Never Lose Hope in Allah Even in the Face of Oppression

April 7th, 2025

A reminder that even amidst injustice and suffering, the believers must never despair. The oppressed are honoured by Allah, and His justice will ultimately prevail.

Introduction

In times of immense suffering, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. When we witness oppression, injustice, and the killing of innocents—especially in places like Gaza, where men, women, and children are bombed, displaced, and brutalised—it can leave us heartbroken. We may wonder how such evil can continue, and where justice lies.

But Islam teaches us a powerful truth. The oppressed are never forgotten. No act of cruelty is hidden from Allah, and no injustice goes unrecorded. His mercy surrounds those who are wronged, and His justice is certain.

Our faith is not shaken by the chaos of this world. This life is a test, and every moment of hardship carries meaning. As believers, we are called to stand firm, to raise our hands in sincere dua, and to place our trust in the One who sees all, hears all, and never fails to respond.


The Promise of Allah to the Oppressed

Islam honours the dignity and worth of those who are wronged. In the eyes of Allah, the oppressed are not forgotten or overlooked. The Quran offers repeated reassurance that Allah hears the cries of the weak and the defenceless, and that His justice will prevail.

"Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when eyes will stare in horror."
The Quran
| Chapter 14, Verse 42

This delay is not neglect—it is part of Allah’s perfect wisdom. The Day of Judgement is promised, and no act of injustice will escape His grasp.

Oppression, or zulm, is one of the gravest sins in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) gave a clear and powerful warning:

"Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah."
Bukhari

Even when the world turns a blind eye, the dua of the oppressed rises straight to the heavens. Every tear, every cry, every pain endured is witnessed by the Most Just. Nothing is forgotten, and nothing is in vain.

This truth should fill our hearts with comfort and strength. No matter how hidden or ignored an injustice may seem, it is seen by Allah. Every wound is known, and every wrong will be made right in His time.


True Victory in the Sight of Allah

In the eyes of the world, victory is often measured by strength, control, and material success. Power, wealth, and dominance are seen as signs of triumph. But in the sight of Allah, true victory is something far greater. It is found in patience, in steadfast faith, and in unwavering submission to Him—especially when tested.

"Do not falter or grieve, for you will have the upper hand, if you are ˹true˺ believers."
The Quran
| Chapter 3, Verse 139

The people of Palestine, and all who endure injustice across the world, are not forgotten. Their resilience in the face of brutality, their whispered prayers from beneath the rubble, and their clinging to faith while much of the world turns away—this is the essence of true victory.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) beautifully described the reward for enduring hardship with patience:

"A Muslim who is afflicted with a calamity—be it illness or anything else—and remains patient, Allah will cause his sins to fall away as leaves fall from a tree."
Bukhari

These moments of suffering are not wasted. Each one carries immense reward. On the Day of Judgement, those who bore pain for the sake of Allah will be raised with honour and light, while those who wronged them will face the full weight of their actions.

Victory, then, is not in what is seen or celebrated by the world, but in what is accepted by Allah. And those who remain patient and faithful in hardship are the true victors, both in this life and the next.


The End of the Oppressors is Near

History offers a clear and repeated truth: tyrants fall. No matter how powerful they seem, every oppressor meets their end. Allah, in His infinite justice, never allows injustice to endure forever.

The Quran gives us unmistakable examples—like Pharaoh, who stood at the height of power and claimed:

"saying, 'I am your lord, the most high!' So Allah overtook him, making him an example in this life and the next. Surely in this is a lesson for whoever stands in awe of ˹Allah˺."
The Quran
| Chapter 79, Verses 24 to 26

The story of Pharaoh is more than history. It is a divine warning for all who spread corruption, believing they are untouchable. Just as he was drowned despite his armies and influence, every oppressor will face the consequences of their actions.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Indeed, Allah gives respite to the oppressor, but when He seizes him, He does not let him go."
Muslim

The delay in justice is not injustice. It is part of Allah’s divine wisdom, allowing the test to unfold. But when the time comes, His justice is swift and final.

We may not always witness it in this life, but rest assured—every innocent life taken, every cruelty committed, will be accounted for. Allah is never unaware. His justice is absolute, and His promise never fails.


Hope is an Act of Worship

Holding on to hope when everything around you feels like it’s falling apart is not a weakness; it is an act of worship. Trusting in Allah during hardship is one of the most beloved qualities in a believer. In the darkest moments, the believers find strength in these powerful words:

"'Allah ˹alone˺ is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.'"
The Quran
| Chapter 3, Verse 173

This powerful declaration was not made in comfort, but in fear and struggle. Yet it became a symbol of deep faith and trust in Allah’s plan.

Allah reminds us in the Quran:

"And do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah, for no one loses hope in Allah’s mercy except those with no faith."
The Quran
| Chapter 12, Verse 87

Hope, especially when everything seems lost, is a sign of sincere belief. It is easy to remain hopeful when life is calm and secure. But true faith shines when hope feels like the only thing left to hold on to.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) endured rejection, exile, hunger and war. Yet through every hardship, he never lost hope. During the Battle of the Trench, when the Muslims were vastly outnumbered and surrounded, he stood firm and declared with certainty that Islam would reach every home. That unwavering trust in Allah gave strength to those around him and carried the believers forward.

We must strive to do the same. Keep our hearts steady. Continue to make dua with sincerity, even when the outcome is unknown. Know that no prayer is ever wasted. Whether relief comes in this life or the next, the believer is always victorious—because their trust rests in the One who never fails.


Conclusion

Never lose hope in Allah, no matter how deep the darkness. What we witness today is heartbreaking, but it is not the end of the story. The people of Gaza, and all who are oppressed, are remembered by Allah and honoured in ways far beyond what this world can offer. Their suffering is not ignored. It is being recorded with the care and justice of the One who misses nothing.

As for the oppressors, they may appear powerful for a time, but their end is certain. Allah's justice never fails. History has shown us again and again that no tyrant escapes His judgment.

Let us be among those who keep turning to Allah in dua, who stand beside the oppressed in any way we can, and who remain steadfast in faith through every hardship. Hope is not a sign of denial or naivety. It is the light that guides the believer, and the strength that carries the heart when nothing else remains.