لا يجوز الظلم
la yajuz al-zulm
Injustice is not acceptable
Literally: Injustice does not work (or is not suitable)
In 15 Seconds
- A firm moral rejection of unfair treatment or biased situations.
- Used to defend yourself or others from being treated poorly.
- Carries a strong emotional and ethical weight in daily conversation.
Meaning
This phrase is a firm, moral stand against unfairness. It’s what you say when you see someone being treated poorly or when a situation is fundamentally biased and you just can't stay silent about it.
Key Examples
3 of 6Defending a colleague in a meeting
بصراحة يا جماعة، ماينفعش الظلم، هو اشتغل أكتر مننا كلنا.
Honestly guys, injustice is not acceptable; he worked harder than all of us.
Texting a friend about a bad breakup
اللي عمله فيكي ده ماينفعش، بجد ماينفعش الظلم.
What he did to you is not okay, really, injustice is not acceptable.
A sibling taking the biggest piece of cake
إيه ده؟ خدت الحتة الكبيرة؟ ماينفعش الظلم يا بابا!
What's this? You took the big piece? Injustice is not acceptable, Dad!
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Zulm' (injustice) is central to Middle Eastern social ethics and religious teachings. This phrase specifically gained immense popularity in Egypt as a grassroots slogan against corruption. It reflects the 'Gada' (chivalrous) spirit where an individual feels a personal responsibility to call out unfairness, even if it doesn't affect them directly.
The Power of the 'Sh'
The 'sh' sound at the end of `ماينفعش` is the Egyptian way of negating. It adds a bit of 'oomph' and finality to the statement.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it for every tiny thing (like a slow internet connection), people will think you're being overly dramatic. Save it for real human unfairness.
In 15 Seconds
- A firm moral rejection of unfair treatment or biased situations.
- Used to defend yourself or others from being treated poorly.
- Carries a strong emotional and ethical weight in daily conversation.
What It Means
ماينفعش الظلم is more than just a complaint about a bad day. It is a declaration of principles. In Arabic, the word الظلم (injustice) carries a heavy moral weight. It’s not just about a referee making a bad call; it’s about a violation of someone's rights or dignity. When you say this, you are saying that the current state of affairs is morally unacceptable and shouldn't be allowed to continue.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a complete sentence or a strong interjection. It acts as a conversation stopper because it appeals to a higher sense of right and wrong. You don’t need to be a lawyer to use it; you just need to feel that something is 'not right.' It’s short, punchy, and carries the weight of a thousand arguments. Think of it as your verbal shield when you're defending yourself or someone else.
When To Use It
Use it when a colleague is being blamed for something they didn't do. Use it when a friend is being excluded from a group for no reason. You can even use it in a semi-joking way if your friend takes the last slice of pizza after you paid for the whole thing—though that’s a bit dramatic! It’s perfect for those moments where 'that’s not fair' feels too weak and you need something with more teeth.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in very formal legal proceedings where you need specific legal terminology. Also, don't use it for minor inconveniences that aren't actually 'unjust.' If the bus is late, ماينفعش الظلم is overkill; you just look like you're looking for a fight with the universe. It’s for human-to-human unfairness, not just bad luck.
Cultural Background
In Egyptian and Levantine cultures, standing up against الظلم is a sign of 'Gada’na' (chivalry/manliness). There is a deep cultural pride in being the person who speaks up for the underdog. This phrase became a powerful social anthem during various political movements in the Middle East, symbolizing the collective refusal to accept systemic unfairness. It resonates deeply with the idea that a society cannot function if justice is absent.
Common Variations
You might hear الظلم ظلمات (Injustice is darkness), which is a more religious or poetic way of saying the same thing. Another common one is مش عدل (It’s not fair), which is a bit lighter and more casual. If you want to be more emotional, you might say حرام الظلم ده (This injustice is a sin/shame), adding a layer of moral condemnation to the mix.
Usage Notes
This expression is primarily Egyptian dialect but is widely understood. It sits in the 'neutral' register—appropriate for both a heated argument with a friend and a serious discussion with a supervisor.
The Power of the 'Sh'
The 'sh' sound at the end of `ماينفعش` is the Egyptian way of negating. It adds a bit of 'oomph' and finality to the statement.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it for every tiny thing (like a slow internet connection), people will think you're being overly dramatic. Save it for real human unfairness.
