[By Mufti ‘Abdur Rahim Lajpuri (rahimahullah)]
FOREWORD
This article, REASONS FOR ALLAH’S ANGER AND WAYS FOR ITS REMEDY, written by the Grand Muftí of Gujarat, India, Hadhrat Shaikh Muftí ’Abdur-Rahím Lájpurí Sáhib (rahimahullah), was first published in England in 1999 by Ashraf Publications. It was translated from the Urdú kitáb, “Wabál-e-Iláhí Ke Asbáb Aur Unká Iláj”, by Sayed Ilyás Pasha M.A. It was subsequently re-printed in South Africa. By the year 1999, the suffering of Muslims had already been witnessed in places like Palestine, Kashmír, Bosnia, Chechnya and Afghanistan. The Muslims in India had also been attacked by rioting Hindu mobs dating back from 1948, with the Babri Masjid being attacked in 1993. The Iran-Iraq War had already taken place (1980-1988), with the subsequent attack on Iraq by the U.S.A. (The Gulf War 1990-1991). Thus, Muftí Sáhib was not unaware of the distressing position of Muslims in different parts of the world. Since then, Muslims have suffered, and are still suffering, even to a greater extent. Subsequent to 9/11, there has been the invasion of Afghanistan by the U.S.A. and allied forces, the overthrow of Ghaddafi in Libya and civil war, the persecution of Muslims in China, Burma and the Central African Republic; not forgetting the fighting in Egypt, Somalia, Nigeria, Iraq and now Syria – and the subsequent Refugee Crisis that has risen from these. Other problem areas that confront Muslims, together with other communities, are high rates of crime, drug abuse and other social ills. If there was a need for this article in 1991, there is a greater need for it now, in 2016!
REASONS FOR ALLAH’S ANGER AND WAYS FOR ITS REMEDY
What are the reasons for the distressing plight of muslims?
Question: The Religious Scholars (’ulemá) are requested to shed light upon the factors behind Muslim distress and suffering all over the world. Muslims are facing riots and massacres at many places: Why is this?
The answer is manifold Answer: There are several reasons for this sad state of affairs in the Ummah. Among the more prominent ones are the following:
• Lack of true faith in Alláh Ta’ala.
• Increased disobedience towards Him.
• Increasing timidity among us.
• Love of the material world (Hubbe-e-Dunyá wa Mál).
• Open disobedience of the Sunnah of Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam). Following our own innovated (bid’ah) practices and customs:
• Neglecting the rights of Alláh (huqúq-Alláh), and the rights of creation (huqúq-ul-’ibád).
• Our complete ingratitude towards the innumerable blessings showered upon us by our Benefactor, despite us being totally unworthy of these blessings.
• Disregard for the selfless advice given to us by our noble ’ulemá in relation to our religion.
Almighty Alláh sums up the reasons for our suffering in Surah 42:30. of the Holy Qur’án:
Whatever misfortune happens to you, it is because of the things your hands have wrought, and He forgives much.
A further elaboration on this point is found in 30:41
Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of man have caused; that He may give them a taste of some of their deeds; in order that they turn back (from evil).
Severe punishment for certain types of sins Indulging in disobedience and committing sins anger Alláh , but certain sins are such that, if committed, will invite a very swift and severe punishment. Among these types of sins are:
• Unjust decision making and the breaking of pledges – these await the imposition of tyrannical rule.
• Short-weighting and short-measuring by traders – await the punishment of famine, inflation and oppression.
• Widespread betrayal of trust will cause the imposition of tyrant rulers.
• Fearing death and inclining towards materialism (dunyá) will result in timidity and fear among the faithful and, at the same time, the kuffár forces will receive encouragement and strength. – (Jazá-ul A’mál).
