National Shutdown
Question:-
The EFF declared on the 29th of January 2023, that they will orchestrate a national shutdown to protest against the energy crisis, call for President Ramaphosa to step down, eradicate poor service delivery and corruption, and to end unemployment. Permission has been granted for the strike to commence at midnight 00:01 on the 20th March 2023, and end at 07:00 on the 21st March 2023. How do we, as Muslims, deal with this situation, and what are we required to do?
Answer:-
Firstly, every condition that we face is from Allah Ta’ala. If we correct our matters with Allah Ta’ala, then Allah Ta’ala will correct the matters between us and the creation. [Jaami-ul-Hadith Pg.489 Vol.19]
Imaam Ahmad Rahimahullah quotes a narration which states that Allah Ta’ala told the Bani Isra’eel, “I am pleased when I am obeyed. When I am pleased, I confer blessings, and there is no end to my blessings. When I am disobeyed, I become angry. When I am angered, I remove my blessings.” The effect of this is felt by seven generations.
It is recorded in the Hadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam that when Riba (interest-bearing transactions) becomes common in a nation, then they will be seized with famine, and when bribery becomes common amongst a nation, then they are overtaken by fear and terror. [At Targheeb Wat Tarheeb Pg.Pg.194 Vol.3]
It is recorded in another narration, “When usury and adultery become common in a people, they sanction Allah’s punishment on their selves.” [Re:- Musnad Ahmad] Another narration states, “When people abandon enjoining right and forbidding evil , neither are their actions nor their supplications accepted.” [Re: Tabrani – Kabeer Pg.45 Vol.1] Yet another narration states that, a servant is deprived of sustenance because of the sins which he chooses to commit. [Suyuti – Jaami-us-Sagheer no. 4645]
The above are just a few narrations which we have quoted regarding the consequences of our actions. In short, we should understand that the current conditions which we face are due to our actions. We enjoyed unlimited privileges and benefits in this country for years, and perhaps, are still enjoying many bounties even at this stage. However, these bounties are gradually being snatched away day by day due to our disobedience to Allah Ta’ala. It is a matter of us reforming and giving up sin, and we will be blessed once again, as understood from the narration of Imaam Ahmad Rahimahullah which we have quoted above. Each person should attribute the current situation and turmoil to himself instead of blaming others, and each one should be concerned of his own reformation.
SOLUTIONS:-
1. Undoubtedly, security measures should be in place in every area, our fuel tanks filled etc.. However, we should never rely on these measures. We should rely solely on Allah Ta’ala for our protection. The security personnel should also keep their focus on Allah Ta’ala at all times and seek the assistance of Allah Ta’ala. The moment our attention moves away from Allah Ta’ala and we rely on our resources, we will face great danger as the Divine assistance of Allah Ta’ala will be removed. We should place our complete and full trust on Allah Ta’ala alone.
2. The Masajid should be kept open on the night of the 20th, and brothers should spend time in I’tikaaf in the Masjid (throughout the night) engaging in Taubah, Istighfaar, Durood, Salaah, Tilaawat, Dua, etc. This will draw the mercy of Allah Ta’ala which is required to solve our problems. The females should engage in the same activities at home. Being glued to our phones and social media will not solve our problems, but turning to Allah Ta’ala is definitely the solution to our problems.
3. Discharge Sadaqah on a daily basis, even if it is a few Rands. The Hadith states, “Sadaqah extinguishes the anger of Allah Ta’ala.” If Allah is pleased we will enjoy Divine protection.
4. Make a firm intention never to return to sin in the future. Try shedding a few tears whilst supplicating, and if this not possible, adopt the face of a crying person. This is taught to us in the Hadith of Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas Radiallahu Anhu.
5. Sort out matters pertaining to inheritance, family disputes, outstanding debts, etc.
6. Discharge our Zakaat correctly.
7. Recite ‘La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illah Billah’ excessively.
8. Fast for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
We make Dua that Allah Ta’ala protects the Ummah from all forms of harm, and may Allah Ta’ala reward those brothers that tirelessly sacrifice their time and sleep to protect the Ummah. Indeed the reward for guarding one’s locality or town is great by Allah Ta’ala.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 22 Shabaan 1444 / 15 March 2023