"Many similar mishaps (troubles,
problems) of life were faced by nations that have passed away before
you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who
disbelieved." [3:137]
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said: "Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allah and disbelief in Allah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction." [I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181]
Imaam Al-Uthaymeen said: "If it is said, 'What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?'"
The Answer: "Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it.
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said: "Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allah and disbelief in Allah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction." [I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181]
Imaam Al-Uthaymeen said: "If it is said, 'What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?'"
The Answer: "Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it.
Secondly:
The likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter
for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in
the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of
Allah: 'Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population
of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and
severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the
torment of the Hereafter.' So what is apparent from this Ayah is that
what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the
Hereafter, and Allah knows best."
Imaam Bin Baaz said: "Whoever exercises patience during times of affliction, thankful during times of ease, submissive to Allah when calamities occur, expresses disappointment about himself to Allah due to his sins and shortcomings, and seeks Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness, then indeed he will succeed with all success and with a praiseworthy end.
Allah said: "Alif
Lâm Mîm. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say:
“We believe,” and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who
were before them. And Allâh will certainly make (it) known (the truth
of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the
falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allâh knows all that before
putting them to test)." [29:1-3]
The intent behind (the word) Fitnah in this Ayah is Trial and Test, so that the truthful one, the patient one and the thankful one is distinguished from the liar, as Allah said: "And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer (of everything)." [25:20]
And He said: "And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned." [21:35]
And Allah said: "And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allâh’s Obedience)." [7:165]
Al-Hasanat in this Ayah are the blessings of abundant provision, ease, good health and honour, as well as victory and support against the enemy etc. And As-Sayyi’aat in this ayah are the calamities, such as illnesses, overpowered by the enemy, earthquakes, winds, hurricanes, destructive torrential floods, etc.
Allah said: "Evil (sins and disobedience of Allâh, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), so that Allâh may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allâh, and begging His Pardon)." [30:41]"
[The Obligation of Repentance, especially during Calamities and Afflictions – By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz]
The intent behind (the word) Fitnah in this Ayah is Trial and Test, so that the truthful one, the patient one and the thankful one is distinguished from the liar, as Allah said: "And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer (of everything)." [25:20]
And He said: "And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned." [21:35]
And Allah said: "And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allâh’s Obedience)." [7:165]
Al-Hasanat in this Ayah are the blessings of abundant provision, ease, good health and honour, as well as victory and support against the enemy etc. And As-Sayyi’aat in this ayah are the calamities, such as illnesses, overpowered by the enemy, earthquakes, winds, hurricanes, destructive torrential floods, etc.
Allah said: "Evil (sins and disobedience of Allâh, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), so that Allâh may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allâh, and begging His Pardon)." [30:41]"
[The Obligation of Repentance, especially during Calamities and Afflictions – By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz]
Imaam
Ibnul Qayyim said: "This Ayah was revealed regarding the state of
affairs of the world - the relationship between it and the events that
occur. You see how the occurrence of those evil actions and defects (of
the people) affects the harvest, vegetation and the animals in every
era, and the manner in which those evil (affairs) necessitates other
evils. And whenever the people initiate oppression and wickedness, their
Lord brings about - from those evils and defects (of theirs) -
deficiencies and harm in their nourishments, fruits, atmospheres,
bodies, outward appearances and manners, as a justification for their
deeds, acts of oppression and wickedness. The majority of the illnesses
and the general evil affairs are remnants of the punishment afflicted
upon the people of the previous nations; then there remained from that
what remains, as a surprise punishment against those who remain upon the
(evil) deeds of those previous nations. This is a just judgement and
just decree. And indeed the Prophet (saws) has indicated to this in his
statement concerning plagues, that it is a remnant of an affliction or
punishment that was sent by Allah to the Children of Israa’eel." [Badaa’iul At-Tafseer Al-Jami Lima Fasarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah]
Shaykh Bin Baaz said: "And what this means is that Allah decreed the Hasanat and Sayyi’at in order that the people may return to the truth, hasten to repent from what Allah has made forbidden for them and rush towards obedience to Allah and His Messenger. That is because disbelief and sins are the cause of every affliction and evil in this life and the next.
Disbelief and sins are the cause of every affliction and evil in this life and the next. As for Tawheed, belief in Allah and His Messengers, obedience to Allah and His Messengers, holding fast to Allah’s Shari’ah and calling to it, and rejecting what is in opposition to it, this is the cause of every good in this life and the hereafter. And adhering firmly to it, enjoining it and co-operating upon it is the (real) source of honour in this life and the hereafter, safety from every hated thing and protection from every Fitnah, as Allah said: "O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm." [47:7]
And Allah said: "Verily, Allâh will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamat-as-Salât. (i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salât (prayers) (the males in mosques)), to pay the Zakât and they enjoin Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islâm has forbidden) (i.e. they make the Qur’ân as the law of their country in all the spheres of life). And with Allâh rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)." [22:40-41]
And Allah said: "Allâh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh)." [24:55]
And Allah said: "And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc)." [7:96]
Shaykh Bin Baaz said: "And what this means is that Allah decreed the Hasanat and Sayyi’at in order that the people may return to the truth, hasten to repent from what Allah has made forbidden for them and rush towards obedience to Allah and His Messenger. That is because disbelief and sins are the cause of every affliction and evil in this life and the next.
