Grateful for Justice

الْمُنْتَقِمُ

Al-Muntaqim — The Avenger

وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ اللَّهَ غَافِلًا عَمَّا يَعْمَلُ الظَّالِمُونَ ۚ إِنَّمَا يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ تَشْخَصُ فِيهِ الْأَبْصَارُ

Deem not that Allah is unaware of what the wicked do. He but giveth them a respite till a day when eyes will stare (in terror)

Surah Ibrāhīm (14:42)

Intention

Today, as this month of gratitude closes, I will thank Allah for the promise that justice is real, even when I cannot see it yet.

Reflection

Al-Muntaqim is The Avenger — the One who repays injustice with perfect justice. As the month of gratitude closes, this Name might seem unexpected. But gratitude for Al-Muntaqim is gratitude that the world is not lawless. That oppression does not go unanswered. That the tears of the wronged are not ignored. When you are grateful that justice exists — even when you cannot see it yet — you are trusting Al-Muntaqim with the outcome. And that trust is its own form of deep, quiet gratitude.

On this verse

Never think He is unaware — lā taḥsabanna. This is a direct comfort for anyone who has been wronged and wonders if anyone noticed. He noticed. He is not unaware. He is waiting.

Du'a

Again, wronging others comes first. Before seeking protection from injustice, seek protection from being unjust. Gratitude for justice begins with ensuring you are just.

Hadith

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Be on your guard against the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.'

— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1496, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 19