My Advice to Ahlus-Sunnah in Bangladesh on How to Behave in These Times of Fitnah, Turmoil and Tribulation (6th August 2024)

My Advice to Ahlus-Sunnah in Bangladesh on How to Behave in These Times of Fitnah (Turmoil and Tribulation)

I advise our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh to stay away from the places of tribulation, anarchy and danger in your land. Do not say or do anything that will fan the flames of discord. Cling to your homes, and encourage your family, relatives, friends and neighbours to do the same.

Stay at home and call upon Allah sincerely and with humility—ask Him (the Mighty and Majestic) to alleviate the trials that have befallen the people of Bangladesh.

Be patient, my brothers and sisters (may Allah protect you), with the danger and uncertainty you are facing. Seek Allah’s aid, pray to Him, maintain your imān, do not despair—and He (the Most Merciful and Exalted) will give you a way out of your difficulties.

Allah (the Most High) has stated: “O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allāh is with the patient.” (Quran 2:153)

He (the Most High) also said: “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruit crops―so, give glad tidings to the patient ones. Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ They are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and His Mercy, and it is they who are rightly guided.” (Quran 2:155-157)

Imām Al-Barbahārī (died 329 AH) said: “When fitnah strikes, stay in the depths of your house, flee from the areas of fitnah—and stay away from fanaticism [to any of the groups involved in the turmoil]. Fighting that takes place between Muslims for worldly gain is a fitnah (tribulation). So, fear Allah alone, who has no partner, and be dutiful to Him. Do not go out and join the turmoil, do not fight in it, do not fan its flames, do not take sides, or incline to any side—and do not love anything from their affairs for indeed it is said: ‘Whoever loves the actions of a people, whether good or bad, is like the one who performs them.’ May Allah guide us and you to His pleasure and save us and you from disobedience to Him.” (Ithāf Al-Qārī, no. 114, 2/87)

Imam Ahmad reported in Al-Musnad (5/226) that ‘Abdullāh Ibn Zubair (Allah be pleased with him) stated: My friend, Abul-Qāsim, the Messenger of Allāh (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “If you ever reach any of these trials and tribulations, go to the mountain of Uhud and break your sword on it—and then remain in your house.” (Graded hasan by Shaikh Al-Albānī, see As-Saheehah, 3/369)

The Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned the times of fitnah (turmoil) that were to come, so ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Amr (Allah be pleased with him) asked: “What should I do at that time, may Allah make me a ransom for you?” So, he (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied: “Stay in your home, control your tongue, take what is right, avoid what is wrong, attend to your own affairs, and avoid the general affairs [of the people].” (Abu Dawood, no. 4343, graded hasan by Shaikh Al-Albānī)

I ask Allah to aid Ahlus-Sunnah in Bangladesh, and to guide the Muslims of that land to the Straight Path, the Path of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) and his Companions—and to protect its people from the plots of Shaytān and the enemies of Islam. O Allah! Guide the people of Bangladesh to the Book and Sunnah, unite their hearts, make them strong, and grant them safety and well-being from Yourself, indeed You are the Bestower, the Most Merciful.

Abu Khadeejah ‘Abdul-Wāhid (6th August 2024)

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