Disbelief and sins are the cause of every affliction and evil in this life and the next. As for Tawheed, belief in Allah and His Messengers, obedience to Allah and His Messengers, holding fast to Allah’s Shari’ah and calling to it, and rejecting what is in opposition to it, this is the cause of every good in this life and the hereafter. And adhering firmly to it, enjoining it and co-operating upon it is the (real) source of honour in this life and the hereafter, safety from every hated thing and protection from every Fitnah, as Allah said: "O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm." [47:7]
And Allah said: "Verily, Allâh will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamat-as-Salât. (i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salât (prayers) (the males in mosques)), to pay the Zakât and they enjoin Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islâm has forbidden) (i.e. they make the Qur’ân as the law of their country in all the spheres of life). And with Allâh rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)." [22:40-41]
And Allah said: "Allâh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh)." [24:55]
And Allah said: "And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc)." [7:96]
Allah
has made known in many Ayaat that indeed the punishments that befell
the previous nations, such as severe punishment by way of floods, winds,
and by way of the Saihah (torment), drowning, swallowed by the earth
and other than that - all of that was due to their unbelief and sins, as
He said: "So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them
were some on whom We sent Hâsiban (a violent wind with shower of stones)
(as the people of Lout), and of them were some who were overtaken by
As-Saihah (torment awful cry, etc. (as Thamûd or Shu’aib’s people)),
and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow (as Qârûn),
and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Nûh, or Fir’aun
and his people). It was not Allâh Who wronged them, but they wronged
themselves." [29:40]
Allah said: "And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much." [42:30]
And Allah commanded His slaves to repent to Him and humble themselves to Him when calamities occur. He said: "O you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)." [66:8]
Allah said: "And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." [24:31]
And Allah said: "Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you (O Muhammad) And We seized them with extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss in health with calamities so that they might believe with humility. When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility? But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitân made fair seeming to them that which they used to do." [6:42-43]
In this Ayah, Allah urges His slaves to have the desire to humble themselves to Him and show their need of Him. And that they should ask Him for succour when visited with calamities such as illnesses, injuries, killing, earthquakes, hurricanes and other calamities. This is the meaning of the Ayah: "When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility", meaning: why did they not humble themselves when our torment came to them.
Then Allah made known about the hardening of their hearts and shaytaan making fair-seeming to them their evil actions, and that all of this prevented them from repentance and humility, and from seeking Allah’s forgiveness. He said: "But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitân made fair-seeming to them that which they used to do." [6:42-43]
And it has been reported about the Rightly Guided Khalifah Umar Bin Abdul Azeez that when an earthquake occurred during his time, he wrote to his governors and commanded them to command the Muslims to repent to Allah, humble themselves before Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins.
O Muslims! You are aware of the various trials and calamities that have occurred in this era of ours- from them are the earthquakes in Yemen and in many other lands, the destructive floods, the hurricanes that destroyed a lot of wealth, trees, sea transportation, the various snow falls that brought about innumerable harm, and the starvation and drought in many lands. All this and the various punishments and calamities similar to them are as a result of disbelief, sins, deviation from obedience to Allah, (sinful) engagement with the Duniya and its fleeting lusts, turning away from the hereafter and not being prepared for it, except for the one upon whom Allah bestows His Mercy amongst His slaves.
Allah said: "And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much." [42:30]
And Allah commanded His slaves to repent to Him and humble themselves to Him when calamities occur. He said: "O you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)." [66:8]
Allah said: "And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." [24:31]
And Allah said: "Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you (O Muhammad) And We seized them with extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss in health with calamities so that they might believe with humility. When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility? But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitân made fair seeming to them that which they used to do." [6:42-43]
In this Ayah, Allah urges His slaves to have the desire to humble themselves to Him and show their need of Him. And that they should ask Him for succour when visited with calamities such as illnesses, injuries, killing, earthquakes, hurricanes and other calamities. This is the meaning of the Ayah: "When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility", meaning: why did they not humble themselves when our torment came to them.
Then Allah made known about the hardening of their hearts and shaytaan making fair-seeming to them their evil actions, and that all of this prevented them from repentance and humility, and from seeking Allah’s forgiveness. He said: "But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitân made fair-seeming to them that which they used to do." [6:42-43]
And it has been reported about the Rightly Guided Khalifah Umar Bin Abdul Azeez that when an earthquake occurred during his time, he wrote to his governors and commanded them to command the Muslims to repent to Allah, humble themselves before Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins.
