Reasons For Allâh’s Displeasure & The Remedy

by the Grand Mufti of Gujerati, India

Hadhrat Shaykh Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri (Allâh bless him)

Question: The Religious Scholars (Ulamâ) are requested to shed light upon the factors behind Muslim distress and suffering all over the world. Muslims are facing riots and massacres at many places – Why is this?

Answer. There are several reasons for this sad state of affairs in the Ummah. Among the more prominent ones are the following:

Lack of true faith in Allâh Ta’âla.

Increased disobedience towards Him.

Increasing timidity among us.

Love of the materialistic world [Hubb-e-Dunya wa Mâl].

Open disobedience of the Sunnah of Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam.

Following our own innovated [bid’ah] practices and customs. Neglecting the rights of Allâh [Huqûq-Allâh], and the rights of creation [Huqûq-ut-Ibad].

Our complete ingratitude towards the innumerable blessings showered upon us by our Benefactor, despite being totally unworthy of these blessings.

Disregard for the selfless advice given to us by our noble Ulamâ in relation to our religion.

Almighty Allâh sums up the reasons for our suffering in Surah 42, Âyah 30 of the Holy Qur’ân:

“Whatever misfortune happens to you, it is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many of them he grants forgiveness…”

A further elaboration on this point is found in Surâh 30, Âyah 4 1:

“Mischief has appeared on and sea because of what the hands of man have caused, that Allâh may give them a taste of some of their deeds; in order that they turn back from evil. “

Severe Punishment for Certain Types of Sins

Indulging in disobedience and committing sins anger Allâh, but certain sins are such that, if committed, will invite a very swift and severe punishment.

Among these types of sins are:

Unjust decision-making and the breaking of a pledge — these await the imposition of tyrannical rule.

Short-weighting and short-measuring by traders — await the punishment of famine, inflation and oppression.

Widespread betrayal of trust will cause the imposition of tyrant rulers.

Fearing death and inclining towards materialism [dunya] will result in timidity and fear the faithful and, at the same time, the kuffâr forces will receive encouragement and strength. –Jazâ–ul-A’mâl.

The companion, Hadhrat Thawbân Radhi allahu Anhunarrated that Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam is reported to have said:

“A period will come when the non-believers will come closer by calling one another for annexing the nations of the believers just like how people call one another for eating food when it has, been prepared. “Someone then asked as to whether the Muslims will be few in number then?
Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam is reported to have replied, “You will be large in numbers, but will like hay before a flood of water. Your enemies will not fear you because you will be so weak and timid. “One companion then asked the reason for this decline, and RasulullahSallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Life (and its luxuries) will become more dearer to you and you will dislike death, (and facing Allâh) Mishkat Sharîf p.459. Chapter onTaghayyur-Un-Nâs; Abû Dawûd, p.242.

Creating fear in the hearts of the enemies, which is a blessing from Allâh Ta’âla, can only be achieved through adopting the pious life prescribed by the Sharî’ah, and by following the practical life of Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. Regarding this point, it is narrated in a Hadith [saying] of Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wassalaamthus:

“Whosoever emulates my way of life and adheres to my Sunnah, Allâh will bless him with four favours:

Allâh will strengthen him in religion.”
Sharh Shariat-ul-Islam Sayyed Ali Zadah p.8.

Allâh Ta’âla has warned of dim punishment for those who do not order people to perform virtuous deeds and prevent them from committing evil and disobedient acts. He states in the Qur’ân:

“And fear oppression which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who do wrong, and know that Allâh is severe in punishment “ Surah 8. Âyah 25.

This verse is explained in Tafsîr-e-Ma’âriful-Qur’ân as follows:

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbâs Radhiallahu Anhu has said that Allâh has ordered Muslims to prevent immorality and disobedience in their towns and villages. Furthermore, not preventing such actions, despite having the power to do so will definitely result in severe punishment on all, irrespective of whether they be pious people or immoral people.

Imâm Baghawi has noted that in Shariah-Al-Sunnah and Mâalim appear narrations. Hadhrat Abdullah bin MasûdRadhiallahu anhu and Ayesha Siddiqah Radhiallahu anha that Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhiwassalam said:

“Allâh does not send His punishment on all the people for the sins of a certain group of immoral persons when He sees the virtuous people preventing the wrong-doers from their activities. In case they do not prevent them, then Allah will certainly send and spread His punishment.” Ma’âriful Qur’ân Vol. 4. p. 212.

