient and victorious Syrian brethren: Congratulations on your achievement! Yet, the challenges and conspiracies ahead are immense. Unity and prioritizing national interests are essential. Allah says:
"And do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart." (Al-Anfal: 46)
Awareness is crucial—awareness of history, revolutionary pitfalls, and the dynamics of transitional periods. Cooperation, patience, and embodying the values of freedom and dignity will be your path to enduring success.
As we celebrate Syria's liberation, let us not forget Gaza and its tribulations. Our wounds are one, and our hope is that Syria’s liberation will be the precursor to the liberation of Al-Quds and other Arab capitals, by Allah’s will.
Note: All published articles reflect the views of their authors and not necessarily those of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.