The companion, Hadhrat Thawban (radhiyallahu anhu) narrated that Muhammad Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said:
“A period will come when the non-believers will come closer by calling one another for annexing the nations of the believers, just like how people call one another for eating food when it has been prepared.” Someone then asked as to whether the Muslims will be few in number then? Rasúlulláh is reported to have replied: “You will be large in number, but will be like hay before a flood of water. Your enemies will not fear you because you will be so weak and timid.” One companion then asked the reason for this decline, and Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Life (and its luxuries) will become dearer to you and you will dislike death, (and facing Alláh Ta’ala)”. – (Mishkát Sharíf p.459. Chapter on Taghayyur-Un-Nás; Abú Dawúd p.242.)
Creating fear in the hearts of the enemies, which is a blessing from Alláh , can only be achieved through adopting the pious life prescribed by the Sharí’ah, and by following the practical life of Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam).
Regarding this last point, it is narrated in a Hadíth Sharíf thus:
Whosoever emulates my way of life and adheres to my Sunnah, Alláh will bless him with four favours:–
– The love of such a person will be instilled into the heart of virtuous people.
– Sinners and disbelievers will fear such a person in their hearts.
– His livelihood and good fortune will be increased for him.
– Alláh will strengthen him in religion. – (Sharh Sharí’at-ul-Islám, Sayyed Alí Zadah. p.8.)
Alláh has warned of dire punishment for those who do not order people to perform virtuous deeds and prevent them from committing evil and disobedient acts. He states in the Qur’án Sharíf:
And fear affliction which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who do wrong, and know that Alláh is severe in punishment. (8:25.)
This verse is explained in “Tafsír-e-Ma’áriful Qur’án” as follows:
Hadhrat ’Abdulláh bin Abbás (radhiyallahu anhu) has said that Alláh Taala has ordered Muslims to prevent immorality and disobedience in their towns and villages. Furthermore, not preventing such actions, despite having the power to do so, will definitely result in severe punishment on all, irrespective of whether they be pious people or immoral people.
Imám Bagháwí has noted that in “Sharí’ah-Al Sunnah” and “Ma’álim” appear narrations from Hadhrat ’Abdulláh bin Masúd (radhiyallahu anhu) and Ayeshah Siddiqah (radhiyallahu anha) that Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallan) said:
Alláh does not send His punishment on all the people for the sins of a certain group of immoral persons when He sees the virtuous people preventing the wrongdoers from their activities. In case they do not prevent them, then Alláh will certainly send and spread His punishment. (Ma’áriful-Qur’án Vol. 4. p. 212.)
The Sahábí, Hadhrat Hudhaifah (radhiyallahu anhu), has narrated that the Nabí Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said:
I swear by Alláh, the One in whose hands my life is, continue to order and guide people towards virtuous deeds, and prevent people from immoral acts and sins. Otherwise, Almighty Alláh will surely send His severe punishment upon you. If you then turn to Alláh and pray, your prayers will not be accepted. – (Mishkát Sharíf, p.436. Chapter on Amr-Bil-Ma’rúf.)
Declaration of war by Alláh upon degradation and insult of pious people and the truthful scholars of islám. The act of degrading and insulting the truthful scholars of Islám, the pious and the virtuous, immediately calls for the descent of the wrath of Alláh . It is narrated in one of the Divine Hadíth (Hadíth-e-Qudsí) that Alláh has warned the Ummah in the following manner:
Whosoever tries to harm My friend (walí) will surely declare war upon Me. Alláh certainly comes to the aid of such Alláh-fearing persons immediately upon seeing them harassed or targeted for insult and ridicule.
It is further reported that He becomes furious and declares war on those committing such heinous crimes against His authority, by insulting and harming His pious servants; and when there is any dealing where interest is charged upon money. May Alláh protect us all from these! Ámín.
Hadhrat Mauláná Ashraf Alí Thánwí Sáhib has narrated a Hadíth-e-Qudsí from “Tafsír-e-Mazhari”, in which Alláh says:
I will become angry upon the insulting and degrading of my pious slaves, like how a lion becomes furious when its cubs are harassed.
