Can the Supplication of the Oppressed Return Upon Them? Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta Explains
Sheikh Mahmoud Shalaby explained the Islamic ruling on whether the supplication of an oppressed person against an oppressor can return upon the one making the supplication.
Can the Supplication of the Oppressed Return Upon Them? Dar Al-Ifta Explains
Many Muslims wonder whether the supplication (dua) of an oppressed person against an oppressor could eventually return upon the one making the supplication. Sheikh Mahmoud Shalaby, Secretary of Fatwa at Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta, explained the Islamic ruling and clarified the limits of such supplications.
Is It Permissible to Pray Against an Oppressor?
Islam Permits the Oppressed to Supplicate
Sheikh Mahmoud Shalaby explained that it is permissible for an oppressed person to pray against the one who has wronged them. He cited the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who said: "Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah." This hadith highlights the special status of the oppressed person's prayer and Allah's support for those who have suffered injustice.
Can the Supplication Return Upon the Oppressed?
The Oppressor Bears Responsibility
According to Dar Al-Ifta, the oppressor is responsible for the consequences of their own actions. The oppressed person is not blamed for making a lawful supplication against injustice, as long as it remains within the limits permitted by Islamic teachings.
What Are the Limits of Such Supplications?
Do Not Exceed the Harm Suffered
Islamic scholars advise that the supplication should correspond to the injustice suffered and should not go beyond what is appropriate. Islam encourages justice even when seeking one's rights.
Why Is Forgiveness Better?
Forgiveness Brings Greater Reward
Sheikh Mahmoud Shalaby emphasized that forgiveness remains the better option whenever possible. Allah says in the Qur'an: "Whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah." Forgiveness is considered one of the highest moral virtues in Islam and carries immense reward.
When Is Supplication Appropriate?
If Forgiveness Is Too Difficult
If a person finds it difficult to forgive and needs to relieve emotional pain through supplication, there is no sin in doing so. Allah says: "Allah does not like the public mention of evil except by one who has been wronged." This verse demonstrates that Islam recognizes the emotional burden of oppression while encouraging justice and patience.
Conclusion
Dar Al-Ifta confirms that the supplication of the oppressed against an oppressor is permissible in Islam and does not return upon the oppressed because of another person's wrongdoing. However, supplication should remain proportionate to the injustice suffered, while forgiveness continues to be the higher and more rewarding path.
Is it permissible to pray against an oppressor?
Yes. Islamic teachings allow the oppressed to supplicate against those who have wronged them.
Can the supplication of the oppressed return upon them?
No. The oppressor bears responsibility for their own injustice.
Should the supplication remain within limits?
Yes. Scholars recommend that it should not exceed the extent of the injustice suffered.
Is forgiveness better than praying against an oppressor?
Yes. Forgiveness is highly rewarded in Islam, although supplication remains permissible for the oppressed.
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