Can I make dua against someone who hurt me?
Yes, if you were truly wronged, but forgiving is better when you can. The dua of an oppressed person is powerful, and Islam allows you to ask Allah for justice against the one who wronged you. It has limits: ask for no more than the harm done, don't curse your own family, and don't wish them into sin. Many people choose to ask for justice or guidance instead of harm.
The dua of the oppressed
When the Prophet ﷺ sent Mu'adh to Yemen, he warned him: "be afraid of the curse of an oppressed person because there is no screen between his invocation and Allah" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1496). He also said three supplications are accepted without doubt, including "The supplication of the oppressed" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1905).
So if someone abused you, cheated you or spread lies about you, your pain is seen. You're allowed to bring it to Allah.
Examples from the early Muslims
- The Prophet ﷺ: when Quraysh leaders put a camel's insides on his back while he was in sujood, he prayed against them by name (Sahih al-Bukhari 240).
- Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas: when a man publicly lied about him, Sa'd made a dua that only applied "If this slave of yours is a liar and got up for showing off" (Sahih al-Bukhari 755). Notice the condition: he left the judgment to Allah.
But the Prophet ﷺ more often chose mercy. After the people of Ta'if drove him out, an angel offered to crush them between two mountains. He said: "No but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah Alone" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3231).
The limits
- Only as much as the harm: "the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it" (Quran 42:40). Don't ask for something worse than what they did.
- Not against family or yourself in anger: "Do not invoke curse on yourselves, and do not invoke curse on your children" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1532). A dua said in a moment of rage might be answered.
- Not for sin: a dua for something sinful or cutting family ties isn't accepted (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3573). Don't ask Allah to make them do wrong.
- Not over small things: a rude driver or a sharp comment isn't oppression. Let it go.
The better path when you can
The same verse continues: "whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah" (Quran 42:40). Many people find peace in a middle way: "O Allah, You saw what they did. Give me justice, heal my heart, and guide them if they can be guided." This is honest, keeps your heart clean, and leaves the outcome to the Most Just. Forgiving doesn't mean staying in danger or keeping quiet about abuse. See Do I have to forgive someone who abused me as a Muslim?
If the hurt is still very fresh or traumatic, a counselor can help you work through it alongside your duas. See Is depression a sign of weak faith in Islam?
- The oppressed person's dua is especially strong.
- You may ask for justice, not more than the harm.
- Never curse your family or yourself in anger.
- Forgiving, when possible, carries great reward.
People also ask
What dua do I say when getting dressed?
Yes, there is one: for new clothes the Prophet thanked Allah and asked for the garment's good. Plus an everyday dua and starting with the right.
Read the full answer →Do I have to say "Ameen" after every dua?
No, your dua is valid without it. Ameen means "O Allah, accept". It's sunnah after al-Fatiha and a nice way to join others' duas.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua to marry a specific person?
Yes, if the marriage would be halal. Add "if they are good for me", pray istikhara, and take halal steps instead of secret dating.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua for my non-Muslim family?
Yes. You can pray for their guidance, health and wellbeing while they're alive. Asking forgiveness for those who died as non-Muslims isn't allowed.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua for worldly things like a job or a car?
Yes. The Prophet asked for good in this world too. You can ask for a job, car or home, as long as it's halal and not your only request.
Read the full answer →