The proverb “জন্ম যেখানে আজন্ম পাপ” (“Where birth itself is a sin”) is used metaphorically, referring not to the individual but to the place or environment. It expresses despair about a place where corruption, injustice, or hardships are so pervasive that being born there feels like a burden or misfortune.
However, even in this metaphorical context, Islamic teachings offer a different perspective. No place or situation, no matter how dire, makes a person inherently sinful or doomed from birth. Islam emphasizes hope, perseverance, and the possibility of change, both on a personal and societal level.
Understanding the Expression
The phrase does not suggest that individuals born in these places are literally sinful but rather that the environment is so corrupted that life itself feels cursed or oppressive.
This sentiment often arises in societies suffering from widespread corruption, injustice, or systemic inequality, where opportunities for a good life seem non-existent, and people feel trapped by the circumstances of their birth.
This notion, while metaphorical and intended to highlight social despair, however conflicts with Islamic teachings about the nature of life, accountability, and hope, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Islamic View on Hardship and Corruption
In Islam, neither the place of birth nor the circumstances surrounding it can define a person’s value or determine their fate. Allah reminds us in the Quran that life is a test for all individuals, and these tests vary according to His wisdom:
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155
Even in the most difficult environments, the focus in Islam is on patience (sabr), effort, and trust in Allah’s wisdom. It’s in hardship that a person’s true character is revealed, and their potential for spiritual growth is greatest.
Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه), once said:
“Verily, we are a people whom Allah has honored with Islam, so if we seek honor from anything besides that with which Allah has honored us, Allah will debase us.”
This profound statement shows that one’s dignity and honor come from faith, not from wealth, power, or the conditions of one’s surroundings. No environment, no matter how corrupt, can strip a believer of their innate dignity bestowed by Allah.
Personal Responsibility in a Corrupt Society
Corruption and injustice in society are major challenges, but each person is accountable for their own actions, not the misdeeds of others or the flaws of the system in which they were born.
“Whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out.”
Surah At-Talaq 65:2
This verse reassures the believer that even in the most challenging environments, Allah will provide relief and a path forward for those who are conscious of Him.
“Indeed greater reward comes with greater trial. And indeed, when Allah loves a people He subjects them to trials, so whoever is content, then for him is pleasure, and whoever is discontent, then for him is wrath.”
This means that the greater the struggle, the greater the potential reward. Islam teaches that oppression, corruption, and hardship in a land are tests that can bring out the best in a person’s faith and resilience if they respond with patience and keep trust in Allah.
Reforming Corruption and Despair
Islam encourages Muslims to actively work toward improving the conditions of society, no matter how difficult the circumstances. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.”
Sahih Muslim 49a
While living in a corrupt or unjust society may feel overwhelming, this hadith emphasizes that every individual has a role to play in working toward justice, even if it’s only through disapproval in the heart.
Islam does not condone passive despair but encourages positive action and trust in Allah’s ultimate plan.
Making Hijrah as a Path to Preserve Faith
In lands overwhelmed by corruption and un-Islamic practices, Hijrah (migration for protecting one’s religion) becomes an essential consideration for preserving one’s faith.
وَمَن يُهَاجِرْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ يَجِدْ فِي الْأَرْضِ مُرَاغَمًا كَثِيرًا وَسَعَةً ۚ وَمَن يَخْرُجْ مِن بَيْتِهِ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ يُدْرِكْهُ الْمَوْتُ فَقَدْ وَقَعَ أَجْرُهُ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا
And whoever emigrates for the cause of Allah will find on the earth many [alternative] locations and abundance. And whoever leaves his home as an emigrant to Allah and His Messenger and then death overtakes him – his reward has already become incumbent upon Allah. And Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
Surah An Nisa 4:100
The purpose of hijrah is not simply to flee difficulty but to seek an environment where a person can obey and worship Allah freely, raise their family according to Islamic principles, and live in peace with their faith.
Recommended Readings: Ruling on Migrating to Non-Muslim Countries
Islam encourages Muslims to seek better opportunities for religious growth and community, whether by reforming the environment they are in or by making hijrah to a place where they can thrive in their deen.
Recommended Readings: When Hijrah is Obligatory and When it is Mustahab
The decision to make hijrah should be based on one’s personal circumstances, the ability to practice Islam where they are, and the availability of better opportunities in another land.
Conclusion
The notion of being born into sin because of one’s environment is a defeatist attitude that Islam does not support.
While certain places and conditions may be difficult, corrupt, or unjust, Islam teaches that every individual has the potential to rise above these challenges. No place or circumstance can inherently make a person sinful or doomed, as all are born pure and accountable for their own actions.
Islam promotes hope, personal responsibility, and active engagement in making positive changes, no matter where one is born or what challenges they face.
It encourages believers to trust in Allah’s wisdom, remain patient, and strive for justice, knowing that relief and reward come from Allah alone.
True success lies not in the external circumstances of one’s birth, but in faith, patience, and trust in Allah’s divine plan.