Crisis in our Country

Question:

Our country is in the midst of a crisis and we are faced with various challenges. What are we required to do from a Shari’ee point of view?

Answer:- 

South Africa finds itself in the midst of a major crisis, with various issues affecting the masses. From electricity and water crises, to criminal acts and failing municipalities, the future of this country looks bleak. By debating these issues and speaking ill of the government, its ministers and politicians, it will not resolve matters, nor will any benefit come from it.

The author of Mazaahir-e-Haq has written about a major fire that broke out in Madeenah Munawarah on the 3rd of Jumadul Ukhra 650 A.H. The fire is described as being so hot that any stone it touched, turned to ashes, and mountains in its path, turned to candle-wax. On the eve of Jumuah, the men, women and children gathered in Masjid-un-Nabawi, crying and supplicating before Allah Ta’ala, repenting for their sins. Those guilty of not fulfilling their rights to Allah Ta’ala, set forth in doing so. The inhabitants of Madeenah Munawwarah began giving Sadaqah and freeing their slaves in order to attract the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala showered His kindness upon the people and turned the direction of the fire to the North and Madeenah Sharif was protected. We, too, are in the midst of a catastrophe and it is only Allah Ta’ala who can change our condition. Similarly, Allah Ta’ala removed the signs of punishment from the people of Yunus Alaihis Salaam when they sincerely turned in repentance to Allah Ta’ala. This means that Taubah is acceptable to Allah Ta’ala as long as the punishment of the hereafter is not before a person. We shouldn’t have any hope on the government of the country to improve the quality of life, but rather we should turn to Allah Ta’ala by doing the following:

• We should sincerely repent for our sins, both major and minor.
• With immediate effect, we should stop all forms of sin and make a firm resolve not to return to any sin in the future.
• Establish the five daily Salaah in the Masjid for men; ladies should perform their Salaah at home.
• Some individuals should try to remain in the Masjid throughout the day and night and be engaged in Salaah, Zikr, Tilaawat, Dua and Istighfaar, as this will draw the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. People of the community should take turns in doing so.
• Continuously recite Durood Sharif and ‘Hasbunallahu Wa’nemal Wakeel – Ne’mal Mawla Wa Ne’man Naseer.’
• Be cognizant and grateful for the Bounties of Allah Ta’ala and don’t waste the bounties of Allah.

We make Dua that Allah Ta’ala grants us the Taufeeq of awakening from our slumber before it is too late.

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 24 Jumadal Ukhra 1444/ 17 January 2023