The Sahâbi, Hadhrat Hudhaifah Radhi allahu Anhu, has narrated that the Nabî Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “I swear by Allâh, the One in whose hands my life is, continue to order and guide peopletowards virtuous deeds and prevent people from immoral acts and sins. Otherwise, Almighty Allâh will surely send His severe punishment upon you. If you then turn to Allâh and pray your prayers will not be accepted. – Mishkât Sharîf, p.436. Chapter on Amr-Bil -Marûf.

Declaration of War by Allâh upon Degradation and Insult of Pious People and the Truthful Scholars of Islâm

The act of degrading and insulting the truthful scholars of Islâm, the pious and the virtuous, immediately calls for the descent of the wrath of Allâh. It is narrated in one of the Divine Hadith [Hadith-e-Qudsi]that Allâh has warned the Ummah in the following manner:

“Whosoever tries to harm My friend [wali] will surely declare war upon Me.”

Allâh certainly comes to the aid of such Allâh-fearing persons immediately upon seeing them harassed or targeted for insult and ridicule. It is further reported that He becomes furious and declares war on those committing such heinous crimes against His authority, by insulting and harming His pious servants, and when there is any dealing where interest is charged upon money. May Allâh protect us all from these! Âmîn.

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thânwi Rahmatullah Alayhi has narrated a Hadith-e-Qudsi from Tafsîr-e-Mazhari, in which Allâh says:

“I will become angry upon the insulting and degrading of my pious slaves, like how a lion becomes furious when its cubs are harassed.”

A Persian poet has described this in one of his couplets, which mean:

We have witnessed in this world of revenge
that whosoever how teased and insulted the pious people;
Allâh has never put any people to hardship unless
they have hurt the feelings of someone who had been fearing Him.

Many cities and nations have perished due to their ill treatment of certain pious people. When asked about the cause of earthquakes Ayesha Siddiqah Radhi allahu anha is reported to have said:

“When adultery, drinking wine, singing, dancing the use of various types of musical instruments become common and fashionable among the people, then the self-respect of Allâh also comes into effect. If the people immediately rectify their mistakes, it stops. Otherwise, a vast area Ofpeople and grand buildings are raised to the ground and turned into heaps of mud.” Fatâwah Rahîmiyah Vol.3, p.207.

When we look at our lives, we are that all these vices exist among us today. We know all too well how much importance we attach to the guidance of the Ulamâ the weakness of our faith in Allâh and in adhering to the teachings of Rasullullah SallallahuAlayhi Wasallam. Most of us have knowledge of religion but display our weak imân in our lack of practice upon that knowledge. The attitude seems to be that the less we talk about our adherence to an Islamic way of life today, the better.

Take Salât as an example, the symbol of a Muslim and the bedrock if Islâm. Despite it being obligatory five times a day, we find that the masâjid are devoid of worshipers, and the state of our womenfolk in their homes is just as pitiable. In fact the home has become a haven for many innovated practices and customs, immorality and non-practising of purdah [hijâb] by our women. One of the most damaging tools for Shaytân is the television and VCR, essential items in every living room. The fact that is, it has become the cause of widespread singing, dancing, music and adultery in society at large. We fail to recognize how dangerous these vices are in life, not to mention the consequences which we are storing up for ourselves, when we have to face Allâh Ta’âla.

The following saying of Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam is food for thought:

“My followers will also face incidents of sinking in the ground, disfigurement and the raining of heavy stones from the heavens. One of the companions asked when these incidents would manifest. To this Rasullullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam replied “When the evils of singing, dancing, music and drinking liquor will be common. Tirmidhi Sharîf

Another Hadith of Rasulullâh Sallallahu alayhi wasallamreports him as stating:

“During the last days of my followers, people will become monkeys and pigs.” Those present inquired as to whether these people will not have faith in La-Ilaha-illalah, Muhammadur Rasulullâh? The Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam is reported to have said, “It is not so. They will become so because of their engagement in the profession of singingand music.” Fatâwâ Rahîmiya Vol. 2. p.323.

A recent Urdu poet has described the present prevailing conditions in society in the following way:

The present conditions, which we are facing today, remind us of the foretelling of our Rasulullâh Sallallahu alayhi wasallam. He has been reported as sang that people will not hesitate to usurp properties belonging to others; they will indulge in immoral acts and will feel no remorse or regret; quarrels and enmity will be common among closerelatives, like brothers, sisters, parents and their wards; daughters will be born to mothers as their enemies and mistresses; the feeling and fear of the presence of Allâh will become rare among the faithful; people incongregational prayer will forget what they are doing.

