Islam is a religion that promotes peace within society, as well as across nations. But at the same time, it also demands complete preparedness to face enemies, so as to protect Islam as well as the nation. The Islamic concept of peace and preparedness is elaborately mentioned in the 60th and 61st verses of Surah Al-Anfal, as follows:
Translation
While the above verses emphasize readiness to face enemies for the protection of the nation and religion, Islam also teaches the believers that no success is possible without Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ help. So, Muslims are also required to make a specific Dua to defeat enemies before confronting them. The concept of seeking Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ help is narrated in the next verse: the 62nd verse of Surah An-Anfal, as follows:
Translation: And should they seek to deceive you, Allah is sufficient for you. He it is Who strengthened you with His succor and the believers.
Hence, the guidance of Islam is quite clear: firstly, try to maintain peace; secondly, be ready to face the enemies with full preparedness; thirdly, seek Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ help and support to overcome the enemies. And the best way to seek Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ help is to make Dua for protection from enemies, as well as from evil people. There are several Quranic verses and Hadiths where Duas for protection against enemies are mentioned.
The dua against enemies calls upon Allah's attribute of being swift to take account and deliver justice. It beseeches the Almighty to shake the ranks of the enemies and defeat them. One of the biggest examples of how the dua against the enemies of Islam was fulfilled was in the battle of Badr when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) sent down divine help for Muslims to fight against the enemies who outnumbered Muslims.
Fighting against enemies shouldn't be the first resort but the last. Islam encourages dialogue and the way of peace. However, if the enemy is bent on aggression, then one must give an appropriate response to defend themselves. In such circumstances, the dua against enemies helps bring courage and solace to the righteous. It reminds them that Allah's help is near, and He has power over all outcomes.
Narrated by Abdullah bin Abi' Aufa and reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, 2933, during the battle of Al-Ahzab, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) prayed to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) with the dua listed below for the defeat of the enemies.
Another very powerful Dua against the enemy is mentioned in Hadith 1537 of Sunan Abi Dawud.
Translation - When the Prophet (ﷺ) feared a (group of) people, he would say: "O Allah, we make Thee our shield against them, and take refuge in Thee from their evils."
Similarly, the 173rd verse of Surah Al-e-Imran teaches another Dua against enemies. It is also known as the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, which he recited when he was thrown into the ditch of fire by the enemies, under the leadership of Nimrood. The same Dua was also recited by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, when he was informed of a gathering of enemies against him. This incident and supplication are mentioned in Hadith 4563 of Sahih Al-Bukhari.
Translation of Hadith - 'Allah is Sufficient for us and He Is the Best Disposer of affairs," was said by Abraham when he was thrown into the fire; and it was said by Muhammad when they (i.e. hypocrites) said, "A great army is gathering against you, therefore, fear them," but it only increased their faith and they said: "Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer (of affairs, for us)." (3.173)
Another very powerful supplication is mentioned in the 250th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, which can be specifically recited to seek Allah’s help to get victory against the enemies of Islam.
Translation of the relevant part - Our Lord, bless us with fortitude, make firm our foothold, and give us victory over the unbelieving host.
There are several other Duas mentioned in different authentic Hadiths and Quranic verses, which can be recited while facing enemies and seeking protection against them.
Joy & Distress Duas
Allaahumma munzilal-kitaabi, saree'al-hisaabi, ihzimil-'ahzaaba, Allaahumma ihzimhum wa zalzilhum.
Allah, Revealer of the Book, Swift to account, defeat the groups (of disbelievers). O Allah, defeat them and shake them.
The central theme of all these Duas is to reaffirm that success against enemies only comes through Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ help and support, and that Muslims must turn to Him, through supplication and remembrance, seeking His help to overcome the enemies. It is also a reaffirmation that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is sufficient for a believer when fighting or facing one's personal enemy, or the enemies of Islam.
The first and foremost etiquette of reciting any dua is to be humble and sincere in your prayers. When praying against enemies, do not do it in a way that you wish ill upon someone; rather, pray for their guidance and the softening of their hearts so that they are guided towards the right. Ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to protect you from the harm or plots of the enemies and for your righteousness and strength. Dua made with humility and faith that it is only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) who will protect you and guide you is heard as it is the first and basic etiquette that you pray with full faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
The etiquettes of making Dua against the enemies are summarized here:
A meaningful supplication can have significant outcomes that can change a person's life. Dua made against enemies and for one's strength and patience offers an individual insight into navigating through people who do not have the best intentions for them. Dua is an act of worship, and praying in times of adversity strengthens one's belief in their Creator and allows them to trust Him to handle the difficult matters and protect them from the evil that is there.
It prevents people from transgressing or using force or oppression against their enemies and inculcates a resilient and fearless attitude that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will not let any harm come to them. Leaving matters in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and praying for the guidance of the enemies and a forgiving attitude can save one from sinning or any unlawful acts.
Any of the recommended Duas can be recited for protection against enemies. However, the majority of scholars recommend “Allahumma inna naj‘aluka fi nuhurihim wa na‘udhu bika min shururihim" as the best Dua against enemies in Islam.
Yes, Islam allows every believer to ask for Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ help against the harm being done to them by an oppressor. You can recite any of the recommended Duas to get protected from their harm.
Yes, you can recite the specific Dua for this purpose, which was recited by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, seeking victory over the enemies, during the Battle of the Confederates (Al-Ahzab). This Dua is mentioned in Hadith 2933 of Sahih Al-Bukhari. Dua is “Allaahumma munzilal-kitaabi, saree'al-hisaabi, ihzimil-'ahzaaba, Allaahumma ihzimhum wa zalzilhum”.
Anyone can recite a specific Dua against enemies whenever required, for unlimited times. Dua can be continued for several times until the danger is removed, or even beyond that.
A true Muslim is expected to practice both: make Dua and take practical steps to overcome an enemy. This is the spirit of Islamic teachings. Merely relying on Dua, without making physical efforts, is against the spirit of Islamic teachings.