“There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allah raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: ‘By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.’”
Hadith Commentary: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3598
This noble hadith from "Chapters on Supplication" in Jami' at-Tirmidhi highlights three categories of people whose supplications are particularly accepted by Allah Almighty. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) guarantees their prayers will not be rejected, indicating the special status these individuals hold before their Lord.
The Fasting Person at Iftar
When the fasting person breaks their fast, they are in a state of physical weakness and spiritual purity after having abstained from lawful pleasures for Allah's sake. This combination of physical vulnerability and spiritual obedience creates a moment of exceptional divine proximity. The soul is humbled, the body is weakened, and the heart turns completely toward its Creator.
Scholars note that this acceptance applies specifically at the moment of breaking the fast, when the person is most conscious of Allah's bounty in providing sustenance after deprivation. It is recommended to hasten to break the fast and to supplicate during these precious moments.
The Just Leader
A just ruler or leader who governs with fairness and implements divine law receives this special privilege. Their justice brings peace and security to society, fulfilling the purpose of leadership in Islam. When such a leader supplicates, Allah answers their prayer as a reward for their righteous governance and protection of people's rights.
Classical commentators emphasize that this applies to anyone in a position of authority - whether a caliph, judge, community leader, or even a head of household - who exercises their authority with justice and in accordance with Islamic principles.
The Oppressed Person
The supplication of the oppressed holds tremendous power in Islam. Allah Himself guarantees to elevate their prayer above the clouds and open the heavenly gates for it. The divine promise "By My might, I shall surely aid you" demonstrates Allah's personal commitment to justice, even if that aid comes after some time according to divine wisdom.
Scholars explain that this applies regardless of the oppressed person's religion or moral state, as injustice itself is condemned in Islam. The delay mentioned ("even if it should be after a while") contains wisdom - sometimes allowing time for repentance or testing the patience and faith of the supplicant.
Spiritual Lessons
This hadith teaches us about Allah's mercy and justice. It shows that He gives special consideration to those in vulnerable states (the fasting and oppressed) and rewards those who fulfill their responsibilities properly (the just leader).
The combination of these three categories covers various aspects of human experience - worship through fasting, social responsibility through leadership, and human suffering through oppression - demonstrating that Allah's mercy encompasses all dimensions of human life.