Supporting Oppressed Muslims Globally

The global Muslim community today faces many challenges, with oppression and injustice afflicting Muslims in various parts of the world. From political persecution to social and economic hardship, the oppression of Muslims is a reality that cannot be ignored. Islam, however, teaches its followers to actively support and stand with the oppressed, offering both spiritual and practical help. Supporting the oppressed is not merely an act of charity but a duty that every Muslim must fulfill.

In the Qur’an, Allah commands believers to stand up for justice and defend the oppressed, emphasizing that helping those who are wronged is an essential part of being a true believer. Allah says in Surah An-Nisa (4:75):

“وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاءِ وَالْوِلْدَانِ الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ الظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَجَعَلْنَا لَكَ مِنْ لَدُنكَ وَلِيًّا وَجَعَلْنَا لَكَ مِنْ لَدُنكَ نَصِيرًا”
“And why do you not fight in the cause of Allah and for those oppressed among the men, women, and children…”

Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized standing up for justice and defending the oppressed, saying:

“مَنْ لَمْ يَصْنَعْ فِي جَانِبِهِ وَفِي جَانِبِ رَبِّهِ فَهُوَ هَالِكٌ”
“Whoever does not stand up for his brother when he is oppressed is lost.” (Sahih Muslim)

These teachings remind Muslims of their responsibility to support the oppressed and fight for justice, not only for their fellow believers but for all of humanity.

The Islamic Concept of Justice and the Rights of the Oppressed

Justice is one of the core values in Islam. The Qur’an consistently calls for upholding justice and standing against oppression, whether it be from an individual, a government, or a system. Islam does not tolerate injustice, and Muslims are urged to advocate for the rights of the oppressed, be they Muslims or non-Muslims. Supporting the oppressed is not merely an act of charity, but a fundamental expression of Islamic belief.

The Qur’anic Foundation of Justice

The Qur’an commands believers to stand up for justice, even if it means standing against their own interests or those of their close relatives. It stresses the importance of fairness in all situations.

• Surah An-Nisa (4:135):

  “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا۟ اعْدِلُوا۟ هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ…”

  “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not personal inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [justice] or decline [to do so], then indeed Allah is ever, over what you do, Expert.”

This verse emphasizes that Muslims must uphold justice, regardless of personal feelings or the identities of those involved. Justice is paramount, and Muslims are called to support those who are wronged, especially the oppressed, by speaking out against injustice.

Supporting the Oppressed: A Religious Obligation

The Qur’an also makes it clear that Muslims should not remain passive when they witness oppression. Helping the oppressed is seen as an integral part of one’s faith. The following verse reinforces the idea of standing with those who are oppressed:

• Surah Muhammad (47:7):

  “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا۟ إِن تَنصُرُوا۟ اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكُمْ”

  “O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.”

This verse reveals that by supporting the cause of Allah, including the defense of the oppressed, Muslims can expect Allah’s support in return. Supporting the oppressed is, therefore, not only a way of helping others but also a means of gaining Allah’s mercy and protection.

The Hadith: The Prophet’s Teachings on Supporting the Oppressed

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasize the importance of supporting those who are oppressed. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a staunch advocate of justice and fairness. He often spoke about the importance of defending the rights of the weak, the oppressed, and the marginalized.

Standing Up for the Oppressed

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

• Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2580:

  “مَنْ لَمْ يَصْنَعْ فِي جَانِبِهِ وَفِي جَانِبِ رَبِّهِ فَهُوَ هَالِكٌ”

  “Whoever does not stand up for his brother when he is oppressed is lost.”

This Hadith underscores the significance of coming to the aid of the oppressed, particularly when they cannot defend themselves. It is a direct call to action, urging Muslims to act when they see injustice, whether it is happening to fellow Muslims or to others.

