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
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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.
