Does This Dua Protect Against Harm From Fellow Muslims?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
There is a dua to prevent your enemies from rejoicing at your suffering. When you recite this dua, does it also apply to people amongst the Muslims who might be harboring ill feelings towards you?
“Oh Allah, I seek refuge in You from the difficulty of affliction, from the burden of hardship, from evil judgment, and from the enemy’s malicious rejoicing (for my suffering).”
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Yes, this supplication has a broad application and is not limited to non-Muslim enemies.
Meaning of the Supplication
The supplication you mentioned is authentic and reads as follows:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلاَءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الأَعْدَاءِ
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the difficulty of affliction, from the burden of hardship, from evil judgment, and from the malicious rejoicing of enemies.” [Bukhari; Muslim]
Hadith commentators say that “the enemy’s malicious rejoicing” means anyone who holds ill will, feels happy at someone’s pain, or gains emotionally or socially from another’s hardship. This is not limited by religion.
Does It Apply to Muslims Who Harbor Ill Feelings?
Yes. The word ‘aduww (enemy) in the Quran and Sunna does not only refer to non-believers. It can mean:
- An open opponent,
- A jealous rival,
- Someone who envies blessings,
- Or anyone who delights in another’s misfortune, even if they outwardly identify as Muslim. [Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari]
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also asked Allah for protection from envy, harm, and hidden malice. Sadly, envy and spite can exist within the Muslim community, too.
It is important to note that this duʿa is not a sign of hostility or an accusation. It is a way to seek protection from Allah, showing our vulnerability to Him instead of judging others’ intentions.
Spiritual Lessons in the Supplication
- This supplication teaches us to maintain our dignity by not allowing others to take pleasure in our difficulties.
- It helps us focus on seeking Allah’s protection, rather than looking for approval or revenge.
- It reminds us that harm can sometimes come from places we do not expect.
This dua asks for protection from both inner hardship, like affliction and distress, and from outside harm, such as how others react to our suffering. [Ibn Battal, Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari]
Making this dua does not contradict having a good opinion of believers, nor does it promote suspicion. Instead, it reflects prophetic guidance on how to seek Allah’s protection.
We live among others, and only Allah knows what is in people’s hearts. We ask Him for protection, rather than making claims against others.
May Allah protect you from hardship, keep you safe from any harmful intentions, whether obvious or hidden, and give you dignity during trials and ease afterwards.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