The Prophet’s Role in Defending the Oppressed

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a protector of the oppressed, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or status. His life exemplified the defense of the marginalized. For example, when a woman from the Makhzum tribe was caught stealing, some of her people feared that she would not receive a fair judgment because of her social status. The Prophet (PBUH) addressed this by emphasizing that no one was above the law:

• Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6810:

  “وَمَا قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: فَإِنَّمَا هَلَكَ مَنْ قَبْلَكُمْ بِالْجَوْرِ فِي قَضَائِهِمْ أَنْ يَكُونُوا۟ فِي قَضَائِهِمْ أَنْ يَحْنُوا۟ لِرَجُلٍ وَلَا يَحْنُوا۟ لِفَاقِرٍ”

  “The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘The people before you perished because they used to inflict legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich.’”

This Hadith emphasizes that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah, and justice must be applied equally to all, regardless of one’s status.

 The Islamic Duty to Support the Oppressed

Islamic teachings stress the importance of standing in solidarity with the oppressed. But it is not just about speaking out; it is also about providing practical support and helping in tangible ways. The Qur’an and Hadith call upon Muslims to engage in actions that alleviate the suffering of the oppressed.

Financial and Emotional Support

Muslims are encouraged to provide financial, emotional, and physical support to those who are suffering. The charity of Zakat and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is a fundamental way to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed. However, this support is not limited to material goods—it also extends to offering emotional support, advocating for justice, and protecting their rights.

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

  “لَيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَنْ تُوَلُّوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَىٰ الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِى الرِّقَابِ…”

  “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the East or the West, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets, and gives his wealth, despite his love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and to free those in bondage…”

This verse describes the act of charity and support as a fundamental form of righteousness. The oppressed, particularly those in poverty or slavery, are prioritized in this act of giving.

The Role of Advocacy and Advocacy for the Oppressed

In Islam, it is not enough to simply provide material support. Advocating for justice, speaking up against oppression, and using one’s position to protect the rights of the oppressed are crucial acts of virtue. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is known for his active stance against injustice, speaking out against rulers who wronged the poor or persecuted the weak.

• Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2887:

  “مَن رَءَاَ مِنكُم مُّنكَرًا فَلْيُغَيِّرْهُ بِالْيَدِ فَإِن لَّمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِاللِّسَانِ فَإِن لَّمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِالْقَلْبِ وَذَٰلِكَ أَضْعَفُ الْإِيمَانِ”

  “Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is unable, then with his tongue. If he is unable, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.”

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice, even when direct intervention is not possible. Muslims are urged to take action, whether by physically stopping oppression, speaking against it, or at the very least, detesting it in their hearts.

Practical Ways to Support Oppressed Muslims Globally

Islamic teachings provide a comprehensive approach to supporting the oppressed, which includes:

• Raising Awareness: Spread awareness about the plight of oppressed Muslims globally through social media, community events, and interfaith dialogues.
• Financial Assistance: Contributing to humanitarian organizations, charities, and relief efforts that provide aid to Muslims suffering from conflict, poverty, and persecution.
• Advocacy and Activism: Engage in advocacy by pressuring governments and organizations to uphold human rights and protect the rights of oppressed Muslims. Support organizations that work toward justice and peace.
• Spiritual Support: Offer prayers and duas (supplications) for the oppressed. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often emphasized the power of prayer in changing circumstances.

Conclusion: Supporting Oppressed Muslims Globally

Supporting oppressed Muslims globally is not just an act of kindness—it is a religious duty. Islam provides clear guidance in both the Qur’an and Hadith to defend the rights of the oppressed, stand against injustice, and help those in need. By following the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and adhering to the teachings of the Qur’an, Muslims can collectively work to ease the suffering of the oppressed and bring justice to those who have been wronged. Whether through material support, advocacy, or prayers, every Muslim is encouraged to play their part in alleviating oppression and working towards a more just and compassionate world.

May Allah guide us all to be advocates of justice, help those who are suffering, and protect the oppressed across the world. Ameen.

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