It is time to turn back to Allah (SWT) if we wish to erase the crisis in the country Photo iStockphoto
South Africa – “Verily, Allah does not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
South Africa is seeing dark days. Literally because of loadshedding and metaphorically because of the rampant corruption and wrongdoings of those in charge. We often find ourselves complaining about these conditions but have we ever stopped and pondered why such conditions have been placed upon us?
Many consider what is happening as a direct result of who is put in government forgetting that Allah (SWT) is all powerful and indeed the King of all kings. We continue to debate and curse those in government but they are not the ones in charge.
The hard times are our own doings
Hadrat Hasan (RA) reports that Nabi (SAW) said:
“By Him in whose control is my life! Any scratch, twitching of veins, slipping of the foot or a flying stone suddenly striking the body; all are due to the committing of sins.”
Whenever one of our pious predecessors used to get sick, they used to blame it on a sin. Even the Sahabah (RA) had this same mindset. Once Asmā bint Abi Bakr (RA) experienced a headache. She exclaimed, “This is due to my sins.” (Durr al-Manthūr, Ibn Kathīr)
From the Hadith we can understand that whatever calamity befalls us, it is because of our own wrongdoings. We have to only analyse our own lives and we can understand why such times have befallen us.
What is needed to change these conditions
To understand what is needed to change these conditions we only need to look at the incident which occurred during the time of Musa (AS). A terrible drought and famine occurred and the people of Musa (AS) asked Allah (SWT) to send them rain. After continuous Dua, nothing happened. It was then Allah (SWT) informed Musa (AS) that the rain was being held back because of a person who for forty consecutive years had disobeyed Allah (SWT). Musa (AS) was informed that only until this person left the group would the rain come.
Musa (AS) made the announcement yet nobody left the gathering. At this time, this person made a sincere taubah (asked for forgiveness) and immediately the rain began to fall. Allah (SWT) forgave the man and allowed His (SWT) mercy to fall upon the people.
Similarly, we need to ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and change our ways. Mufti Mohammed Desai, Darul Iftaa ibn Masood, explained beautifully what we must do if we wish to change the conditions that have been placed on us.
We should sincerely repent for our sins both major and minor. Stop all forms of sin with immediate effect and make a firm resolve to not return to them in the future. When one repents, they should do so with a firm intention that they will never commit that sin again.
Men should establish salaah in the Masjid and women at home. It is a sad sight to see the Masjids empty except during Ramadan. We should strive to live our lives out of Ramadaan like we do while we are in Ramadan.
Continuously recite Durood Sharif and Hasbunallahu Wa’nemal Wakeel – Ne’mal Mawla Wa Ne’man Naseer.’ Also we must make it a habit to thank Allah (SWT) for all that we have. One must always look at those below him in terms of wealth and thank Allah (SWT) for all that they have.
A Muslim understands that it does not matter who we vote for or who is in power. It is only Allah (SWT) who can bring change to the conditions that have befallen us. If we turn back to Allah (SWT) with a sincere heart and with the expectation we will be forgiven, we will surely have His (SWT) mercy rain on us.
