Hadith #3524

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أنْفَذُ السِّهامِ دَعْوَةُ المَظْلُومِ۔

This Hadith is translated as,

The most piercing arrow is the supplication of the oppressed.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (Anfadh) "أنْفَذُ" means "most piercing" or "most penetrating." It signifies the intensity and effectiveness of the supplication. (As-sihām) "السِّهامِ" refers to "arrows," which symbolize the power and impact of the supplication. And (Da'wah) "دَعْوَةُ" means "supplication" or "prayer," specifically the plea made to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for help and justice. Finally, (Al-mazlūm) "المَظْلُومِ" refers to "the oppressed," those who have been wronged or treated unjustly.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ghafir (40:60),

And your Lord says, 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.'

This verse emphasizes the importance and effectiveness of supplication. It assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) listens to the prayers of His servants and responds to them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse highlights the proximity of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to His creation and His readiness to answer their prayers. It reinforces the idea that the supplication of the oppressed is indeed powerful and effective.

Now, let us reflect on the meaning of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the potency of the supplication made by the oppressed. The oppressed, who have suffered injustice and cruelty, have a unique connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their sincere prayers carry immense weight and are capable of penetrating the barriers of injustice and reaching the heavens.

The supplication of the oppressed is like a piercing arrow that cannot be ignored. It has the power to bring about justice, to rectify wrongs, and to invoke the mercy and intervention of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder to the oppressors of the consequences of their actions and the accountability they will face.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for the oppressed to turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in times of difficulty. It encourages them to seek solace and strength in their supplications, knowing that their prayers have the potential to bring about change and alleviate their suffering. It reminds them that they are not alone, for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always near and ready to respond to their calls for help.

Moreover, this Hadith carries a enlightening message for the oppressors as well. It serves as a warning that their actions will not go unnoticed or unanswered. The supplication of the oppressed, like a piercing arrow, has the potential to expose their wrongdoing and invoke divine justice upon them. It reminds them of the consequences they will face in this world and the hereafter if they persist in their oppression.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the immense power and effectiveness of the supplication of the oppressed. It highlights the significance of turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in times of difficulty and seeking His intervention and justice. It serves as a reminder to both the oppressed and the oppressors of the consequences of their actions and the accountability they will face. May we always remember the power of supplication and strive to be on the side of justice and righteousness.