By Imam Mashood Dagbo, PhD
Islam teaches that life alternates between hardship and ease. Allah, Owner of all seasons, tests His servants so truth is distinguished from falsehood, and ranks are raised.
Allah says: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient” [Al-Baqarah 2:155]. He commands: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient” [Al-Baqarah 2:153].
History shows that societies move in cycles of ease and trial, and each generation is tested in ways suited to its time. This world is not meant for permanent comfort. It is a passage to the Hereafter where complete justice will be established: “And the Hereafter is better for you than the first life” [Ad-Duha 93:4]. Anchoring the heart to this reality gives the believer strength to endure without losing purpose.
In times of public hardship, the Qur’an and Sunnah guide us to three principles explained by classical scholars.
1.Patience with wisdom: llah says: “And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not deny the reward of those who do good” [Hud 11:115]. Imam al-Nawawi explained that patience during oppression is worship. It protects the individual and the community from falling into greater corruption.
2. Preserving the higher objectives of Shariah: The scholars of Usul, including Imam al-Shatibi and Ibn al-Qayyim, stated that the Law came to secure five essentials: religion, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth. When two harms confront a Muslim, jurists apply the rule: endure the lesser harm to prevent the greater. Ibn al-Qayyim wrote that Shariah is entirely about wisdom, bringing benefit and repelling harm. Thus, decisions in times of fitnah must weigh consequences, not only intentions.
3.Unity and adherence to guidance: Allah commands: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” [Aal `Imran 3:103].
He also says: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you” [An-Nisa 4:59]. While as-Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah explained that obedience in what is not sin, and avoiding paths that lead to public chaos, protects the common good. Trials from authority also test how people respond: with knowledge, du’a, and rectification, or with reactions that multiply harm.
The prophetic methodology in difficulty is clear: return to revelation, not emotion. Prioritize the preservation of life and community over slogans. Choose actions that reduce harm, even if it requires forbearance. Keep the Last Day in view, for there every wrong will be rectified and every patience rewarded. “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a person until they change what is in themselves” [Ar-Ra’d 13:11].
It is fitting to connect this to the hadith reported by Az-Zubair bin `Adi: We complained to Anas bin Malik about the oppression of Al-Hajjaj. He said, _”Be patient until you meet your Lord, for no time will come upon you but the time following it will be worse than that. I heard that from the Prophet (SAW)” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 7068]. The Hadith is further explained with lessons and jurisprudential implications as follows:
1. Obligation of patience: A believer must practice patience in injustice, trusting that Allah sees and will remedy.
2. Increasing trials: Each era tends to bring more difficulty than the one before, until the Day of Judgment.
3. Avoid greater harm: Responding to oppression with chaos or rebellion often causes more corruption and bloodshed than the original problem.
4. Anchor to the Hereafter: True justice and consolation come when we meet Allah.
5. Return to the Qur’an and Sunnah: In confusion, base decisions on prophetic teaching, not only emotion or public sentiment.
6. Leadership is a test: Allah tests nations through those in authority. Our response with patience, wisdom, and adherence to Shariah is also part of the test.
7. Preserve unity: Protecting life, wealth, and the public takes priority. Actions that fracture the community are a greater evil.
8. Patience with Muslim rulers: As long as the ruler is Muslim and has not committed clear disbelief, the Shariah position is patience, obedience in what is not sin, and avoidance of public confrontation. The harm of rebellion is usually greater than the harm of oppression.
9. Lesser harm principle: In times of injustice, prioritize preserving life, religion, unity, and wealth. Sometimes this means enduring a lesser harm now to prevent greater corruption.
Prayer:
O Allah, as we witness the first Jumu‘ah in Safar 1448 AH, grant us safety of lives and properties, forgive our sins, ease our hardships, guide our leaders to justice, alleviate poverty, and save us from bad governance. Protect Muslims in troubled lands, and restore Nigeria and the world from corruption, insecurity, hunger, banditry, kidnapping, war, and all social evils. Amin.
@Imam Yusuf Mashood Dagbo, PhD,
Chief Imam, GGDSS Central Mosque, Okesuna, Ilorin, Kwara State & Director, YUMAD Consults
