ফিতনা:
(collected)
The historians have recorded the biography of a man called Shabath Ibnu Rib’i, a mindboggling biography, and here is why:
- Then, he was amongst those who rebelled against the righteous Caliph, ‘Uthman, and participated in his murder. He then repented.
- Then, he took part in war against the righteous Caliph, ‘Ali. He then repented and joined ‘Ali’s camp.
- Then, he joined the ‘Khawaarij’ sect and fought against ‘Ali yet again. He then withdrew.
- Then, he participated in the army that fought and ended up killing Al-Hussein. He then changed his stance and joined those who demanded revenge for Al-Hussein.
- Then, he became a follower of Al-Mukhtar Ibnu ‘Ubaidillaah. He then withdrew, repented and joined those who fought Al-Mukhtar.
(From Ibnu Hajar’s book, “Tahdheebul Tahdheeb”)
The moral of the story:
One of the *main* factors that causes iman to waver is exposure of one’s self to Fitnah/ trials.
Speaking about the trials of the end of times, the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:
مَنْ تَشَرَّفَ لَهَا تَسْتَشْرِفْهُ فَمَنْ وَجَدَ مَلْجَأً أَوْ مَعَاذًا فَلْيَعُذْ بِهِ
“.. and whoever will expose himself to these trials, they will destroy him! So whoever is able to find a place of protection or refuge from them, he should take shelter in it.”
(Narrated by Al-Bukhari)
One may argue,
“I’m just curious”
“It’s just an innocent browse”
“I just want to see what everyone’s saying”
“There’s no harm in sharing my views as well”
“I trust myself. This won’t affect me”
But before he knows it, he’s engulfed and iman drowns beyond recovery.
Today, participating in Fitnah has never been easier. All of us have access to everything and everyone has a platform to comment as well. However, those who are terrified for the welfare of their iman are fully aware of just how essential the prophetic practice of *keeping away from Fitnah* is more than any other time before.
Whether it’s the accessible online sins, rumours regarding the reputation of another Muslim, ideas that threaten the stability of your belief, and their like, close your ears, cover your eyes, don’t take risks and run for your afterlife.
This is success. This is happiness.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
إِنَّ السَّعَيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الفِتَن
“The truly happy one is he who avoids Fitnah.”
(Narrated by Abu Daawood)
[‘Daily revivals’ – Number 34 of 40]