Muslims’ attitude in Times of Affliction

My brothers, the norm of affliction is that it affects the believer, the disbeliever, the righteous and the wicked.


 


But for the believer, it is a purification and elevation of ranks (in Jannah), while for the disbeliever and the defiantly disobedient, it is a hastened punishment and a warning so that perhaps they may return (to the truth).  


 


The prophets were tested the most amongst mankind, then the next best, and the next  best... People are tested according to the level of their Iman [faith].


 


The Sahaba were afflicted by the plague, yet they were the best of people after the prophets, and a large number of them and their progeny died in it. They were nothing but patient and hoped for Allah's reward.


 


Whoever died from among the Muslims, whether in Turkey or Syria, has the reward of a martyr, because our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are five types of martyr: one who dies of plague, one who dies of an abdominal disease, one who is drowned, one who is killed by his house falling on him, and the martyr in Allah’s path.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) 


 


Whoever passed away has arrived to his Lord, but we, who are still alive must:  


 


1. Think well of Allah Almighty. And know that He does not decree anything except there's a wisdom behind it. He is the Almighty who said: "Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limit.” (Qur'an translated meanings 39:10)


 


2. Assist our people as much as we can. Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim, He does not wrong him, fail him, or hand him over (to an oppressor)."

Through this affliction, Allah extracts from us the servitude of aiding our brothers and sisters.

It is the duty of everyone who can provide any kind of assistance and aid, to hasten to help his brothers as much as he can. "Allah assists His slave as long as the slave is in assistance of his brother"


 


3. Remember that this is a warning for us. The affliction has taken whom it has, and has left a warning for whoever is still alive. Allah Almighty said: "...then We seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves [to Us]." (Qur'an translated meanings 6:42).

So we must beware of being among those regarding whom Allah said:


"Why did they not humble themselves when We made them suffer? Instead, their hearts were hardened, and Shaytaan made their misdeeds appealing to them.." (Qur'an translated meanings 6:43).

We must beseech Allah Almighty, seek refuge in Him and repent for our shortcomings.


 


My brothers, as you look at the buildings collapsing, imagine: did any of its inhabitants imagine that this would happen to them. By Allah, none of us are far from affliction.  


 


4. We ask Allah Almighty to have mercy on the Muslims who have passed away, to relieve the injured; to amend their state, heal their sick, shelter their homeless, and grant them from Him a guardian and a supporter, comfort and patience.

Dr. Eyad Qunaibi