In the Qur’an, “evil” (often referred to as sharr or munkar) encompasses any action or intention that contradicts Allah’s commands, harms oneself or others, or leads to corruption in society. Evil is defined not only by actions but also by inner intentions, social injustices, and a deviation from spiritual and moral principles.
1. Definition of Evil in Qur’anic Terms
•Harm to Self or Others: Evil is any action or choice that brings harm to oneself or others, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. The Qur’an often emphasizes that both good and evil have consequences and warns against actions that lead to individual and collective harm.
•Disobedience to Allah’s Commands: The Qur’an views disobedience to Allah’s guidance as a primary form of evil, as His laws are meant to lead humanity to peace and righteousness.
•Corruption and Injustice: Evil often includes spreading corruption (fasad) and injustice (zulm), which disrupt the natural and social order established by Allah.
2. Specific Evil Actions in the Qur’an
The Qur’an specifies several actions as evil or sinful. Below are key categories, now expanded for thoroughness:
•Polytheism (Shirk): Associating partners with Allah is considered the gravest sin (Qur’an 4:48). It is seen as a fundamental betrayal of faith.
•Murder and Unjust Killing: The unjust taking of life is a severe offense (Qur’an 5:32).
•Theft and Robbery: Taking others’ property unlawfully is prohibited (Qur’an 5:38).
•Oppression and Injustice: Allah does not love oppressors (zalimun) and condemns any form of exploitation, inequality, or harm to others (Qur’an 42:42).
•Falsehood and Dishonesty: Lying, bearing false witness, and deceit are all sinful (Qur’an 39:3).
•Usury (Riba): Engaging in interest-based transactions is condemned due to its exploitative nature (Qur’an 2:275).
•Backbiting and Slander: Speaking ill of others damages relationships and is harmful to both individuals and the community (Qur’an 49:12).
•Adultery and Fornication (Zina): Unlawful sexual relations are prohibited and regarded as one of the gravest sins (Qur’an 17:32).
•Intoxication and Gambling: These activities are condemned as they cloud judgment, waste resources, and lead to enmity (Qur’an 5:90).
•Breaking Trust and Betrayal: Failing to fulfill promises and betraying trust damages personal and social integrity (Qur’an 8:27).
•Neglecting Duty to Parents and Family: Disrespect and neglect of parents and family members are serious sins, as family respect and care are integral to Islamic ethics (Qur’an 17:23).
•Corruption on Earth (Fasad): Spreading corruption, whether environmental, social, or moral, is condemned as it disrupts harmony and leads to suffering (Qur’an 2:205).
•Breaking Family Ties: Severing family bonds or causing family strife is condemned (Qur’an 47:22).
•Rejecting or Mocking the Prophets: Mocking or rejecting Allah’s messengers is seen as rebellion against divine guidance (Qur’an 36:30).
•Harming or Abusing Orphans and the Vulnerable: Misusing the wealth of orphans or neglecting the poor and vulnerable is condemned (Qur’an 4:10, 89:17).
•Ingratitude: Being ungrateful for Allah’s blessings is seen as a moral failing (Qur’an 14:7).
•Despair in Allah’s Mercy: Losing hope in Allah’s mercy reflects a lack of trust in His compassion (Qur’an 39:53).
•Extravagance and Wastefulness: Living in excess or wastefully using resources is condemned (Qur’an 17:27).
•Hasty Judgment and Suspicion: Judging others hastily or harbouring unnecessary suspicion disrupts trust (Qur’an 49:12).
•Rejecting Truth and Following Falsehood: Persisting in falsehood or following baseless assumptions instead of guidance is discouraged (Qur’an 10:32).
•Unjust Enmity or Hostility: Baseless enmity or seeking harm without just cause is divisive and harmful (Qur’an 5:2).
•Boasting and Self-Glorification: Boasting about wealth or other worldly possessions fosters arrogance (Qur’an 31:18).
3. Inner Evils and Harmful Intentions
•Arrogance and Pride: Arrogance (kibr) and pride lead one to reject truth and belittle others (Qur’an 31:18).
•Envy (Hasad): Envy is a destructive quality that can lead to harmful actions (Qur’an 113:5).
•Hypocrisy (Nifaq): Hypocrisy involves deceit, especially in faith, undermining trust and sincerity (Qur’an 4:145).
4. Broad Principles of Evil
Beyond specific actions, the Qur’an outlines general principles for recognizing evil, which apply across contexts:
•Causing Harm or Corruption: Anything that causes fasad (corruption, harm, or disruption) to society, the environment, or relationships.
•Injustice and Oppression: All forms of oppression, exploitation, and injustice are condemned.
•Neglecting Worship and Duties to Allah: Abandoning obligatory acts like prayer and charity is viewed as spiritually negligent.
•Excessive Love of Material Wealth: Prioritizing material wealth over spiritual well-being or others’ welfare leads to selfishness and pride.
Summary of Actions Considered Evil
1.Polytheism and Idolatry
2.Murder and Physical Harm
3.Theft and Robbery
4.Oppression, Exploitation, and Injustice
5.Lying, Deceit, and False Testimony
6.Usury and Economic Exploitation
7.Backbiting, Gossip, and Slander
8.Adultery, Fornication, and Sexual Immorality
9.Intoxication and Gambling
10.Breaking Promises and Betrayal
11.Disrespect and Neglect of Parents and Family
12.Corruption on Earth
13.Breaking Family Ties
14.Rejecting or Mocking the Prophets
15.Harming or Abusing Orphans and the Vulnerable
16.Ingratitude
17.Despair in Allah’s Mercy
18.Extravagance and Wastefulness
19.Hasty Judgment and Suspicion
20.Rejecting Truth and Following Falsehood
21.Unjust Enmity or Hostility
22.Boasting and Self-Glorification
23.Arrogance, Pride, and Envy
24.Hypocrisy
This list reflects the Qur’anic view that evil encompasses visible actions and inner attitudes leading to harm, injustice, and separation from divine guidance. Through clear prohibitions, the Qur’an provides a framework for ethical living that aligns with Allah’s guidance.
