Written by Ali Muhammad Al-Harbi
When a person is wronged, they begin to see the world through different eyes—eyes that have tasted betrayal and bitterness, yet still believe in God. When the wronged person raises their hands to heaven, they don't ask for the downfall of the oppressor, but rather for God's justice. They ask God to show them the truth as it is, and to relieve them of the darkness in their own heart before the darkness inflicted by others.
His nights become seasons of supplication, and his prostrations a refuge known only to those who have tasted the bitterness of injustice. There, on a prayer rug washed by tears, he rearranges his relationship with life, and from his silence, he writes unspoken words, as if saying: “O Lord, even if people abandon me, I know that You have not.”
The oppressor, on the other hand, lives in a state of arrogant delusion, seeing himself as superior to others, believing that his power, wealth, or status is an impenetrable shield. But he does not realize that God opens doors for him so that his arrogance may increase, then He seizes him with the might of the All-Powerful. For this has been God's way since eternity: to grant the oppressor respite, but when He seizes him, He does not let him go.
How many an oppressor slept soundly on his pillow, while the oppressed did not sleep because of his pain, and then that oppressor became, after days, months or years, a news item in a newspaper, or a name that was cursed on tongues, or a lesson that was told in schools.
We have seen with our own eyes how circumstances change, how those who thought they had the earth in their hands fall, and how those who thought no one could hear them are raised up. This is the wisdom of God, which the arrogant do not understand.
God Almighty says:
“Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the cities while they are committing injustice. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.”
It is not merely a verse of intimidation, but a promise to the oppressed, that every injustice is recorded, every tear is counted, and every suppressed cry is heard.
History provides countless examples:
Pharaoh, who said, "I am your supreme lord," drowned in the sea. Qarun, who went out to his people in his finery, was swallowed up by the earth along with his house by God. Nimrod, who became arrogant, was destroyed by God with a small mosquito.
And after them came many others who possessed power and authority, believing themselves immortal and that truth would not prevail after them. But then they fell one after another, like autumn leaves swept by the winds of fate. Nothing remained of them but a bad reputation, a lesson to be told to all who follow in their footsteps.
As for the oppressed, when he reads these stories, he feels that God is addressing him through them, as if history is telling him: “Be steadfast, for the outcome is in your favor.”
And when he reflects on the words of God Almighty:
“And We alternate these days among people.”
He knows that days do not remain constant for anyone, that the truth, even if its voice is faint one day, will rise tomorrow, and that God does not forget His servant no matter how long it takes.
One of the most beautiful secrets of faith is for a person to know that every injustice that befalls him is a moment of testing between patience and despair, and that patience is the sign that opens the doors of victory.
One of the righteous said: "If the oppressed knew how God defends him, his soul would melt from the intensity of his love for God."
How much profound meaning this word holds!
God doesn't need to see you retaliate; it's enough that He sees you remain silent and trust in Him. When you remain silent in the face of injustice because you trust in God, He Himself takes on your struggle and will ultimately show you wonders.
How many stories have we heard about people who were patient, and their patience became a story told after them, and how many oppressors swelled up like a bubble and then burst without a trace.
O you who have been wronged, do not grieve, for you are in God’s care.
Do not regret your patience, for patience is not a weakness, but a weapon unknown to the ignorant.
Know that between the moment of injustice and the moment of justice there is a distance in which God tests hearts. Whoever remains steadfast in it, his status is raised, and whoever is distressed, his reward is lost.
God says in the Hadith Qudsi:
“By My might and glory, I will surely grant you victory, even if it takes time.”
What a great promise! It is the promise of Heaven, which cannot be broken, delayed, or forgotten.