O Muslims! You are aware of the various trials and calamities that have occurred in this era of ours- from them are the earthquakes in Yemen and in many other lands, the destructive floods, the hurricanes that destroyed a lot of wealth, trees, sea transportation, the various snow falls that brought about innumerable harm, and the starvation and drought in many lands. All this and the various punishments and calamities similar to them are as a result of disbelief, sins, deviation from obedience to Allah, (sinful) engagement with the Duniya and its fleeting lusts, turning away from the hereafter and not being prepared for it, except for the one upon whom Allah bestows His Mercy amongst His slaves.
No
doubt these calamities and other than them should make the slaves rush
towards repentance to Allah from all that Allah has forbidden, and they
should hasten towards obedience to Allah and judge by His Shari’ah. They
should co-operate upon righteous and piety, and enjoin one another upon
the truth whilst exercising patience upon that.
If the slaves repent to their Lord and humble themselves before Him, and hasten towards what pleases Him, cooperate upon righteousness and piety, enjoin good and forbid evil, Allah will rectify their affairs and suffice them against the evil of their enemies. He will establish them upon the earth (i.e. give them authority) and assist them against their enemies. Allah said: "And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them)." [30:47]
And Allah said: "Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allâh’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good doers." [7:55-56]
Allah said: "And Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).” [11:3]
Allah said: "Allâh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear." [24:55]
Therefore, Allah makes it clear in these Ayaat, that indeed His Mercy, the Goodness (He bestows), the Safety (that He bestows) and all the other types of His blessings are for the one who fears Him, believes in Him, obeys His Messengers, adheres steadfastly to His Shari’ah and repents to Him. As for the one who turns away from obedience to Allah and refrains from fulfilling Allah’s Rights due to pride, persists in disbelief and is disobedience to Allah, then Allah has promised him various types of punishments in this life and the next. And by way of what Allah’s perfect wisdom necessitates, Allah hastens that for him, so that he becomes a lesson and an admonition for other than him, as Allah stated: "So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them to punishment, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. So the roots of the people who did wrong were cut off. And all the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)." [6:44-45]
If the slaves repent to their Lord and humble themselves before Him, and hasten towards what pleases Him, cooperate upon righteousness and piety, enjoin good and forbid evil, Allah will rectify their affairs and suffice them against the evil of their enemies. He will establish them upon the earth (i.e. give them authority) and assist them against their enemies. Allah said: "And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them)." [30:47]
And Allah said: "Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allâh’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good doers." [7:55-56]
Allah said: "And Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).” [11:3]
Allah said: "Allâh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear." [24:55]
Therefore, Allah makes it clear in these Ayaat, that indeed His Mercy, the Goodness (He bestows), the Safety (that He bestows) and all the other types of His blessings are for the one who fears Him, believes in Him, obeys His Messengers, adheres steadfastly to His Shari’ah and repents to Him. As for the one who turns away from obedience to Allah and refrains from fulfilling Allah’s Rights due to pride, persists in disbelief and is disobedience to Allah, then Allah has promised him various types of punishments in this life and the next. And by way of what Allah’s perfect wisdom necessitates, Allah hastens that for him, so that he becomes a lesson and an admonition for other than him, as Allah stated: "So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them to punishment, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows. So the roots of the people who did wrong were cut off. And all the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)." [6:44-45]
O
Muslim Ummah! Call yourselves to account, repent to your Lord, ask for
His Forgiveness, rush towards obedience to Him and guard yourselves
against disobedience to Him Cooperate upon righteousness and piety, and
do good, truly Allah loves the good doers. Be just, truly Allah loves
those who are just. Perform numerous righteous deeds before death
approaches.
Be merciful to your weak ones and be charitable to your poor ones. Increase in the Remembrance of Allah and in seeking His Forgiveness. Enjoin good and forbid evil in order that you may be shown mercy. Take a lesson from the calamities that have afflicted others due to sins and disobedience. Indeed, Allah accepts the repentance of those who repent and shows Mercy to the good doers. Allah will grant the good outcomes to the pious ones, as He stated: "So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for the Muttaqûn." [11:49]
Allah said: "Truly, Allâh is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinûn (good doers)." [16:128]
[Taken from a small risalah of Imaam Bin Baaz titled: ‘Obligation of repenting to Allah’]
Be merciful to your weak ones and be charitable to your poor ones. Increase in the Remembrance of Allah and in seeking His Forgiveness. Enjoin good and forbid evil in order that you may be shown mercy. Take a lesson from the calamities that have afflicted others due to sins and disobedience. Indeed, Allah accepts the repentance of those who repent and shows Mercy to the good doers. Allah will grant the good outcomes to the pious ones, as He stated: "So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for the Muttaqûn." [11:49]
Allah said: "Truly, Allâh is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinûn (good doers)." [16:128]
[Taken from a small risalah of Imaam Bin Baaz titled: ‘Obligation of repenting to Allah’]
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