:salam2:
In determining the way in which a Muslim should deal with a time of crisis, it is important to analyze exactly what, essentially, a crisis is in the context of Islamic understanding; particularly as this relates to the Qadar (predestination) of Allah.
A crisis, by definition, indicates a pivotal period of time in which a situation or condition seems unstable, chaotic, and liable to sudden, drastic, and most often, dangerous change. It implies the precipice that gives way to disaster; when every move is crucial, either facilitating a healthy and progressive resolution or initiating the descent into catastrophe.
Now, Islamically, such a situation does not exist. Life does not proceed so haphazardly; but rather all things occur, can only occur, according to the decree of Allah. We understand, therefore, that a 'crisis' basically means that circumstances seem to be other than we would like them to be. That is, our own personal vision of how our lives and situations should be developing finds itself opposed in one way or another with what Allah has decreed for us.
We therefore reject the validity of external crisis, insofar as this is understood to mean a random and volatile unfolding of events; and rather understand the conflict that arises between our own private will and the will of Allah as an internal crisis of belief.
Allah says: "No kind of calamity occurs except by Allah's leave: And whoever believes in Allah, Allah will guide his heart (aright): For Allah knows all things." (Qur'an 64: 11)
Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab cites in his Kitab at-Tawheed that 'Alqamah said: "He (i.e., the person referred to in the above verse) is the one who, when calamity strikes, knows that it is from his Lord and accepts it with equanimity and submits (himself to Allah's Will)."
In other words, the contradiction between what we desire for ourselves with what Allah desires for us, produces an inner crisis, a pivotal moment in our hearts when we can either decide to bemoan our situation and succumb to anxiety and dissatisfaction, or when we can acknowledge the superiority of Allah's Will, and persevere with the assurances that Allah knows best.
Not only has Allah informed us that we will face circumstances that we will regard as hardships, but he has shown us how to face them. He, (Allah) said: "O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere." (Qur'an 2: 153)
And He (Allah) told us: "Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah. Nor grieve over them, and distress yourself not because of their plots. For Allah is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good."
(Qur'an 16: 127-128)
Furthermore, the Believer understands that undergoing external crises; experiencing the oftentimes sharp contrast between our expectations and the manner in which our circumstances actually develop, or when our circumstances appear dire beyond conceivable resolution; it is an indication, in fact, of Allah's favour. Abu Hurairah (radhiallahu anhu) reported that the Prophet {saws} said, "Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity."
Indeed, for the one who accepts what Allah has decreed, and endures his or her trials patiently, there is only good to come from external crises, the greater the crisis, the greater the good, if the believer engages their circumstance with Iman (creed).
Imam Tirmithi stated that the Prophet, {saws}, said: "Verily, the greatness of the reward is tied to the greatness of the trial: When Allah loves a people, He (Allah) puts them to trial. Whoever accepted it, will enjoy Allah's pressure and whoever is displeased with it, will incur Allah's displeasure."
Crises, therefore present the believer with an opportunity to more fully realize his or her submission to Allah; in essence, to prove oneself and thereby gain Allah's reward, and have some sins forgiven. It is narrated in both Sahih Bukhari and Muslim that Prophet Muhammad {saws}, said, "No calamity befalls a Muslim nor any weariness, illness, anxiety, grief, harm or harassment - even a thorn which pricks him - but that Allah expiates with it some of his sins."
Thus, we find that Iman is the crucial equalizer in all circumstances, making all external conditions ultimately beneficial to the believer who submits to Allah's decree. As Prophet Muhammad {saws}, said, "Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit; if he is granted ease of living he is thankful; and this is best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is best for him."
[From: Al Jumu'ah Vol. 13 Issue 10]
The Believer in Times of Crisis
In determining the way in which a Muslim should deal with a time of crisis, it is important to analyze exactly what, essentially, a crisis is in the context of Islamic understanding; particularly as this relates to the Qadar (predestination) of Allah.
A crisis, by definition, indicates a pivotal period of time in which a situation or condition seems unstable, chaotic, and liable to sudden, drastic, and most often, dangerous change. It implies the precipice that gives way to disaster; when every move is crucial, either facilitating a healthy and progressive resolution or initiating the descent into catastrophe.
Now, Islamically, such a situation does not exist. Life does not proceed so haphazardly; but rather all things occur, can only occur, according to the decree of Allah. We understand, therefore, that a 'crisis' basically means that circumstances seem to be other than we would like them to be. That is, our own personal vision of how our lives and situations should be developing finds itself opposed in one way or another with what Allah has decreed for us.
We therefore reject the validity of external crisis, insofar as this is understood to mean a random and volatile unfolding of events; and rather understand the conflict that arises between our own private will and the will of Allah as an internal crisis of belief.
Allah says: "No kind of calamity occurs except by Allah's leave: And whoever believes in Allah, Allah will guide his heart (aright): For Allah knows all things." (Qur'an 64: 11)
Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab cites in his Kitab at-Tawheed that 'Alqamah said: "He (i.e., the person referred to in the above verse) is the one who, when calamity strikes, knows that it is from his Lord and accepts it with equanimity and submits (himself to Allah's Will)."
In other words, the contradiction between what we desire for ourselves with what Allah desires for us, produces an inner crisis, a pivotal moment in our hearts when we can either decide to bemoan our situation and succumb to anxiety and dissatisfaction, or when we can acknowledge the superiority of Allah's Will, and persevere with the assurances that Allah knows best.
Not only has Allah informed us that we will face circumstances that we will regard as hardships, but he has shown us how to face them. He, (Allah) said: "O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere." (Qur'an 2: 153)
And He (Allah) told us: "Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah. Nor grieve over them, and distress yourself not because of their plots. For Allah is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good."
(Qur'an 16: 127-128)
Furthermore, the Believer understands that undergoing external crises; experiencing the oftentimes sharp contrast between our expectations and the manner in which our circumstances actually develop, or when our circumstances appear dire beyond conceivable resolution; it is an indication, in fact, of Allah's favour. Abu Hurairah (radhiallahu anhu) reported that the Prophet {saws} said, "Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity."
Indeed, for the one who accepts what Allah has decreed, and endures his or her trials patiently, there is only good to come from external crises, the greater the crisis, the greater the good, if the believer engages their circumstance with Iman (creed).
Imam Tirmithi stated that the Prophet, {saws}, said: "Verily, the greatness of the reward is tied to the greatness of the trial: When Allah loves a people, He (Allah) puts them to trial. Whoever accepted it, will enjoy Allah's pressure and whoever is displeased with it, will incur Allah's displeasure."
Crises, therefore present the believer with an opportunity to more fully realize his or her submission to Allah; in essence, to prove oneself and thereby gain Allah's reward, and have some sins forgiven. It is narrated in both Sahih Bukhari and Muslim that Prophet Muhammad {saws}, said, "No calamity befalls a Muslim nor any weariness, illness, anxiety, grief, harm or harassment - even a thorn which pricks him - but that Allah expiates with it some of his sins."
Thus, we find that Iman is the crucial equalizer in all circumstances, making all external conditions ultimately beneficial to the believer who submits to Allah's decree. As Prophet Muhammad {saws}, said, "Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit; if he is granted ease of living he is thankful; and this is best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is best for him."
[From: Al Jumu'ah Vol. 13 Issue 10]
for sharing, may Allah reward you in both worlds....ameen..