Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 955 [Read full issue]
Dua of the Oppressed
With Abu Talib's death, Abu Lahab became the leader of Banu Hashim. He withdrew the clan's support for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which led to the increased persecution of the Muslims in general, and of the Noble Prophet in particular. He was exposed to exceedingly insulting behavior from the Quraysh, and so he chose to seek protection from the people of a nearby city called Taif. The leaders of Taif rejected his request for help and insulted the Noble Prophet, sending their children, slaves, and lowly folk to pelt him with stones. Later, the Prophet would recount this moment as the most difficult of his entire mission. Bloodied from the assault, he retreated to a vineyard and prayed a powerful and moving supplication (dua):
"O Lord, to You alone I complain of my diminished strength, limited strategy, and insignificance in the eyes of others. Most Merciful of those who show mercy, You are Lord of the downtrodden and my Lord: to whom will You leave me? To those who mistreat me, or to an enemy in whose hands You place my affair? As long as Your wrath is not upon me, it concerns me not, although security is easier for me. I seek refuge in the light of Your Countenance, which illuminates darkness; and the affair of this world and the next is set right, from Your wrath descending upon me, or Your displeasure enveloping me. For You alone have the right to reprimand until You are pleased; and there is no strength, no power, save with You."
In these words, he complained to God of his situation and expressed that his ultimate concern was God's contentment with him. There in the vineyard, an angel came to Prophet Muhammad and offered to punish those who insulted and attacked him, and to destroy the city and its people by smashing them between two mountains. But the Prophet desired guidance for people, not revenge or domination over them. He refused, expressing hope that perhaps their descendants would believe in God.
Compiled From:
"Being Muslim: A Practical Guide" - Asad Tarsin, pp. 139, 140