The world has moved towards democratically elected governments, and the era of oppressive rulers seems like a thing of the past. Unfortunately, that is not the case. In every corner of the world, you will find instances where oppressive regimes and governments are strangling the rights of their citizens. In some cases, regimes have forcefully occupied land and are oppressing the indigenous people of the area. People who have been made targets of injustice by the rulers or people in authority suffer atrocities on a daily basis. They do not have protection for their lives, families, and means of income. They are always in fear of the tactic’s oppressors use to show their power. This is when the believers can recite the dua or invocation against the oppression of rulers to seek Allah's help.
The concepts of justice and fairness in Islam are highly emphasized both in the Quran and in the life of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and even the prophets before him had invocation against the oppression of rulers to seek Allah's intervention and help. The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) condemned oppression and set an example of fairness and justice so that we learn and employ such practices in our lives to make this world a better place. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in the Quran has mentioned repeatedly to not transgress. If there are transgressors that are ruling over you, you should make supplication your strength. Graded as an authentic Hadith, invocation against the oppression of rulers listed below was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) [Hisn al-Muslim 129].
To recite the invocation against the oppression of rulers, be sincere and pure in your intent. Your intention of making this supplication should be for the greater good of society and to seek justice rather than a personal grudge. Be patient and pray with sincerity towards the people around you that you are praying for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to allow justice to prevail and that the hearts of the oppressors soften. Plead for your strength and for you to not surrender to any evil or wrong. Finally, do not lose heart when Allah does not send help right away. Allah knows better, and He is more knowledgeable about the affairs of the world. Do not give in to doubts that your dua is not being heard; it is being heard, and Allah will accept it as He sees fit.
Joy & Distress Duas
Allaahumma Rabbas-samaawaatis-sab'i, wa Rabbal-'Arshil-'Adheem, kun lee jaaran min (name of the person), wa 'ahzaabihi min khalaa'iqika, 'an yafruta 'alayya 'ahadun minhum 'aw yatghaa, 'azzajaaruka, wajalla thanaa'uka, wa laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta.
O Allah, Lord of the Seven heavens, Lord of the Magnificent Throne, be for me a support against (say the person's name) and his helpers from among your creatures, lest any of them abuse me or do me wrong. Mighty is Your patronage and glorious are Your praises. There is none worthy of worship but You.
Allahu 'Akbar, Allahu 'a'azzu min khalqihi jamee'an, Allaahu 'a'azzu mimmaa 'akhaafu wa 'ahtharu, 'a'oothu billaahil-lathee laa 'ilaaha 'illaa Huwa, almumsikis-samaawaatis-sab'i 'an yaqa'na 'alal-'ardhi 'illaa. bi'ithnihi, min sham 'abdika (name of the person), wa junoodihi wa 'atbaa'ihi wa 'ashyaa'ihi, minal-jinni wal'insi, Allaahumma kun lee jaaran min sharrihim, jalla thanaa'uka wa 'azza jaaruka, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa laa 'ilaaha ghayruka.
Allah is the Most Great, Mightier than all His creation. He is Mightier than what I fear and dread. I seek refuge in Allah, Who there is none worthy of worship but Him. He is the One Who holds the Seven heavens from falling upon the earth except by His command. (I seek refuge in You Allah) from the evil of Your slave (say the person's name), and his helpers, his followers and his supporters from among the jinn and mankind. O Allah, be my support against their evil. Glorious are Your praises and mighty is Your patronage. Blessed is Your Name, there is no true God but You. (Three times)
Praying for the invocation against the oppression of rulers is a meaningful act that holds great significance for believers. It shows one's regard for the people around them and for the values of justice to prevail in society. The benefits of this supplication aren't for one person but are reflected in society at large. It can help people find ways for peaceful advocacy and to work cordially towards bringing positive change. Making this supplication instills the quality of resilience and the ability to stand for the truth and right, preventing one from sinning and transgressing.