In this life, it is not uncommon to hear stories of injustice and oppression experienced by the weak. Every day, many of us witness or even experience firsthand how difficult life can be when we are treated unfairly. However, in Islam, there is one thing that is very important for us to know, namely the prayer of the oppressed. This prayer has extraordinary power that can overcome all forms of oppression and injustice.
The prayer of the oppressed has a very important place in Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
“Beware of the prayer of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between the prayer of the oppressed and Allah.” (HR. Bukhari)
This hadith reminds us that the prayer of the oppressed is very powerful in the presence of Allah. When someone is treated unfairly, even if they have no power to retaliate, they still possess a very powerful weapon, which is prayer. This prayer will not be rejected, for Allah SWT always hears the voice of the oppressed and the wronged.
Stories of the Oppressed in Islamic History
In Islamic history, there are many stories of oppressed people who eventually obtained justice through their prayers.
One such story is that of Sumayyah bint Khayyat, the first woman to die as a martyr in Islam. She and her husband, Yasir, along with their children, including Ammar bin Yasir, were brutally tortured by polytheists in Mecca simply because they had embraced Islam. Despite the torture, Sumayyah remained steadfast in her faith.
Sumayyah was eventually killed by Abu Jahal with a spear, but at that moment, she managed to utter a prayer to Allah, and Allah accepted her prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) announced that Sumayyah was among those promised paradise. The prayers of the oppressed, like Sumayyah, are not in vain, for Allah will reward them with something far better in the hereafter.
Additionally, there is the story of Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas, who prayed with full conviction when he felt wronged by someone who had treated him unjustly. The Prophet Muhammad SAW also told his companions that the prayers of the oppressed are among those that Allah does not reject, even if they are in great difficulty.
The Power of the Prayers of the Oppressed in Changing Destiny
The prayers of the oppressed contain extraordinary power. Even though they do not have the physical or material ability to retaliate against the bad treatment they receive, prayer is a very powerful means of obtaining justice.
In a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
“Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a fasting person, the prayer of an oppressed person, and the prayer of a traveler.” (HR. Tirmidzi)
This hadith highlights the immense power of the prayers of the oppressed. Even Allah SWT has promised that their prayers will be accepted, and there is no barrier between their prayers and Allah. In such circumstances, an oppressed person can pray to Allah with full hope, seeking justice and His assistance.
The prayers of the oppressed can be very powerful. Although we do not know all the prayers that should be recited, here are some examples of prayers that can be recited by those who feel oppressed, in accordance with Islamic teachings:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from every injustice that befalls me, and I seek justice from You. You are the Most Just Judge, and no one can overrule Your decision. O Allah, help me, forgive those who have wronged me, and make me stronger in facing this trial.”
The Power of Prayer and Allah’s Justice
Allah SWT is Most Just. No injustice is left unpunished. Allah will surely deliver justice at the right time. The prayers of the oppressed are one of the ways Allah shows His justice, for He is All-Hearing and All-Seeing.
In any situation, we must believe that Allah’s justice is never wrong. Even though we may not see it immediately, there will definitely be a reward, either in this world or in the hereafter. Allah SWT says in the Quran:
“And do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a day that will make the sun retreat, a day when the people will be in great distress.” (QS. Ibrahim: 42)
Prayers for the Oppressed and Our Duty to Help
As Muslims, besides praying for the oppressed, we also have a duty to help those who are downtrodden. Providing assistance to the oppressed, sharing kindness with them, and fighting for their rights are part of the virtuous deeds highly encouraged in Islam.
If you wish to assist our brothers and sisters who are being oppressed, there are many ways to do so, one of which is by donating through a reputable humanitarian organization, such as Dompet Dhuafa.
The ongoing crisis in Palestine has caused immense suffering for many people, especially innocent civilians. They are being oppressed, and their voices are increasingly being ignored amidst the chaos of the world.
Let us pray together for those who are oppressed and also provide assistance through donations. Your donations mean a lot to those in need. Help our oppressed brothers and sisters in Palestine through Dompet Dhuafa. Every donation you make will bring new hope to those in need.
