The term “evil” denotes whatever causes a person distress, for calamities and punishments are called “evils” in several places in the Book of Allah Most High.

Wrongdoing is of two kinds: failing to fulfil a right and transgressing a limit. The first consists in withholding what is due to another, such as failing to repay debts, return entrusted property, or discharge other financial obligations. The second consists in aggression against another, such as killing or taking property. Both are wrongdoing. Hence the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in the hadith recorded by both al-Bukhārī and Muslim:

“Delaying repayment when one has the means is wrongdoing. If one of you is referred for payment to someone solvent, let him accept the referral.”

He thus described mere delay in payment, despite having the means, as wrongdoing. How much more so, then, is outright failure to pay!

Allah Most High also says:

“They ask you for a ruling concerning women. Say, ‘Allah gives you a ruling concerning them, as does what is recited to you in the Book concerning orphan girls to whom you do not give what is prescribed for them, yet whom you wish to marry’”

—up to His words:

“and that you deal justly with orphans.”

‘Ā’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “This refers to an orphan girl in her guardian’s care whom he wishes to marry without giving her a fair dowry.” Allah thus called giving the full dowry justice; its opposite is wrongdoing.

In general, this is clear and agreed upon among Muslims: justice may consist in fulfilling an obligation, refraining from something forbidden, or combining both. Likewise, wrongdoing may consist in neglecting an obligation, committing something forbidden, or combining both. Once this is understood—and it is understood that justice and wrongdoing may occur