A Persian poet has described this in one of his couplets which mean:
We have witnessed in this world of revenge that whosoever has teased and insulted the pious people;
Alláh has never put any people to hardship unless they have hurt the feelings of someone who had been fearing Him.
Many cities and nations have perished due to their ill treatment of certain pious people.
When asked about the cause of earthquakes, Ayesha Siddiqah (radhiyallahu anha) is reported to have said:
When adultery, drinking wine, singing, dancing and the use of various types of musical instruments become common and fashionable among the people, then the self-respect of Alláh also comes into effect. If the people immediately rectify their mistakes, it stops. Otherwise, a vast area of people and grand buildings are razed to the ground and turned into heaps of mud. – (Fatáwah Rahímiyah Vol.3, p.207.)
When we look at our lives, we are agreed that all these vices exist among us today. We know all too well how little importance we attach to the guidance of the ’ulemá, the weakness of our faith in Alláh and in adhering to the teachings of Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) Most of us have knowledge of religion, but display our weak ímán in our lack of practise upon that knowledge. The attitude seems to be that the less we talk about our adherence to an Islámic way of life today, the better.
Take salát as an example, the symbol of a Muslim and the bedrock of Islám. Despite it being obligatory five times a day, we find that the masjids are devoid of worshipers. And the state of our womenfolk in their homes is just as pitiable. In fact, the home has become a haven for many innovated practices and customs, immorality and non-practising of purdah (hijáb) by our women. Some of the most damaging tools of Shaitán are: Television, DVD’s, the internet and mobile phones! All these are considered to be essential items in every home. The fact that is these have become the main cause of widespread singing, dancing, music and adultery in society at large. We fail to recognize how dangerous these vices are in life, not to mention the consequences which we are storing up for ourselves, when we have to face Alláh. The following saying of Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) is food for thought:
“My followers will also face incidents of sinking in the ground, disfigurement and the raining of heavy stones from the heavens.” One of the companions asked when these incidents would manifest. To this Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam replied: “When the evils of singing, dancing, music and drinking liquor will be common.” – (Tirmidhí Sharíf.)
Another Hadíth of Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) reports him as stating:
“During the last days of my followers, people will become monkeys and pigs.” Those present inquired as to whether these people will not have faith in ‘La Ilaha illalah, Muhammadur Rasúlulláh’? Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said: “It is not so. They will become so because of their engagement in the profession of singing and music.” – (Fatawá Rahímiya Vol. 2. p.323.)
A recent Urdú poet has described the present prevailing conditions in society in the following way:
The present conditions which we are facing today remind us of the foretelling of our Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam).
He has been reported as saying that people will not hesitate to usurp properties belonging to others;
they will indulge in immoral acts and will feel no remorse or regret;
quarrels and enmity will be common among close relatives, like brothers, sisters, parents and their wards;
daughters will be born to mothers as their enemies and mistresses;
the feeling and fear of the presence of Alláh will become rare among the faithful;
people in congregational prayer will forget what they are doing.
The disobedience of Alláh and the rejection of the Sharí’ah will create a very dangerous situation, calling for severe punishment, as has happened to past nations which transgressed. Alláh has described these events in the Qur’án Sharíf at various locations. One such verse is:
Each one of them We seized for their crime, against some of them We sent a violent tornado; some were caught in a blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up; and some we drowned; it was not Alláh who injured them; but they injured their own souls – (29:40)
Alláh explains to the believers how severe was His response to these crimes of spreading evil and challenging His Law. Those who seek His protection and mercy should become obedient servants and always submit to His orders.
The following prayer is to be found in “Darse-Qur’án”:
0 Almighty Alláh! Despite having been shown a very clear path of living a successful life by Your Rasúl (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) as desired by You, yet we have been committing the mistake of disobeying Your orders openly. 0 Alláh! You certainly punished the people of former times for their rebellion against their rasúls. Some were finished in floods while others perished in hurricanes; some had to face earthquakes and some were drowned and killed. O Great and Merciful Alláh!
