Three Groups Who Receive Allah's Protection
In Islamic teachings, there are several groups of servants who receive special attention, protection, and defence from Allah SWT. When Allah has guarded and defended a servant, no creature can harm them without His permission. Therefore, Muslims are reminded not to hurt those whom Allah SWT loves and defends.
One group that receives such protection is those who steadfastly call to goodness and forbid evil. They carry out one of the noble duties in Islam, namely inviting people to the right path and warning against deviant acts. Those who perform this duty sincerely are promised Allah’s help against the various evil efforts of their enemies.
The next group is honest people. Honesty is one of the primary virtues deeply beloved by Allah SWT. A person who consistently speaks and acts honestly will obtain help and defence from Allah. Therefore, anyone who acts unjustly towards an honest person is, in fact, confronting the wrath of Allah SWT.
The third group is orphans. The Qur’an repeatedly commands Muslims to honour, support, and safeguard the rights of orphans. Honouring orphans can be done by meeting their living needs, attending to their education, protecting their feelings, and treating them with full compassion. Conversely, hurting orphans is among the deeds most detested by Allah SWT.
In Surah Al-Ma’un, Allah SWT even describes those who rebuke orphans as part of those who deny the religion. Therefore, Muslims are advised to be careful in treating orphans and to avoid all forms of actions that can wound their hearts.
These three groups are mentioned in a testament of the Prophet Muhammad SAW to Sayyidina Ali bin Abi Thalib RA, narrated in the book Wasiyatul Musthafa by Imam Asy-Sya’rani: ‘O Ali, whoever enjoins good and forbids evil, Allah will humiliate his enemy. Whoever is truthful in his affairs, Allah will be angry for the sake of his anger. And when an orphan weeps, the Throne trembles. Then it is said, “O Gabriel, expand the Hellfire for the one who made him weep, and expand Paradise for the one who made him smile.”’
This message demonstrates the immense concern of Islam for da’wah, honesty, and the protection of orphans. These three are not only noble virtues that are encouraged, but also become reasons for the arrival of Allah SWT’s help and defence for His servants.