The disobedience of Allâh and the rejection of the Sharî’ah will create a very dangerous situation calling for severe punishment, as has happened to past nations which transgressed. Allâh has described these events in the Qur’ân at various locations. One such verse is:

“Each one of them We seized for their crime, against some of them We sent a violent tornado; some were caught in a blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up; and some we drowned, it was not Allâh who injured them; but they injured their own souls… Surah 19 Âyah 40

Allâh explains to the believers how severe was His response to these crimes of spreading evil and challenging His Law. Those who seek His protection and mercy should become obedient servants and always submit to His orders. The following prayer is to be found in Darse-Qur’ân:

“O Almighty Allâh! Despite having been shown a very clear path of living a successful life by Your Rasul Sallalahu alayhi Wasallam as desired by You, yet we have been committing the mistake of disobeying Your orders openly. O Allâh! You certainly punished the people of former times for their rebellion against their Rasûls. Some were finished in floods while others perished in hurricanes; some had to face earthquakes and some were drowned and killed O Great and merciful Allâh! You are the MostMerciful and Beneficent. Those rebels were cruel to our souls. hard-heartedness made them cruel and thus they dared to rebel against your authority. O Merciful Allâh! Bless us all with Your Mercy and make us learn the lessons from their most tragic termination, so that we can follow the right path shown to us by Your Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Âmîn!Darse-Qur’ân Vol. 8. p.278.

What should Muslims do in Such a Situation?

Allâh has said:

“And never give up hope of Allâh’s truly soothing mercy, no-one despairs of Allâh’s soothing mercy except those who have no faith.” Surah 12 Âyah 87.

In another Âyah Allâh Ta’âla states:

“So lose not heart and do not fall into despair, for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith.” Surah 3. Âyah 139.

An Urdu poet has rightly depicted this in his couplet as under (the meaning of which is):

“It is the same world all around us. Even the Almighty Allâh is the same, the Most Merciful If anything has changed it is ourselves. It is our indifferent attitude towards religious teachings which has stopped Allâh’s aid reaching us.

It is indeed desired that we should seek guidance from the pious and the truthful scholars who are experts in these affairs, and then follow their advice.

The following is a taste of some of this guidance, which is deserving of our immediate attention and practise:

1. Turn to Allâh

The best cure for all ills and suffering today, is that we should turn to Allâh and express our sincere regret and apology for our misdeeds. We should pledge to keep away from His disobedience in future, and begin to offer our Five daily Salâh [prayers] regularly. Men should attend the masjid punctually, and women should offer their Salâh in their homes as per the Sharî’ah. Even children should be taught to cultivate a habit forSalâh. Allâh has emphasized in the Qur’ân as follows:

“Oh, ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer for Allâh is with those who observe patience.” Surâh 2 Âyah 153.

Hadhrat Mu’adh ibn Jabal Radhiallahu anhu narrates that he once heard Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam saying,“A person who does not go for salâh after hearing the adhân is committing a great wrong and is doing an act of blasphemy and hypocrisy.”

The renowned saint Hadhrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir JilaniRahmatullah alayhi has said:

“You people have been totally negligent and careless about Allâh Tâalâ. It is high time that you wake up and connect yourselves to the Mosques and the path of the righteous ones. Make sending Durûd Sharîf on Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam a regular habit and binding upon yourselves.”

Rasulullâh Sallallahu alayhi wasallam has been reported as saying, “If Allâh sends the fire from Hell (to punish the guilty), it will not touch those who are connected with Masâjid.” Therefore, the act of neglectingSalâh will disconnect you outright from your link with Allâh, and such a person will be deprived of His Closeness and Mercy. As Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said that a servant is closest to his Creator whilst in the act of prostration [sajdah]. – Al-Fatha-Al-Rabbani, p.2.

2. Need for Istighfâr and Taubah

We must make a point to offer repentance for our sins and seek Allâh’s forgiveness regularly. It is revealed in the Qur’ân that:

“But Allâh was not going to send them a punishment whilst you were among them, and He was not going to send it while they sought forgiveness.” Surah 8. Âyah 33.

