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.
Islam has repeatedly condemned oppression in both the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Islamic theology guarantees equal rights of existence across nations and races. No one has the right to oppress others in Islam. The concept of slavery, which was the worst form of oppression, was forbidden during the very early days of Islam.
Hadith 2577a of Sahih Muslim clearly narrates that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ has forbidden oppression.
Translation of the relevant part: Abu Dharr reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: My servants, I have made oppression unlawful for Me and unlawful for you, so do not commit oppression against one another………
Similarly, Hadith 2579 of Sahih Muslim reports that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ termed oppression “darkness”.
Translation: Oppression is the darkness on the Day of Resurrection.
Several other Hadiths condemn and forbid oppression. Despite the clear prohibition and condemnation of oppressive action against the weaker segments of the population by influential persons, it has been practiced throughout the known history of this world. Beyond individual behavior, rulers have consistently been involved in this practice, even at the Government level. Many people, especially Muslims, are facing such situations in different parts of the world.
So, a powerful Dua against oppression, especially against oppressive rulers, for those believers who are subject to oppression by others, especially the rulers, is mentioned in the 75th verse of Surah An-Nisa, as follows:
Translation of relevant part - ……… Our Lord, bring us out of this land whose people are oppressors and appoint for us from Yourself a protector, and appoint for us from Yourself a helper.
This is one of the best Duas for oppressed people, whether they are subject to individual oppressors or the oppression of rulers.
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].
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)
The Duas mentioned here are generally considered the best Duas for relief from oppression. You can also recite them for relief from injustice within a particular society or nation. With the recitation of these Duas, one can also seek Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ help for justice from the oppressors.
Several Hadiths highlight the importance of Dua against oppressors and injustice, including rulers who oppress the weaker segments of society. Hadith 2448 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates it as follows:
Translation: Be afraid of the curse of the oppressed, as there is no screen between his invocation and Allah.
The above Hadith shows that the Dua of the oppressed directly reaches Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. It also means that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ certainly hears and accepts the Duas made by the oppressed against the oppressions of rulers.
رَبَّنَاۗ اَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ ھٰذِہِ الْقَرْيَۃِ الظَّالِمِ اَہْلُھَا۰ۚ وَاجْعَلْ لَّنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ وَلِيًّا۰ۚۙ وَّاجْعَلْ لَّنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ نَصِيْرًا
This Dua is mentioned in the 75th verse of Surah An-Nisa.
Rabbana akhrijna min hathihi alqaryati alththalimi ahluha waijAAal lana min ladunka waliyyan waijAAal lana min ladunka.
Our Lord, bring us out of this land whose people are oppressors and appoint for us from Yourself a protector, and appoint for us from Yourself a helper.
This is a powerful and effective dua for oppressed people who feel powerless against rulers or influential people. The oppressed are seeking direct help from Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ through this Dua to help them get rid of the oppression by sending someone from Him who can protect and help them against the oppressors. When a person or group of persons show complete reliance on Him, Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ definitely hears and accepts their supplication, not necessarily immediately but at an appropriate time, as deemed best by Him.
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.
Some of the etiquettes to be practiced when making Dua against the oppressions of rulers are summarized here:
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.
When a believer faces oppression from someone in authority, such as rulers or any other influential person in society, he should recite any authentic Duas for protection against oppression. One such Dua, as mentioned in the 75th verse of Surah An-Nisa, is “Rabbana akhrijna min hathihi alqaryati alththalimi ahluha waijAAal lana min ladunka waliyyan waijAAal lana min ladunka”.
Yes, there are several specific Duas mentioned in the Quran and Hadith that can be recited in such a situation. The best Dua in this situation is “Rabbana akhrijna min hathihi alqaryati alththalimi ahluha waijAAal lana min ladunka waliyyan waijAAal lana min ladunka”, whereas other Duas, as narrated above, can also be recited.
Yes, the Prophet taught us to seek Allah’s help and protection against the oppressive acts of others, which might be harming you.
Yes, Hadith 2448 of Sahih Al-Bukhari narrates that there is no barrier between Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and Dua made by an oppressed person. This means such Duas directly reach Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ and are highly likely to be accepted, though results may come at an appropriate time, as He deems best.
Yes, Hadith 2444 of Sahih Al-Bukhari teaches us to help the oppressor so he may stop oppressing others. So, you can make Dua in favor of an oppressive ruler, seeking guidance for him from Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.