Dua Against Oppressors: Seek Justice and Victory in Islam

Dua Against Oppressors: A Powerful Islamic Supplication

In Islam, oppression (dhulm) is a grave sin that incurs the wrath of Allah and severe punishment in this world and the Hereafter. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, oppression is condemned, and those subjected to it are promised divine support. Among the powerful weapons given to the oppressed is dua (supplication) — a direct plea to Allah for help, justice, and retribution.

This article delves into a specific and authentic supplication that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) frequently recited, seeking protection, justice, and victory over oppressors.

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The Supplication of the Oppressed

One of the profound supplications narrated from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is the following:

1. Supplication from Jabir (رضي الله عنه):

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي سَمْعِي وَبَصَرِي ، وَاجْعَلْهُمَا الْوَارِثَيْنِ مِنِّي ، وَانْصُرْنِي عَلَى مَنْ ظَلَمَنِي ، وَأَرِنِي مِنْهُ ثَأْرِي
Allahumma aslih-li sam’i wa basari, waj’alhumal-waari-thayni minni, wansurni ‘ala man dhalamani, wa arini minhu tha’ri

“O Allah, rectify for me my hearing and my sight, and make them both healthy and strong until old age. Make me victorious over the one who oppressed me and show me his destruction.”
(Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 649, graded Saheeh by Al-Albani in Saheehah no. 3606 and Hasan by Ibn Hajar in Nata’ij al-Afkar 3/87)

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2. Supplication from Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه):

Another similar supplication is narrated by Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه):

اللَّهُمَّ مَتِّعْنِي بِسَمْعِي، وَبَصَرِي، وَاجْعَلْهُمَا الْوَارِثَ مِنِّي، وَانْصُرْنِي عَلَى مَنْ يَظْلِمُنِي، وَخُذْ مِنْهُ بِثَأْرِي
Allahumma matti’ni bi-sam’i wa basari, waj’alhumal-waritha minni, wansurni ‘ala man yadhlimuni, wa khudh minhu bi-tha’ri

“O Allah, grant me enjoyment with my hearing and eyesight, make them both healthy and strong until old age. Make me victorious over the one who oppresses me and take revenge for me.”
(Collected by Al-Hakim 1/523, authenticated and agreed upon by Ad-Dhahabi, Tirmidhi 3604, Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 650, and others, authenticated by Al-Albani in Saheehah 3170)

The Authentication of This Dua

Sheikh Al-Albani highlighted the strength of this dua by stating:

“This has been narrated from a group of Companions, from them Abu Hurairah, Jabir bin Abdullaah, Ali bin Abu Taalib, Ayesha, Sa’ad bin Zarrarah, Anas bin Malik, and Abdullaah bin Ash-Shikheer.”
He further concluded:
“In summary, the hadith with all these narrations is authentic (Saheeh), especially since some of them are graded as Hasan li-Dhatihi. And Allah knows best.”

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Key Elements of the Dua

This powerful supplication comprises several key requests:

1. Rectification of Hearing and Sight: اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي سَمْعِي وَبَصَرِي (O Allah, rectify for me my hearing and my sight).
   Hearing and sight are among the most important faculties that allow a person to navigate life. This part of the dua asks Allah to preserve and rectify these senses, especially as one grows older, ensuring they remain strong and intact.
2. Longevity of Senses: وَاجْعَلْهُمَا الْوَارِثَيْنِ مِنِّي (Make them both healthy and strong until old age).
   The supplicant asks Allah to allow their senses to remain with them until death, as a blessing to continue to serve and worship Allah fully.
3. Victory Over the Oppressor: وَانْصُرْنِي عَلَى مَنْ ظَلَمَنِي (Make me victorious over the one who oppressed me).
   Here, the oppressed seeks divine assistance for triumph over their oppressor, affirming their trust in Allah as the ultimate source of justice.
4. Divine Retribution: وَأَرِنِي مِنْهُ ثَأْرِي (Show me his destruction).
   The dua concludes with a plea for Allah to allow the oppressed to witness the downfall or retribution of the oppressor, reinforcing the concept that ultimate justice lies with Allah.

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The Islamic Stance on Oppression

Islam unequivocally condemns oppression in all its forms. Allah warns oppressors of a severe punishment:

“And do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].”
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:42)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also warned:

“Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection.”
(Sahih Muslim 2578)

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The Dua of the Oppressed is Never Rejected

One of the most powerful aspects of this dua is its connection to the promise of Allah that the supplication of the oppressed will always be answered. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Fear the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2448; Sahih Muslim 19)

Thus, making this dua with sincerity, patience, and reliance upon Allah can bring divine intervention against oppression.

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When and How to Make This Dua

1. After Salah: Supplicate sincerely after obligatory prayers when duas are more likely to be accepted.
2. In the Last Third of the Night: This is one of the best times to make dua, as Allah descends to the lowest heaven and responds to those who call upon Him.
3. During Times of Hardship: Whenever faced with oppression or injustice, turn to Allah with this dua.
4. With Full Trust in Allah: Have unwavering faith that Allah will respond, either by granting immediate relief or rewarding the oppressed with something better in the Hereafter.

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Conclusion: Seek Divine Justice with Patience

Oppression is a severe trial, but Islam provides spiritual tools to cope and seek justice. The dua of the oppressed is a powerful weapon, and through it, the believer entrusts their affairs to Allah, the Most Just.

As you make this dua, remember to couple it with patience, perseverance, and reliance on Allah’s wisdom. Know that Allah hears and responds, and He will never let the supplication of the oppressed go unanswered.

اللَّهُمَّ مَتِّعْنِي بِسَمْعِي، وَبَصَرِي، وَاجْعَلْهُمَا الْوَارِثَ مِنِّي، وَانْصُرْنِي عَلَى مَنْ يَظْلِمُنِي، وَخُذْ مِنْهُ بِثَأْرِي
“O Allah, grant me enjoyment with my hearing and eyesight, make them both healthy and strong until old age. Make me victorious over the one who oppresses me and take revenge for me.”

May Allah grant justice to all who are oppressed and protect us from becoming oppressors. Ameen.