Current Crisis In South Africa
QUESTION:
Regarding the current situation in South Africa, in addition to Muslims making Taubah and Istighfaar, what steps could Muslims take to protect their lives and properties? Is it possible to make Jihaad in our country?
ANSWER:
From the outset, it should be borne in mind that whatever conditions come down upon us is a result of our own actions. If we carry out good actions, then Allah Ta’ala will send down good conditions, and if our actions are evil, then evil conditions will prevail. Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan Majeed:
ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي عَمِلُوا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
[ الروم: 41]
“Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah Ta’ala, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), that Allah Ta’ala make them taste a part of that which they have done, so that they may return (by repenting to Allah Ta’ala, and begging His Pardon).
Our senior Ulama always advise that when some conditions befall the Ummah, we should always turn towards carrying out A’amaal (good actions), especially Dua and humility (by fulfilling all the obligations of Allah Ta’ala and refraining from His prohibitions). This is the invaluable advice of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam:
استقبلوا أمواج البلاء بالدعاء والتضرع
“Prepare for the waves of calamity by engaging in Du’a and turning to Allah in humility.” (Shu’abul Iman # 3279)
After observing the conditions in Burma, Moulana Abul Hasan Rahimahullah delivered a talk wherein he reminded them of their duties and warned them of the future dangers. The words that flowed from his mouth were definitely inspired by Allah Ta’ala. This lecture has been translated into English and published under the title, “A Thought-Provoking Lecture”.
The crux of Moulana’s message was:
“This time which is passing by should be valued. If you make an effort for the Deen of Allah Ta’ala during this time, your businesses, family and offspring will be safeguarded and you will be granted prosperity and honour in this country. It is not far-fetched that the reins of leadership will also be placed in your hands. On the other hand, if you do not make this effort (of Da’wah and Tableegh), then mark my words, you won’t be able to live in this country. For Allah Ta’ala’s sake, do not give so much preference to your businesses as you are currently doing. Do something for the sake of Deen. Honestly speaking, if I had the power, I would have closed down all your shops, factories and businesses, not for a few months but for a few years, and sent all the people out to involve themselves in the work of Da’wah and Tableegh. I am not making a political statement. Rather, using the divine light that Allah Ta’ala has granted every believer, I am making this statement, that if you do not spare any time for the Deen of Allah Ta’ala, it will be difficult for you to stay in this country. When those circumstances arise, your businesses and factories won’t be spared! It is possible that my lecture is being recorded. Those who listen carefully to my words will remember my words one day. I am not a saint who is able to predict the future. Rather, this is as obvious as someone predicting rain when seeing the clouds forming, the lightning and the winds blowing. He will not be regarded as a saint, rather even a child of tender age will come to the same conclusion. Similarly, I am able to warn you of the cruel and ruthless days that are to come.”
Very shortly thereafter, a military revolution took place and the people lost everything overnight. From the lap of luxury they were left with nothing. Conditions became such that many of them became deserving of Zakaah. They left the country bare-footed, fleeing for their lives.
Moulana Abul Hasan Rahimahullah was gifted with insight. He saw the signs and accordingly warned the Muslims of Burma. They failed to take heed and were forced to face the consequences. We need to take a lesson from others and should not become a lesson for others. (Extracted from “Avoiding Divine Wrath” by Hazrat Moulana Ilyaas Patel Sahib Hafidhahullah)
Therefore, we understand from the above excerpt that when the Ummah will make this world their focus, they will be disgraced and if we make the Aakhirah our purport, then we will enjoy hounour, respect and safety.
Furthermore, amidst the current situation, many Ulama have also prescribed the following:
1. Reciting Surah Yaseen.
2. Istighfaar.
3. Durood Shareef.
4. Laa Hawla Wala Quwwata Illah Billah.
Waging Jihaad in our country?
