5 Duas to Keep Our Cool in the Midst of Bigotry

Dua (prayer/supplication) has been called the “weapon of the believer,” and rightfully so: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Be cautious of the dua of the oppressed person, because there is no barrier between his dua and Allah (SWT).” (Narrated in Sahih Bukhari)

Well, we’re in need of this weapon now, more than ever. I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy pepper spray or take that self-defense class that’s been on your bucket list to keep yourself safe from the rising number of hate crimes against Muslims, but dua should definitely be made in addition to our other efforts.

Making dua is also good for the soul, as it reminds us that Allah (SWT) is always listening, and is in charge of whatever situation we’re in.

These are five duas that can help when facing the bigotry which is, unfortunately, so prevalent today.

1. “Our Lord, pour upon us patience, and plant our feet firmly, and give us victory over the disbelieving people.” (2:250)
Patience, steadfastness and strength are what we need most at times like these. It is easy to lose your cool, distance yourself from your faith or avoid people, but facing our problems head-on is something that we need to seek Divine help for.
2. “Our Lord, do not lay upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, do not burden us with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.” (2:286)
This beautiful dua is a plea to Allah (SWT) to protect us and save us from getting crushed under hardships. And it ends with a mention of the stubbornly disbelieving/ungrateful people because sometimes they will be the ones to test us the most.
3. “Upon Allah do we rely. Our Lord, do not make us a trial for the unjust people.” (10:85)
On the other hand, it is also possible for us to be the ones who are testing the oppressors and bigots. We have a responsibility to always represent Islam in the best possible way, or they could have a case against us someday in front of Allah.

The best way to ensure that they won’t win is to prove that they are actually strengthening our faith, not weakening it.

4. “My Lord, expand for me my chest [with assurance], and ease for me my task, and untie the knot in my tongue, so that they may understand my speech.” (20:25-28)
This dua is perfect for trying to do just that. If we want to give da’wah (spread the message of Islam) in a beautiful, respectful and powerful way, the supplication of Musa (AS) is a great one to make.
5. “My Lord, make me a firm establisher of salah (required prayer), and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, accept my situation.” (14:40)
Most of all, what we need is to hang on tightly to Islam, for the sake of ourselves and our future generations. Salah (the five daily required prayers) is essential in keeping us firm in our faith and our relationship with Allah, which is exactly what the bigots want to keep us away from. The best way to ensure that they won’t win is to prove that they are actually strengthening our faith, not weakening it.

These duas are all directly from the Qur’an. Allah (SWT) told us which words to use when praying to Him, so we should take His guidance and supplicate in this way. But it is also important to remember that dua doesn’t need to be in Arabic or even done in a specific way. We just need to connect with Allah and share whatever is in our hearts and remember that ultimately, no matter how daunting the current situation may seem, He is our protector and is watching over us.

…And of course, remember to practice those self-defense moves!