Dua upon encountering an enemy or those of authority

Islam provides guidance on how to react and deal with every possible situation or trouble a Muslim might face at any stage in his life. As a matter of foundational belief, Muslims are urged to turn to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ as the first thing to do in any difficult situation, followed by Dua (supplication), and then make practical efforts to resolve the problem. Once all this is done, leave the outcome to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, with a firm belief that whatever transpires is the best for you.

The result might not always be what an individual was expecting; sometimes it might be entirely against your expectations. But a true believer should maintain unwavering trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, believing from the core of his heart that He knows what is good for us and what is not. Dua is an ultimate resort for a believer to deal with difficult situations in life. Making a Dua does not mean that a Muslim should not take possible practical steps to come out of the difficulties. Dua is a source of strength and moral support for a believer, which must be followed by practical efforts.

The Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ have taught several specific Duas, which a Muslim can recite in the event of a troublesome situation. Accordingly, several specific Duas for facing or encountering an enemy are mentioned in different authentic Hadiths and Quranic verses. The 45^th verse of Surah Al-Anfal guides believers on how to deal with enemies:

Translation - Believers! When you encounter a host in battle, stand firm and remember Allah much that you may triumph.

This verse tells believers to maintain steadfastness, discipline, patience, courage, and obedience, alongside making dua against the enemy. So, the guiding principle to face an enemy is to turn to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, by way of making Dua for protection from the enemy, while adopting all possible measures to overcome the enemy. Several authentic Hadiths guide us on what to say when facing an enemy. One such dua when meeting an enemy is narrated 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.”

(اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَجْعَلُكَ فِي نُحُورِهِمْ وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شُرُورِهِمْ).

This is considered the best dua when facing an enemy in Islam, or when facing someone in authority. Moreover, it is also the Sunnah of the Prophet to recite this dua when encountering those in authority. Another Dua taught by the Prophet to deal with similar situations is narrated in Hadith 2632 of Sunan Abi Dawud, as follows:

Translation - When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went on an expedition, he said: O Allah, Thou art my aider and helper; by Thee I move, by Thee I attack, and by Thee I fight.

(اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ عَضُدِي وَنَصِيرِي بِكَ أَحُولُ وَبِكَ أَصُولُ وَبِكَ أُقَاتِلُ)

This dua is considered the most powerful, as believers acknowledge and firmly believe that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the sole and ultimate source of strength, and that He can support us in difficult situations when we encounter enemies.

Another powerful supplication, which Muslims can recite while facing an enemy or a person in authority, is directly narrated in the 173^rd verse of Surah Al-e-Imran:

Translation - When people said to them: 'Behold, a host has gathered around you, and you should fear them', it only increased their faith, and they answered: 'Allah is Sufficient for us; and what an excellent Guardian He is!'

This dua is also mentioned in Hadith 4563 of Sahih Al-Bukhari. It is narrated in this Hadith that this is the Dua of the Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, which he recited when he was thrown into the fire by the then ruler, Nimrud. As mentioned in this Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ also recited this Dua when the hypocrites informed him that a huge army was about to attack him, so he should feel frightened.

Translation - '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)

(حَسْبُنَا اللہُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيْلُ)

By reciting this Dua, believers reaffirm that Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ is the ultimate Power that can save us from all enemies, fear, and threats. Similarly, the supplication of the Prophet Yunus عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, which he recited while being swallowed by a huge fish. When he was in the belly of the fish, he supplicated, seeking Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ mercy and forgiveness, while accepting his mistake. This Dua is mentioned in the 87^th verse of Surah Al-Anbiya. Although this Dua is not directly related to the situation of encountering an enemy, it is also recommended by scholars as one of the Duas that can be recited during fear, difficulty, threat, and stress, including fear or threat from an enemy or a person in authority.

Translation - And We bestowed Our favour upon Dhu al-Nun. Recall, when he went forth enraged, thinking We have no power to take him to task. Eventually he cried out in the darkness: There is no god but You. Glory be to You! I have done wrong."

(لَّاۗ اِلٰہَ اِلَّاۗ اَنْتَ سُبْحٰــنَكَ۝۰ۤۖ اِنِّىْ كُنْتُ مِنَ الظّٰلِــمِيْنَ)

Significance of Reciting Duas When Encountering An Enemy

Reciting any of the above-referred Duas, when facing an enemy, holds great spiritual significance in Islam, some of which are summarized here:

• Complete Reliance on Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ – Making specific Duas during an encounter with some powerful person or enemy is an affirmation of unconditional and complete reliance on Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. By reciting such Duas, believers shift their attention to the Ultimate Power of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, removing the sense of threat and fear and providing spiritual and moral strength.
• The Spiritual Protection – When a Muslim turns to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, seeking His protection from the enemy or a powerful person in authority, it gives him spiritual strength that he is under the protection of the ultimate Power.
• The Encouragement – When experiencing threat or risk from the actions of a powerful person in authority, the affected person is highly likely to lose his confidence. In this situation, he might make wrong decisions or take steps that put him at risk. Reciting one of the authentic Duas under this condition provides encouragement, which helps a lot in dealing with the enemy.
• The Humility – Reciting a Dua when dealing with an enemy is a kind of affirmation and acknowledgment of his total dependency on Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
• Following the Sunnah – It is a well-known Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ to seek Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ mercy, forgiveness, and help when facing an enemy. When a Muslim recites any such Dua during similar situations, he is in fact following the Sunnah of the Prophet, bringing double rewards and benefits.

Etiquettes of Reciting Dua Upon Encountering an Enemy or Those of Authority

To make dua upon encountering an enemy or those of authority, one should recite the dua mentioned above for one’s protection and ease of heart rather than wishing ill upon their opponent. One should have the attitude of sincerity and confidence in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and should practice both patience and self-control in times where one is being tested.

The etiquettes of reciting Dua upon encountering an enemy are summarized here:

• Dua must be recited with complete attention, with an understanding of what is being recited. It should not be a sort of mechanical repetition; one should recite it from deep inside of his heart and soul.
• While seeking protection from a person in authority or an enemy, Muslims should stay away from committing oppressive or violent acts against their opponents. Muslims should always act in accordance with the Islamic principles of justice, even when dealing with enemies.
• As mentioned in the Quran, Muslims need to remain calm and composed when encountering an enemy. Always try to make Dua in this situation, calmly, without showing hastiness.
• The most important thing while reciting a specific Dua is to take all possible steps and measures that may help resolve the problem, while remaining within Islamic principles.
• Try not to seek harm for your opponents, although doing so with justifiable reasons is permissible in Islam. However, sometimes your justifications might not be true or relevant. So, avoid seeking harm for your enemies; just seek Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ protection against the opponents. 
• Even if the results of your supplications are not in line with your expectations, keep unwavering trust in Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Wisdom. Sometimes, what we expect might not be good for us, and only Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ knows what should come our way.  

Benefits of Reciting Dua Upon Encountering an Enemy or Those of Authority

Dua is the weapon of a believer and a constant source of seeking protection and wellness for one’s self and others around. Making supplication upon encountering enemies or those of authority can help you find a direction in dealing with such individuals. You can ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to soften the hearts of the people who do not hold a good intent for you in their hearts.

Through Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will, praying in such circumstances can soften your heart and give a sense of comfort and safety. Praying would also be beneficial in offering insight about how you can move towards peace and resolution towards your enemies. Praying in such an instance can help you navigate negative feelings in your heart and deal with adversity in a positive manner.

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