You are the most merciful and beneficent. Those rebels were cruel to their souls. Their hard-heartedness made them cruel and, thus, they dared to rebel against Your authority. 0 Merciful Alláh! Bless us all with Your Mercy and make us learn the lessons from their most tragic termination, so that we can follow the right path shown to us by Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam). Ámín! – (Darse-Qur’án Vol. 8. p.278.)
What should muslims do in such a situation? Alláh has said:
And never give up hope of Alláh’s truly soothing mercy; no one despairs of Allah’s soothing mercy except those who have no faith. (S.12.87).
In a further áyat Alláh states:
So, lose not heart and do not fall into despair, for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith. (3:139).
An Urdú poet has rightly depicted this in his couplet as under (the meaning of which is):
It is the same world all around us. Even the Almighty Alláh is the same, the Most Merciful.
If anything has changed it is ourselves.
It is our indifferent attitude towards religious teachings which has stopped Allah’s aid reaching us.
It is indeed desired that we should seek guidance from the pious and the truthful scholars who are experts in these affairs, and then follow their advice. The following is a portion of some of this guidance, which is deserving of our immediate attention and practise:
1. Turn to Alláh
The best cure for all ills and suffering today is that we should turn to Alláh and express our sincere regret and apology for our misdeeds. We should pledge to keep away from His disobedience in future, and begin to offer our five daily salát regularly. Men should attend the masjid punctually, and women should offer their salát in their homes as per the Sharí’ah. Even children should be taught to cultivate a habit for salát. Alláh لاَعَت has emphasized in the Holy Qur’an:
O Believers! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for Alláh is with those who observe patience. (2:153).
Hadhrat Mu’ádh bin Jabal (rashiyallahu anhu) narrates that he once heard Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) saying:
A person who does not go for salát after hearing the adhán is committing a great wrong, and is doing an act of blasphemy and hypocrisy.”
The renowned saint, Hadhrat Shaikh ’Abdul Qádir Jilání (rahmatullah alayh), has said:
You people have been totally negligent and careless about Alláh. It is high time that you wake up and connect yourselves to the Mosques and the path of the righteous ones. Make sending Durúd Sharíf on Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) a regular habit and binding upon yourselves.”
Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) has been reported as saying:
If Alláh sends the fire from Hell (to punish the guilty), it will not touch those who are connected with the masájids. Therefore, the act of neglecting salát will disconnect you outright from your link with Alláh, and such a person will be deprived of His closeness and mercy. As Rasúlulláh ملسو هيلع للها لص said that a servant is closest to his Creator whilst in the act of prostration (sajdah). – (Al-Fatha-Al-Rabbani, p.2.)
2. Need for istighfár and taubah
We must make a point to regularly offer repentance for our sins and seek Allah’s forgiveness. The Qur’án Sharíf mentions:
But Alláh was not going to punish them while you were among them, and He was not going to punish them while they sought forgiveness. (8:33)
In the explanation to this áyat it is said:
When the seeking of Allah’s forgiveness by the non-believers can ward off punishment, then the seeking of forgiveness by the faithful is definite to bring His mercy on all.
Hadhrat Abú Músa Ash’ari (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) as saying:
Surely Alláh has blessed my followers with two symbols of peace: firstly, myself and, secondly, the act of seeking forgiveness (istighfár), Remember! When I will no longer be in this mortal world, I will be leaving behind the act of seeking forgiveness. It will help you all to save yourselves from Allah’s punishment.
It is reported in another Hadíth: Shaitán has said to Alláh:
“I swear by Your honour that I will keep on misguiding your servants as long as they live,” to which Alláh responded: “I swear by My dignity that I will forgive them all as long as they continue to seek My pardon.”
