the measuring cup, they nevertheless deserved to be called thieves, because they had stolen Joseph from his father and deceived their father. For religion in its entirety revolves around justice and equity. Allah Most High says:

“We certainly sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance, so that people might uphold justice.”
[al-Hadīd 25]

Even supposing that this oppressor is acting on an interpretation and believes himself to be right, he is among the aggressors who act on an interpretation. Such aggressors must be treated with equity and justice: their aggression must be repelled, even if this harms them, since they too harm others. The two harms thus stand opposed to one another, while the just are distinguished by being on the side of truth and justice. This is therefore something Allah and His Messenger have commanded, and it constitutes justice and equity.

This also includes the descriptions Allah Most High gives of Himself in such verses as:

“When they meet those who believe, they say, ‘We believe.’ But when they are alone with their devils, they say, ‘We are with you; we were only mocking.’ (14) Allah mocks them and lets them persist in their transgression, wandering blindly. (15)”
[al-Baqarah 14-15]

And His words:

“Indeed, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but He deceives them.”
[al-Nisā’ 142]

And His words:

“Those who disparage the believers who give charity willingly, as well as those who can afford to give only a little, and ridicule them—Allah ridicules them, and they will have a painful punishment. (79)”
[al-Tawbah 79]

Thus, since the hypocrites’ lying and injustice amounted to mockery