IslamWorld

One of the signs of the approaching of the Last Hour is the appearance of tyrants, oppressors and dictators in the world who commit atrocities upon meek people. They are denizens of hell who possess whips like the tails of oxen, such as electric and rubber lashes, and flog people with them.

Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said: "If you survive for a time you would certainly se people who would have whips in their hands like the tail of an ox. They would get up in the morning under the wrath of Allah and they would go into the evening with the anger of Allah." (Related by Muslim and Imam Ahmad)

These dictators beat and torture innocent civilians to support their oppressive rules. If they do not voluntarily accept, these tyrants will teach them with brutal and harsh languages and will use deadly weapons against them. Consequently, they get up in the morning and get into the evening under the wrath and curse of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala. The Prophet of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, has clearly stated the consequences of such dictators whose totalitarian and tyrannical administration has flogged the helpless and depressed people to survive in power.

Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said: "Two types are the denizens of Hell, the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with them. (The second one are) the women would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others with their hair high like humps. These women will not get into Paradise and they will not smell the scent of Paradise, although its fragrance can be felt from such and such distance."

Unfortunately, this sign has already appeared in some Muslim countries, whose governments are blindly following customary and traditional regulations which are absolutely contradictory with Islamic rules. The Prophet of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam has put grim warning to one who torments people in thsi world without any valid justification.

`Urwa reported on the authority of his father that Hisham bin Hakim bin Hizam happened to pass by some people in Syria who had been standing in the sun, and olive-oil was being poured upon their heads. He said: What is this? It was said: They are being punished for (not paying) the Kharaj (the government revenue). Thereupon he said: Allah will punish those who torment people in the world (without any genuine reason). (Related by Muslim)

This hadith shows how a Muslim ruler should behave. The Muslim ruler is saddled with the heavy responsibility of giving practical shape to the commands of the Merciful Lord. His attitude towards his people should, therefore, be unbearable burden upon the people - both Muslims and non-Muslims. He must treat them with utmost kindness and sympathy and adopt a strict attitude only in case of serious crimes and offenses which subvert the moral bases of society.