The 'Gada' Factor
Saying this makes you look like a 'Gada' (a stand-up person). In many Arab cultures, being someone who hates injustice is the ultimate compliment.
Examples
6بصراحة يا جماعة، ماينفعش الظلم، هو اشتغل أكتر مننا كلنا.
Honestly guys, injustice is not acceptable; he worked harder than all of us.
Using the phrase to highlight a colleague's unrecognized effort.
اللي عمله فيكي ده ماينفعش، بجد ماينفعش الظلم.
What he did to you is not okay, really, injustice is not acceptable.
Providing emotional support by validating the friend's feeling of being wronged.
إيه ده؟ خدت الحتة الكبيرة؟ ماينفعش الظلم يا بابا!
What's this? You took the big piece? Injustice is not acceptable, Dad!
A lighthearted, slightly dramatic use of the phrase among family.
الفاتورة دي غلط، وماينفعش الظلم ده في التعامل.
This bill is wrong, and this kind of injustice in dealings is unacceptable.
A firm way to demand fair treatment in a commercial context.
يا ساتر! الناس دي غلابة، وماينفعش الظلم ده.
Oh my God! These people are poor, and this injustice is unacceptable.
Expressing empathy for strangers who were cheated.
يا ريت نوقف كلام، ماينفعش الظلم وهي مش موجودة.
I wish we'd stop talking; injustice is not acceptable while she's not here.
Taking a moral stand against backbiting.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase expressing that unfairness is wrong.
لما تشوف حد بيتعامل وحش، لازم تقول ___ الظلم.
`ماينفعش` (not possible/not acceptable) is the specific negation used in this set expression.
Which word represents 'injustice' in this expression?
ماينفعش ___.
`الظلم` means injustice. `العدل` means justice, which would make the sentence mean 'Justice is not acceptable'—the opposite of what you want!
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality & Context Spectrum
Joking with siblings over a small snack.
Hey, you took my fries! Mayenfa'sh el-zulm!
Discussing a work dispute with a trusted peer.
The way they treated him was wrong. Mayenfa'sh el-zulm.
Addressing a manager about a team issue.
We need fairness here, because mayenfa'sh el-zulm.
When to say 'Mayenfa'sh El-Zulm'
Workplace Bias
When a promotion is given to the boss's cousin instead of the top performer.
Social Defense
When someone is being bullied or mocked in a group chat.
Customer Rights
When a shop refuses to refund a clearly defective item.
Family Disputes
When one child is blamed for the mess made by another.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesلما تشوف حد بيتعامل وحش، لازم تقول ___ الظلم.
`ماينفعش` (not possible/not acceptable) is the specific negation used in this set expression.
ماينفعش ___.
`الظلم` means injustice. `العدل` means justice, which would make the sentence mean 'Justice is not acceptable'—the opposite of what you want!
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile the specific phrasing ماينفعش is very Egyptian, the sentiment is understood across the Arab world. Other regions might say ما بيصير الظلم or الظلم مش مقبول.
Yes, but be careful with your tone. If you say it calmly like يا فندم، ماينفعش الظلم ده, it sounds like a principled observation rather than an attack.
The opposite would be calling for justice, like لازم يكون فيه عدل (There must be justice).
Not strictly, but it aligns with religious values. It's a secular, social expression used by everyone regardless of their background.
Technically yes, if you're admitting your mistake! You could say أنا عارف إن ماينفعش الظلم، وأنا غلطت (I know injustice isn't acceptable, and I was wrong).
Yes, it's quite strong. It implies a moral failing, not just a simple mistake or an error in judgment.
Not really. You wouldn't say it about a broken car. It's almost always about how people treat other people.
In Egyptian dialect, the ظ often sounds like a heavy, emphatic 'Z' or 'D' sound. It's deep in the throat.
You can just say ظلم! (Injustice!) as an exclamation, but ماينفعش الظلم sounds more like a complete thought.
Use مش عدل (mish adl). It's the standard way to say 'it's not fair' without the heavy moral baggage of الظلم.
Related Phrases
حرام عليك
مش عدل
حقك عليا
الساكت عن الحق شيطان أخرس
