Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed," A man said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I will help him if he is oppressed, but if he is an oppressor, how shall I help him?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "By preventing him from oppressing (others), for that is how to help him."
Hadith of Helping the Oppressor and Oppressed
Sahih al-Bukhari 6952 - (Statements made under) Coercion
Textual Analysis
The Prophet's initial command appears paradoxical - how can one help both oppressor and oppressed? The companion's question reveals this apparent contradiction, seeking clarification on this profound Islamic principle.
The Prophet's response demonstrates that true help varies according to circumstance. Helping an oppressed person means supporting them against injustice, while helping an oppressor means preventing their wrongdoing.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that the oppressor is helped by being restrained from sin, which is the greatest form of assistance for his spiritual wellbeing. This prevents him from accumulating divine punishment.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this hadith establishes the obligation of enjoining good and forbidding evil. The true help for an oppressor is preventing his transgression, which benefits both him and potential victims.
Al-Nawawi comments that this teaching emphasizes the comprehensive nature of brotherhood in Islam - we must care for our fellow Muslims' spiritual welfare as much as their physical protection.
Practical Application
This hadith guides Muslims to intervene when witnessing oppression, using appropriate means to stop injustice while maintaining the oppressor's dignity where possible.
Scholars emphasize that preventing oppression should be done with wisdom and gentle persuasion initially, escalating only as necessary while avoiding greater harm.
The principle extends beyond physical oppression to include preventing verbal abuse, financial exploitation, and all forms of injustice within one's capability.