In the explanation to this Âyah it is said, “When the seeking of Allâh’s forgiveness by the non- believers can ward off punishment, then the seeking of forgiveness by the faithful is definite to bring His mercy on all.

Hadhrat Abû Mûsa Ash’ari Radhiallahu Anhu narrates Rasulullâh Sallallahu alayhi wasallam as saying,“Surely Allâh has blessed my followers with two symbols of peace, firstly, myself and, secondly, the actof seeking forgiveness [Istighfâr], Remember! When I will no longer be in this mortal world, I will be leaving behind the act of seeking forgiveness. It will help you all to save yourselves from Allâh’s punishment.”

It is reported in another Hadith that, “Shaytân has said to Allâh, ‘I swear by Your honour that I will keep on misguiding your servants as along as they live,’ to which Allâh responded, ‘I swear by my dignity that I willforgive them all as long as they continue to seek My pardon.'”

In an explanation of the above Qur’ânic verse, some of the Sahâba were unable to undertake the migration to Medina and remained in Makkah. Through the barakat of their act of continuously seeking Allâh’s forgiveness, no punishment descended even upon the disbelievers despite their misdeeds. Through the act of pious people seeking forgiveness, even the sinners are saved from Allâh’s wrath and punishment.

3. Encourage the Giving of Charity

Rich people must pay their Zakât annually, as per the Sharî’ah, in order to purify their wealth. In addition, regular voluntary alms [sadaqah] should be made to the poor to prevent the occurrence of hardships and misery. Wealth should be regarded as a gift and trust from Allâh and for which one will be answerable. They should desist from spending upon prohibited items and should, in, use their wealth to assist the needy or for the promotion of Allâh’s religion. It is common to see Muslims indulging in wasteful and questionable expenditure. Such people Allâh has clearly termed as the brothers of Shaytân, in the Qur’ân as follows:

“Verily, spendthrifts are the brothers of the evil ones.”Surah 17. Âyah 27

4. Increase the Tilawat of the Qur’ân

We should make a habit of writing the Qur’ân and engage in the remembrance of Allâh [Zikr], recitation of Durûd upon Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam and making abundantdu’â. Collective offering of du’â for women and children may also be arranged in their homes. ‘The prescribed recitation of the Âyat-e-Karîmah may also be organised now and then. It is stated below:

There is no God save Thee. Be Thou glorified! I haw been a wrong doer. Surah 21. Âyah 87.

5. Stop the Disobedience of Allâh

We must try to stop people in our locality from indulging in disobedience of Allâh. The instruments of music, singing and dancing must be removed from our homes, as these attract the w of Allâh very quickly. The act of adultery and its means must be eradicated. Women should observe purdah [veil] from non-males, and stop offering their services in schools, offices and businesses, as these lead to the spread of vice and immorality. Peace and tranquillity in the family and society are eroded through these activities and ultimately leads to the erosion of human values. A mere glance at the happenings in today’s society will confirm this state of affairs. If circumstances require womenfolk to earn a living, then they can take to teaching small children at home, do some handiwork or other petty trade from within the confines of their own homes. The intake of liquor and any type of drug and intoxicant must be avoided by all. We should all try to eradicate these vices from our society.

Some vices are listed below and which we should avoid at all costs:
Usurping the properties inherited by orphans; avoiding the sharing of inheritance with daughters; oppression; back-biting; not fulfilling a promise; telling lies and taking false oath; breaches of faith and treachery; desisting from fulfilling the rights due to Allâh (such as performing Salâh, fasting during Ramadhân, paying Zakâh and performing Haj); robbery; taking, giving and witnessing interest-based transactions; not advising people toward virtuous acts despite having the means to do so; making false allegations, behaving with arrogance and pride; engaging in gambling and various types of modern lotteries; bribery and corruption; insulting and degrading religious scholars [Ulama]; etc.

6. Implement Proper Dîni Education in the Makâtibs

Children must be given proper education and training in religious knowledge. The principles of faith [imân], Divine duties [Farâidh], Islamic manners and etiquette must be taught first. They should know how valuable this knowledge is, and the consequences of its neglect. Allâh has ordered the believers:

“O ye Believers! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire.
Surah 66 Âyah 6

Rasulullâh (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has further warned,

“Remember, everyone from among you is responsible and accountable for those who are subordinated to you. “

Hence, it is vital that we make arrangements for the religious upbringing of our children in every village and town.

