Author: Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar al-Hammad (Hafizullah)
In this hadith, alongside the oppressed, the prayers of a father and a traveler are also mentioned. These three individuals often experience deep sincerity, compassion, and humility, which makes their prayers significant. Therefore, a son should treat his father with kindness and benefit from his prayers. Likewise, one should be considerate of travelers, as their prayers can be extremely harmful when unanswered.
"Beware of the Curse of the Oppressed"
Hadith:- اتَّقِ دَعْوَةَ الْمَظْلُومِ فَإِنَّهُ لَيْسَ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ اللَّهِ حِجَابٌ
"Beware of the prayer of the oppressed, for there is no veil between him and Allah."* [Sahih al-Bukhari 1496]
Benefits and Explanation
When the Prophet ﷺ appointed Sayyidina Mu'adh ibn Jabal (RA) as the governor of Yemen, he gave him some important instructions, one of which was to be cautious of the curse of the oppressed. The prayer of the oppressed is powerful because it comes from the depths of the heart and is readily accepted by Allah. The Prophet ﷺ also mentioned that there are three prayers that are always accepted: the prayer of a parent, the prayer of a traveler, and the prayer of the oppressed. [Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab al-Witr: 1536]In this hadith, alongside the oppressed, the prayers of a father and a traveler are also mentioned. These three individuals often experience deep sincerity, compassion, and humility, which makes their prayers significant. Therefore, a son should treat his father with kindness and benefit from his prayers. Likewise, one should be considerate of travelers, as their prayers can be extremely harmful when unanswered.
Further Narrations on Accepted Prayers
- The Prophet ﷺ also mentioned: "Three prayers are never rejected: the prayer of the fasting person at the time of breaking his fast, the prayer of a just ruler, and the prayer of the oppressed. Allah raises it above the clouds, opens the gates of the heavens, and says: 'By My Honor, I will surely help you, even if it is after some time.'" [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Du’a: 3598]
- Another narration mentions: "The prayer that is most quickly accepted is when a person prays for someone in their absence." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Birr wa al-Silah: 1980]