The believer in times of crises

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 Islamicunderstanding; particularly as this
relates to the Qadar )predestination( of Allaah.
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, Islamicly, 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 Allaah. We understand, therefore,that a 'crisis'
basically means thatcircumstances 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 Allaah has decreed for us.
We therefore reject the validity ofexternal 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 Allaah as an internal crisis of belief.
Allaah Says )what means(:"No disaster strikes except by permission of
Allaah. And whoever believes in Allaah – He will guide his heart. And
Allaah is Knowing of all things..."]Quran 64: 11[
Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhaabcites in his Kitaab At-Tawheed )The Book of
Oneness of Allaah( that 'Alqamahsaid:"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 Allaah's Will(."
In other words, the contradictionbetween what we desire for ourselves
with what Allaah Almighty desires for us, producesan 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 Allaah's Will, and persevere with the
assurances that Allaah knowsbest.
Not only has Allaah informed us that we will face circumstances that
we will regard as hardships, but He, Almighty, has shown us how to
face them. He, Almighty, Says )what means(:"O you who have believed,
seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allaah is with the
patient."]Quran 2: 153[
And Allaah told us )what means(:"And be patient, ]O Muhammad[, and
your patience is not but through Allaah. And do not grieve over them
and do not be in distress over what they conspire.Indeed, Allaah is
with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good."]Quran 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 Allaah's favor. Abu Hurayrahreported that the
Prophetsaid:"Whenever Allaah wills good for a person, Hesubjects him
to adversity."]Al-Bukhaari[
Indeed, for the one who accepts what Allaah 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 thebeliever
engages their circumstance with Imaan )faith(.
Imaam At-Tirmithistated that the Prophetsaid:"Verily, the greatness of
the reward is tied to the greatness of the trial: When Allaah loves a
people, He)Allaah( puts them to trial. Whoever accepts it, will enjoy
Allaah's pressure and whoever is displeased with it, will incur
Allaah's displeasure."]At-Tirmithi[
Crises, therefore present the believer with an opportunity to more
fully realize his or her submission to Allaah; in essence, to prove
oneself and thereby gainAllaah's reward, and have some sins forgiven.
The Prophetsaid:"No calamity befalls a Muslim nor any weariness,
illness,anxiety, grief, harm or harassment – even a thorn whichpricks
him – but that Allaah expiates with it some of his sins."]Al-Bukhaari
and Muslim[
Thus, we find that Imaan is the crucial equalizer in all
circumstances, making all external conditions ultimately beneficial to
the believer who submits to Allaah's decree. As theProphetsaid:"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 isafflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is
best for him."]Muslim[