In an explanation of the above Qur’ánic verse, it is said that some of the Sahábah were unable to undertake the migration to Medina and remained in Makkah. Through the barkat of their act of continuously seeking Allah’s forgiveness, no punishment descended even upon the disbelievers, despite their misdeeds. Through the act of pious people seeking forgiveness, even the sinners are saved from Allah’s wrath and punishment.
3. Encourage the giving of charity
Rich people must pay their zakát annually, as per the Sharí’ah, in order to purify their wealth.
In addition, regular voluntary alms (sadaqah) should be made to the poor to prevent the occurrence of hardships and misery. Wealth should be regarded as a gift and trust from Alláh and for which one will be answerable. They should desist from spending upon prohibited items and should, instead, use their wealth to assist the needy or for the promotion of Allah’s religion. It is common to see Muslims indulging in wasteful and questionable expenditure. In the Qur’án Sharíf such people Alláh has clearly termed as the brothers of Shaitán:
Verily, spendthrifts are the brothers of the evil ones. (17:27)
4. Increase the tiláwat of the Qur’án Sharíf
We should make a habit of reciting the Qur’án Sharíf and engaging in the remembrance (zikr) of Alláh Ta’ala, recitation of Durúd upon Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and making abundant du’á. Collective offering of du’á for women and children may also be arranged in their homes. The prescribed recitation of the Áyet-e-Karímah may also be organised now and then. It is reproduced below:
There is no god except You! You are glorified! I have been a wrong doer. (21:87)
5. Stop the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala
We must try to stop people in our locality from indulging in the disobedience of Alláh . The instruments of music, singing and dancing must be removed from our homes, as these attract the wrath of Alláh very quickly. The act of adultery and its means must be eradicated. Women should observe purdah from non-mahram males, and stop offering their services in schools, offices and businesses, as these lead to the spread of vice and immorality. Peace and tranquillity in the family and society are eroded through these activities and, ultimately, lead to the erosion of human values.
A mere glance at the happenings in today’s society will confirm this state of affairs. If circumstances require womenfolk to earn a living, they can then take to teaching small children at home, do some handiwork or other petty trade from within the confines of their own homes.
The intake of liquor and any type of drug and intoxicant must be avoided by all. We should all try to eradicate these vices from our society. Listed below are some vices which we should avoid at all costs are:
Usurping the properties inherited by orphans; avoiding the sharing of inheritance with daughters; oppression; backbiting; not fulfilling promises; telling lies and taking false oaths; breaches of faith and treachery; desisting from fulfilling the rights due to Alláh (such as performing salát, fasting during Ramadhán, paying zakát and performing Hajj); robbery; taking, giving and witnessing interest-based transactions; not advising people towards virtuous acts despite having the means to do so; making false allegations; behaving with arrogance and pride; engaging in gambling and various types of modern lotteries; bribery and corruption; insulting and degrading religious scholars (’ulemá); etc.
6. Implement proper díní education in the makátibs
Children must be given proper education and training in religious knowledge. The principles of faith (ímán), Divine duties (fará’idh), Islámic manners and etiquette must be taught first. They should know how valuable this knowledge is, and the consequences of its neglect. Alláh لاَعَت has ordered the believers (S66.6):
O you believers! Save yourselves and your families from a fire.
Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) has further warned: Remember, everyone from among you is responsible and accountable for those who are subordinated to you. Hence, it is vital that we make arrangements for the religious upbringing of our children in every village and town.
7. Reconcile disputes and differences
All types of disputes and differences should be stopped. Internal disputes are bound to cause serious damage to both religious and worldly interests. Alláh Ta’ala states in the Qur’án Sharíf:
And obey Alláh and His apostle; and do not fall into disputes, lest you lose heart and your power departs; and be patient and persevering, for Alláh is with those who patiently persevere.” (8.46.)
In another áyat Alláh Ta’ala says: َ
۪And hold fast, all together, to the rope which Alláh (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves. (3:103.)
