بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Advice from Shaykh ‘Abd al-Muḥsin al-‘Abbād حفظه الله Regarding Conflict in Palestine
Question:
You are aware what Palestine is being subjected to in terms of killing, seizing [of their land], and destruction by way of the disbelievers, the enemies of Allāh. Could you offer some advice about these events, and what is our responsibility as students of knowledge, especially since people look to individuals like you (scholars) to know what is mandatory upon them, and to clarify that scholars like you are ignorant of the conditions of the Ummah? What is the responsibility of students of knowledge regarding their brothers in Palestine? Is it permissible for Muslims to perform Qunūt during prayer, supplicating against the Jews, and are these events considered from trials (fitnah) of this time?
Answer:
There is no doubt that this is from the trials and calamities that has befallen the Muslims; dominance of their enemies over them and infliction of various harms upon them. The Muslim must pray for his Muslims brothers, [asking] Allāh to lift their calamity, suppress and defeat their enemy, and save them from the oppression and distress they are experiencing. One should also ask that Allāh, the Mighty and High, grants safety and well-being to his Muslim brothers, and that He brings His punishment upon their enemies who have oppressed and invaded them.
Without a doubt, one of the greatest means of protection from enemies is adherence to obedience to Allāh and His command, and implementing His legislation, as this is the reason for all goodness. Additionally, what is occurring among Muslims in this time of disunity, discord, and deviation from the path of truth and guidance is (also) the reason for the calamities and harm they are experiencing. Allāh, the Most High, says:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ
(Indeed, Allāh will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves) Sūrah ar-Ra’d: 11
Similarly, sin and transgression are the cause of every affliction.
We ask Allāh, the Mighty and High, to guide all Muslims to return to the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ , and to remain steadfast in obedience to Allāh and obedience to His Messenger صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ. We also ask Him, the Glorified and High, to defeat their enemies and to inflict His punishment on them, which cannot be averted by the evildoers.
[Lastly] Supplicating during prayer (Qunūt) for Muslims in times of calamities and tribulations is obligatory, and one should ask Allāh, the Mighty, to save them from what they are being afflicted with, but after the ruler [of the Muslim country] grants them permission to do so.1
Source: Sharḥ Sunan Abī Dāwūd (audio)
Q& A at the end of
the explanation of ḥadīth #4264
@Mustafa_george
Newark, N.J.
28 Rabī ath-Thānī 1445 H.
12 Nov. 2023
https://x.com/Mustafa_George/status/1723912592681312498?s=20
1Translator’s note:
1. It is understood from the Shaykh’s
statement in the last part of this
answer , that Muslims residing in the non-Muslim countries are not in need of
seeking permission from a ruler, hence, they are free to perform Qunūt in their masjids during times of calamity.
2. This answer was recorded over 20 years ago while the Shaykh was teaching in the Prophet’s masjid in al-Madīnah, but it is as if it was answered recently. This is a clear indication and reminder that nothing has changed regarding the affairs of the Muslims in Palestine, in spite of years of marching and protesting. If only the Muslims around the world would carefully reflect and take heed to the advice of the scholars of Islām, which is to return to the correct practice of Islām, adherence to the orders of Allāh , and implementation of the authentic Sunnah of His Messenger as was practiced by the Salaf as-Ṣāliḥ. Until that occurs, the Muslims will continue to experience oppression at the hands of our enemies! May Allāh guide us all and grant us protection and safety.
