Praying Against Oppressors

Question: Should Muslims pray against those who wrong them?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

No, one should not pray against those who wrong one. Rather one should take the means to avoid their harm, pray to be protected from them, and pray for their guidance.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Verily, I was not sent to curse people, rather I was only sent as a mercy’ (Muslim).

The worst one may do is to make a prayer against wrongdoers in general. For example, ‘O Allah, punish oppressors.’

One should not say, ‘O Allah, punish So-and-so.’ because that person may well repent and be much better than the one who made the prayer (Hashiyat al Bajuri ala Ibn Qasim).

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language