8. Seek guidance only from the ’Ulemá and establish links with them
We should establish links with the ’ulemá and seek guidance from them in all our dealings, and resolve to follow their advice scrupulously. Never degrade or insult them. In Tirmidhí Sharíf, Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said:
The ’ulemá are the heirs to the Ambiyá.” Thus – like complying with the teachings of our prophets – it is equally obligatory upon the faithful to follow the instructions of the ’ulemá.
The knowledge of the Sharí’ah is the legacy of the prophets; and the ’ulemá are its custodians. Hence their instructions are to be treated as Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) has said:
A religious scholar (’álim) is superior to a worshiper in the same way as myself to any ordinary people among you.‒ (Mishkát Sharíf)
The renowned scholar and theologian, Shaikh ’Abdul Qádir Jilání (rahmatullah alayh) said: When you seek the guidance of the ’ulemá you must follow their advice, as you will be accountable for this before Alláh. Remember! It is as you sought the advice of Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and when it was given to you, you neglected it” ‒ (Al Fath-Al Rabbani.)
Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) warned those who fail to keep contact with the ’ulemá and who do not bother to heed their advice. He said: A period will soon be upon us when my followers will avoid the ’ulemá.
Alláh will then punish such people in three ways:–
– Barkat (blessing, abundance) will be taken away from their lives, making it difficult for people to make daily ends meet.
– Cruel rulers will be thrust upon them.
– They will leave the world without ímán in their hearts.
May Alláh Ta’ala save us all from such an end. Ámín!
Hadhrat Alí (radhiyallahu anhu) has reported Rasúlulláh (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) as having stated: When my followers start hating the ’ulemá, (and they) turn towards (the construction of) huge buildings and prefer richness to piety when proposing marriage, Alláh will punish them by four methods:
– Drought and famine will become frequent.
– Rulers will resort to oppression.
– People having authority and power will indulge in treachery.
– Enemies will attack continuously.
A glance at the world today and looking at the condition of the Ummah leaves little doubt that the times mentioned in this Hadíth Sharíf are upon us.
These conditions are only brought about by our own mistakes and misdeeds. There is no need to blame others! We must learn to respect the ’ulemá and treat their presence among us as a great gift from Alláh Ta’ala. We should strive to seek their guidance and benefit from their company and, under no circumstances, should we show them any disrespect.
9. Create an atmosphere of brotherhood
Sincere efforts must be made to create the atmosphere of fraternity and the brotherhood of Islám. We should also take care that the rights of all humans, are honoured irrespective of their affiliations. Always try to avoid any act which may lead to misunderstanding and dispute. We should keep ourselves away from quarrels.
The true Islámic character of tolerance and fortitude (sabr) should be developed. When faced with any mischief, we should affectionately try to desist from it. If the other party does not desist, then do not run away, but protect yourselves with full vigour.
The following principles must be remembered and followed when such situations arise:
1. Never harm old people (if they do not join the confrontations).
2. Never harm women (if they do not join the confrontation).
3. Never harm children.
4. Never show disrespect to the places of worship of other people.
5. Never attempt to cut off the noses and ears of people who confront you.
6. Never cut trees bearing fruit.
7. Never harm standing crops.
8. Do not burn any living animal.
9. Do not harm milking animals like cows, goats, etc.
10. Make the world aware of the beauty of Islám We should make our fellow citizens aware of the teachings of our faith and make them understand the reality of Tauhíd and Risálat; strive for them to be blessed with the beauty of ímán and save them from the eternal punishment of Jahannam. This is a right they have over us.
The Prophethood of Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) was for all mankind, not only for Muslims. So let us consider this also. May Alláh Ta’ala bless us all with His mercy, make us united, strengthen our ímán, and turn us to His Authority. May Alláh Ta’ala save us from all types of evils and disputes. Ámín!
************************
Islam Reigns 