Fulfilling Obligations and Seeking Rights

📖Sahih al-Bukhari 3603
Narrated Ibn Mas`ud: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Soon, others will be preferred over you, and you will face things you do not like.” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what do you command us to do in that case?” He ﷺ replied, “Fulfill the rights that are upon you, and ask your rights from Allah.”

This hadith was revealed in the context of injustice, corruption, and unworthy leaders taking over. The Prophet ﷺ foretold a time when those who follow the truth would be neglected, and the wrongdoers would be favored. Yet, he didn’t allow the believers to abandon their morals, he commanded them to stay upright, fulfill their duties, and rely on Allah for justice.

What We Learn Today:

1. This Hadith is Not a Call to Obey Injustice:
   The Prophet ﷺ was not saying, “Submit to oppression.”
   He was saying: If you are powerless to change it, remain patient, fulfill your duties, and don’t lose your character or break Shari’ah out of anger.

2. Examples of When This Applies:

   • If you speak against injustice but no one listens, don’t turn to violence or lies.

   • If you’re under a corrupt ruler and have no power to change the system, don’t become corrupt yourself.

   • If anger pushes you to sin, remember: Allah sees, and your sabr (patience) is not weakness,it’s faith.

3. Reject Injustice in the Heart if You Can’t Stop It:
   📖Sahih Muslim 49a
   “Whoever sees evil, let him stop it with his hand; if not, then with his tongue; if not, then with his heart, and that is the weakest level of faith.”

   If you can’t stop the wrong, don’t support it. Hate it in your heart. That still counts in the sight of Allah.

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Quranic Context:

📖Quran 4:135
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it is against yourselves or parents and relatives.
Islam requires justice at all levels, no excuses, even when facing the powerful.

📖Quran 3:110
You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.
Muslims must speak against wrongdoing. not just in words, but in values and actions.

📖Quran 28:5
And We wanted to favor those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and inheritors.
Allah promises that the oppressed will rise, not by injustice, but by remaining firm in faith.

In a world of injustice, don’t become the unjust. Speak the truth, stand for what’s right, and never let corruption make you abandon your principles. If you can’t stop the wrong, don’t praise it, hate it in your heart. That alone keeps your faith alive.