The jurists have stated that at times it is Fardh-e-Ain to participate in Jihaad, which means that it is obligatory upon every Muslim male to participate (in Jihaad), like on the occasion of the battle of Tabuk; whilst at other times it is Fardh-e-Kifaayah, meaning that if a sufficient number of individuals participate, then the remainder will be absolved of their responsibility. If the announcement of true Jihaad is made and we are required to defend Islam and the Muslims, then we should participate in Jihaad so that the name of Allah Ta’ala reigns supreme, even though we may not be physically ready. However, if the enemies suddenly attack, then it is obligatory upon all the Muslims to defend. In such an instance, even a woman may participate in Jihaad without the consent of her husband, and a slave without the consent of his master. (Re: – Quduri – Kitaab-us-Siyar)
We understand from the above that it is important to always keep fit and remain prepared for Jihaad. It is recorded in the Hadith Sharif, “Whoever passes away without participating in Jihaad and the thought of Jihaad didn’t cross his mind, then he has passed away upon a branch of hypocrisy.” (Muslim) This Hadith proves that one should be psychologically prepared to sacrifice one’s life on the battlefield.
Passing away on the battlefield is considered as an honourable death. In fact, the young Sahaabah Radhiyallahu Anhum would vie with each other to participate in Jihaad and attain martyrdom. Even the physically disabled who are exempted from participating in Jihaad went out in the path of Allah Ta’ala. In conclusion, a Muslim should never fear death, but rather be prepared to sacrifice one’s life for the sake of Deen.
- Furthermore, providing security to its citizens is an obligation of the state. However, the state has become complicit and has failed its citizens. Hence, the citizens have no option but to take up arms to defend themselves. Therefore, if the Muslim Ummah will be attacked in South Africa, then yes, we will have no option but to defend ourselves.
May Allah Ta’ala keep each and every one with Aafiyah. Aameen!
(قَوْلُهُ فِي الْمَتْنِ وَفَرْضُ عَيْنٍ إنْ هَجَمَ الْعَدُوُّ) قَالَ فِي الْهِدَايَةِ فَإِنْ هَجَمَ الْعَدُوُّ عَلَى بَلَدٍ وَجَبَ عَلَى جَمِيعِ النَّاسِ الدَّفْعُ قَالَ فِي الْمُغْرِبِ الْهُجُومُ الْإِتْيَانُ بَغْتَةً وَالدُّخُولُ مِنْ غَيْرِ اسْتِئْذَانٍ —- وَكَذَا الْوَلَدُ يَخْرُجُ بِغَيْرِ إذْنِ وَالِدَيْهِ (تبيين الحقائق ص241 ج3)
وَإِذَا هَجَمَ الْعَدُوُّ وَجَبَ عَلَى جَمِيعِ النَّاسِ الدَّفْعُ تَخْرُجُ الْمَرْأَةُ وَالْعَبْدُ بِغَيْرِ إِذَنِ الزَّوْجِ وَالسَّيِّدِ (الاختيار لتعليل المختار ص118 ج4)
وَفَرْضُ عَيْنٍ إنْ هَجَمَ الْعَدُوُّ فَتَخْرُجُ الْمَرْأَةُ، وَالْعَبْدُ بِلَا إذْنِ زَوْجِهَا وَسَيِّدِهِ) ؛ لِأَنَّ الْمَقْصُودَ عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ لَا يَحْصُلُ إلَّا بِالْإِقَامَةِ الْكُلُّ فَيَفْتَرِضُ عَلَى الْكُلِّ فَرْضُ عَيْنٍ (البحر الرائق ص78 ج5)
وفرض عين علي كل واحد من المسلمين (ان هجم العدو) أي ان اتي بغتة علي بلادنا وصار النفير – ولا يتهيا دفعهم الا بقتالهم جميعا فيجب علي جميع الناس الدفع (فتح المعين ص418 /419 ج2)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: 01 Muharram 1448 / 17 June 2026
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb