What is the meaning of the phrase "qahr al-rijal" (the subjugation of men) in the supplication "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from overwhelming debt and the subjugation of men"? Does it mean that they become subjugated, or that they subjugate women or other men? And does "al-rijal" (men) here refer specifically to men, or to people in general?
The phrase "oppression by men" (qahr al-rijal) was mentioned in a supplication taught by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to a man from the Ansar to remove anxiety and pay off debts. This supplication is narrated in al-Bukhari and other collections with the wording: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from the burden of debt and from being overcome by men."
"Oppression by men" refers to their domination and control over a person, like the severe dominance of the rabble. It means their unjust superiority over an individual, as happens with oppressors and the unjust.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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