The Oppressed in Islam: Rights and Prayers for Justice
Islam, as a religion of peace and justice, places great emphasis on the protection of the oppressed. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave special attention to those who face injustice, stressing that oppression is forbidden in all its forms. In this article, we will explore the rights of the oppressed in Islam and the powerful prayers (duas) that an oppressed person can use to seek justice from God.
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1. Oppression in the Quran and Sunnah
Oppression, referred to as dhulm in Arabic, is an act that is strongly condemned in Islam. Allah, in the Quran, warns against injustice, whether it is inflicted on an individual or a community. Several Quranic verses and hadiths emphasize that those who oppress others will face severe punishment in the afterlife, while the oppressed will receive Allah’s mercy.
Quranic Verses on Oppression:
- “Those who wrong themselves by turning away from the right path will be punished.” (Surah 42: Verse 42)
- “Allah does not love the unjust.” (Surah 3: Verse 57)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned against injustice in these words: “Beware of injustice, for injustice will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection.” (Reported by Muslim).
2. The Rights of the Oppressed in Islam
Islam fully acknowledges the rights of the oppressed and seeks to provide them with protection and redress. These rights are granted through divine and human justice.
a. Divine Protection
Regardless of their status or condition, the oppressed have the right to turn to Allah for justice. Islam teaches that the prayer of the oppressed is always answered. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Fear the supplication of the one you oppress, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
This means that when someone faces injustice, Allah listens directly to their prayers and responds to their pleas for justice.
b. The Support of the Believers
The oppressed also have the right to receive the support and solidarity of the Muslim community. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised: “Help your brother, whether he is the oppressor or the oppressed.” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! We understand how to help the oppressed, but how can we help the oppressor?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “By preventing him from committing injustice.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Thus, Islam actively encourages Muslims to defend the oppressed and to stand against all forms of injustice.
3. Prayers (Duas) for the Oppressed
One of the most powerful tools available to the oppressed is prayer, or dua. Prayers play a crucial role in a Muslim’s life, especially when they are confronted with injustice. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged believers to call upon Allah in times of distress, and there are specific prayers for those who suffer oppression.
a. Specific Duas for the Oppressed
Several prayers are mentioned in Islamic texts to help the oppressed seek justice. Here are some of the most common invocations:
Dua of Abu Hurayrah: “O Allah! I ask You to protect me from the tyranny of men and to relieve me from the suffering I endure.”
Dua of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “O Allah, Lord of the heavens and the earth, grant me Your help against those who oppress me.”
Ayat Al-Kursi (Surah 2:255): This verse is often recited to protect oneself from all forms of injustice and oppression.
Surah Al-Fil (Surah 105): This chapter recalls how Allah protected the Kaaba from oppressors and is sometimes recited by those seeking protection from injustice.
b. The Invocation in Patience
One of the key virtues promoted in Islam when facing oppression is patience (sabr). While injustice can cause great suffering, Islam encourages believers to remain patient while seeking divine assistance.
Allah says in the Quran: “Seek help through patience and prayer.” (Surah 2: Verse 45). This teaches that the oppressed are encouraged to combine their prayer with unwavering patience.
4. Divine Justice: A Promise for the Oppressed
In Islam, divine justice is inevitable. Those who oppress others may escape human justice, but they can never escape Allah’s justice. On the Day of Judgment, all wrongs will be made right, and every oppressed person will see their injustice rectified.
Allah promises in the Quran: “Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when eyes will stare in horror.” (Surah 14: Verse 42).
This divine assurance is a source of comfort for believers who endure injustice. They know that Allah does not forget their suffering and that He will grant them justice, whether in this world or the next.
5. Acting Against Injustice: Individual and Collective Responsibility
In addition to prayers, Islam urges believers to take action against injustice. It is not enough to pray for justice; Muslims are encouraged to actively intervene to stop oppression and defend the rights of the oppressed.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.” (Reported by Muslim).
This means that every Muslim has a moral obligation to intervene when they witness injustice. This intervention can take various forms: education, legal assistance, social mobilization, or providing moral support to the oppressed.
Conclusion
Islam places great emphasis on protecting the oppressed, both through human and divine justice. Prayers, particularly, provide a powerful means for the oppressed to seek justice and find relief. However, prayer must be accompanied by sincere patience and concrete action against injustice. By following these principles, Muslims can hope to see justice prevail, whether in this world or in the Hereafter.
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