Q 1: What is the obligation on Muslim scholars regarding the crises and disasters that are affecting the Muslim world?
A: There is no doubt that the sins and violations of the true 'Aqidah (creed) of Islam, through words and deeds are the main reasons behind the crises and disasters that are afflicting the Muslims. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allâh, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself. He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also 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 (Supreme is His Might) is Forbearing, OftForgiving and Merciful towards His Servants. He sent them signs and warners so they would return to Him, and He accepts their Tawbah (repentance to Allah). When a Servant draws closer to their Lord (may He be Praised) a hand's length, He (may He be Praised) draws closer to them an arm's length, because Allah (Exalted be He) loves that His Servants make Tawbah and is pleased with it, even though He is in no need of His Servants. He (Exalted be He) is not benefitted by any acts of obedience nor is He harmed by any acts of disobedience from the humans and Jinn. But He is Compassionate and Merciful with His Servants and He is the One Who guides them to obey Him and avoid disobeying Him. These crises and disasters are no more than warners for Allah's Servants to return to Him (Exalted be He) and ordeals by which He tests them. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to A sSâbirûn (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). And He (Exalted be He) says: and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And to Us you will be returned. And 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 (Qur'anic verses) to this effect.
It is, therefore, obligatory upon the Muslim leaders, scholars, Emirs, and others to pay attention to every crisis and disaster that occurs, and remind the people of the misdeeds they have committed. The Muslim leadership, including the scholars and governors, should set good examples in doing righteous deeds. They should seek out the reasons behind Allah's Wrath and Indignation, and encounter them with Tawbah, seeking His Forgiveness, and correcting the bad conditions. The Muslim Ummah (nation based upon one creed) should follow them in this, because the right guidance of the scholar and the wisdom and uprightness of the rulers is a great influence on their people. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "All of you are guardians and responsible for your charges."
If the Muslims continue committing misdeeds without any condemnation by the authorities or those responsible, this will bring about the Wrath of Allah (Exalted be He) upon the Ummah. If Allah's Wrath descends, it encompasses both those who do good and those who do evil I seek refuge with Allah from this! 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 the people see the Munkar (evil, wrongdoing) and they do not change it, Allah is about to inflict them all with His Punishment." (Related by Imam Ahmad in his "Musnad [Hadith compilation]"on the authority of Abu Bakr AlSiddiq) Moreover, Allah (may He be Praised) 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. The scholars, in particular, are responsible before Allah (Exalted be He) for the enlightenment of people, guiding them, and teaching them the right from the wrong, the beneficial from the harmful.
We ask Allah (Exalted be He) to guide all the Muslims to obey their Lord and to adhere to the guidance of their Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)! May He guide their leaders and scholars to follow the straight path and invite the Ummah to it! May Allah guide the Muslims who are astray and set their affairs aright! Indeed, Allah is the Patron and the One Who is Capable of doing so.