7. Reconcile Disputes and Differences

All types of disputes and differences should be stopped. Internal disputes are bound to cause serious damage to both religious and worldly interests. Allâh states in the Qur’ân:

“And obey Allâh His apostle; and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and your power departs; and be patient and persevering, for Allâh is with those who patiently persevere.” Surah 8 Âyah 46.

In another Âyah He says:

“And hold fast, all together, to the rope which Allâh (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves.” Surah 3 Âyah 102.

8. Seek Guidance only from the Ulama. Establish Links with Them

We should seek guidance from the Ulama in all, our dealings, and intend to follow their advice scrupulously. Never degrade or insult them. In Tirmidhi Sharîf, Rasulullâh Sallallahu alayhi wasallam is reported to have said,
“The Ulama are the heirs to the Ambiyâ.” Thus like complying with the teachings of our prophets – it is equally obligatory upon the faithful to follow the instructions of the Ulama. The knowledge of the Sharî’ah is the legacy of the prophets and the Ulama are its custodians, hence their instructions are to be treated as binding upon us. Rasullullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said, “A religious scholar[âlim] is superior to a worshiper, in the same way as myself to any ordinary people among you. Mishkât Sharîf.

The renowned Scholar and Theologian, Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani Rahmatullah alayhi said: “When – you seek the guidance of the Ulama you must follow their advice, as you will be accountable for this before Allâh. Remember! It is as you sought the advice of Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam and when it was given to you, you neglected it.” – Al-Fath-Al-Rabbani.

Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam has warned those who fail to keep contact with the Ulama and who do not bother to heed their advice. He said:

“A period will soon be upon us when my followers will avoid the Ulama. Allâh will then punish such people in three ways:
Barakat [blessing, abundance] will be taken away from their lives, making it difficult for people to make daily ends meet.
Cruel rulers will be thrust upon them.
They will leave the world without imân in their hearts.
Allâh save us from such an end. Âmîn!

Hadhrat Alî Radhiallahu anhu has reported Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam as having stated:“When my followers start hating the Ulama, turn towards (the construction of) huge buildings and prefer richness to piety, when proposing marriage, Allâh will punish them by four methods:

Enemies will attack continuously.

A glance at the world and the condition of the Ummah today leaves little doubt about whether these times are upon us. Our own mistakes and deeds only can bring these conditions. Mere is no need to blame others! We must learn to respect the Ulama and two their presence among us as a great gift from Allâh. We should strive to seek their guidance and benefit from their company, and under no circumstances should we show them any disrespect.

9. Create an Atmosphere of Brotherhood

Sincere efforts must be made to create the atmosphere of fraternity and the brotherhood of Islâm, whereby the rights of all humans, irrespective of their affiliation is honoured. Always try to avoid any act, which may lead to misunderstanding and dispute. We should keep ourselves away from quarrels. The true Islamic Character of tolerance and fortitude [sabr] should be developed. When faced with any mischief, we should affectionately try to desist from it. If the other party does not desist then do not run away, but protect yourselves with full vigour.

The following principles must be remembered and followed when such situations arise:

1. Never harm old people (if they do not join the confrontations).

2. Never harm women (if they do -not join the confrontation)

3. Never harm children.

4. Never show disrespect to the places of worship of other People.

5. Never attempt to cut off the noses and ears of people who confront you.

6. Never cut trees bearing fruit.

7. Never harm standing crops.

8. Do not bum any living animal.

9. Do not harm milking animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, etc.
10. Make the World Aware of the Beautiful Teachings of Islâm

To make our fellow citizens aware of the teachings of our faith, make them understand the reality of tawhîd andRisalet; strive for them to be blessed with the beauty ofimân and save them from the eternal punishment of Jahannam. This is a right they have over us. The Prophethood of Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam was for all mankind not only for Muslims. So let us consider this also.

May Allâh bless us all with His mercy, make us united, and strengthen our imân, and turn us to His Authority. May Allâh save us from all types of evils and disputes.Âmîn!

Taken from the Urdu, “Wabâl-e-Ilâhi Ke Asbâb Aur Unka Ilâj”
by Sayed Ilyâs Pasha MA

Supervised by:

Shaykh Suleman Bodiat Saheb, Khalifah Hadhrat Shafeeq-ul-Ummah, Moulana Farook Saheb (Rahmatullah Alayhi)