Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one."
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one." (Sahih al-Bukhari 2443)
Context and Meaning
This hadith from the Book of Oppressions presents a profound teaching about brotherhood in Islam. The apparent contradiction in helping both the oppressor and oppressed requires careful scholarly explanation.
Helping the Oppressed
When your brother is oppressed, help him by stopping the oppression against him, defending his rights, and supporting him in seeking justice according to Islamic law.
Helping the Oppressor
When your brother is the oppressor, help him by preventing him from committing oppression, advising him to cease his wrongdoing, and guiding him toward repentance. This is the greater form of help as it saves him from Allah's punishment.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam An-Nawawi explains that helping the oppressor means restraining him from oppression, not assisting him in his transgression. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani emphasizes that this hadith teaches us to desire good for all Muslims, whether they are wrongdoers or victims.
Practical Application
This teaching establishes the comprehensive nature of Islamic brotherhood - we must actively work to establish justice and prevent injustice, regardless of who is involved. The help varies according to the situation but always aims at establishing righteousness.