Justice for the Oppressed

الْمُنْتَقِمُ

Al-Muntaqim — The Avenger

هَلْ جَزَاءُ الْإِحْسَانِ إِلَّا الْإِحْسَانُ

Is the reward of goodness aught save goodness

Surah Ar-Raḥmān (55:60)

النية

Today I will remember that Eid belongs to those who suffered too. I will make du'a for those who cannot celebrate — the imprisoned, the displaced, the grieving — and trust that Al-Muntaqim holds their account.

تأمّل

Al-Muntaqim is The Avenger — the One who takes retribution against oppressors on behalf of those they wronged. This is not vengeance born of anger but justice born of mercy. Every person who was silenced, every right that was trampled, every prayer that rose from the crushed — Al-Muntaqim hears and responds. On the day of Eid, this Name reminds us that celebration is possible precisely because justice belongs to Allah. The oppressed need not carry the burden of retribution; it is already held.

في هذه الآية

The reward for iḥsān is iḥsān — the reward for your best effort is His best gift. Ramadan is this verse in action.

دعاء

The greeting of Eid al-Fitr — said to every Muslim you meet. Ramadan is over. The greeting is not congratulations; it is a du'a for acceptance.

حديث

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When the night of Eid al-Fitr arrives, it is called the Night of Reward, and on the morning of Eid, Allah sends His angels to every land, and they call out: O Ummah of Muhammad, come forth to your generous Lord who gives bounty and forgives sins.'

— Aṭ-Ṭabarānī in al-Awsaṭ (graded ḥasan)