Duties of Muslim scholars regarding the disasters that the Muslim world suffers:
Q 1: What are the duties of Muslim scholars regarding the disasters that the Muslim world suffers?
A: Undoubtedly, sins and contradicting the true creed of Islam in sayings and actions constitute the key reasons behind the crises and disasters befalling the Muslims. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allâh, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself. Allah (may He be Praised) says: And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. (See the Qur'ân Verse 35:45). Allah, the Almighty, is Forbearing, OftForgiving, and Merciful with His slaves. He sends them the Ayahs and warners so that they may return to Him and He accepts their repentance.
And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to AsSâbirûn (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.
He (may He be Praised) also says: Evil (sins and disobedience to Allâh) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds), that He (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). Allah (Exalted be He) says: and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And to Us you will be returned. He (may He be Praised) says:
And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allâh's Obedience). There are many Ayahs to that effect.
It is obligatory on Muslim leaders, scholars, princes, and others to pay attention to every disaster that is taking place and remind people of the misdeeds they commit. Moreover, the Muslim ruler, including scholars and governors, should be good examples in doing righteous deeds. They should find out the reasons behind Allah's wrath and retaliation and encounter them with repentance, seeking forgiveness, and correcting bad conditions. The Muslim Ummah would follow them in this course. That is because the guidance of the scholar and the wisdom and uprightness of the rulers greatly influence the subject. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: All of you are guardians and responsible for your charges
When the Muslims are accustomed to committing misdeeds without condemnation by the authorities or responsible people, this heralds the eminent wrath of Allah (Exalted be He) with the Ummah. If Allah's Wrath descends, it encompasses both the good and evil doers Allah Forbid! Allah (Exalted be He) says: And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If acts of disobedience are done among any people and they do not change them, Allah will soon punish them all. Related by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad (Hadith compilation) on the authority of Abu Bakr AlSiddiq.
Allah (may He be Praised) also says: Verily, Allâh will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allâh). But when Allâh wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector.
Scholars, in particular, are accountable before Allah (Exalted be He) for the enlightenment of people, instructing them, and distinguishing between what is right and wrong and what is beneficial from what is harmful. May Allah (Exalted be He) guide all Muslims to obey Him and adhere to the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)! We implore Him to guide their leaders and scholars to follow the straight path and to invite the Ummah thereto! May Allah guide the Muslims who are astray and reform their affairs! Indeed, Allah is the One Who is Capable of doing so.