The world is questioning the adversities that have afflicted us and whether there is a rule controlling what’s happening, and Islam answers. At a time when all the world is suffering different major problems; wars, fights, pandemics, material and spiritual problems, people are wondering if there’s something that can be done or what’s causing all this to happen. Moreover, is there a certain rule controlling what’s going on, and is there an immediate solution to what the whole world is witnessing? Actually, there’s a timeless speech addressing this very same topic very clearly and in detail; a prophecy revealed from God.
Everlasting Divine Rules
Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) said: It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) turned to us and said:
O Muhajirun [migrants], there are five things with which you will be tested, and I seek refuge with Allah lest you live to see them:
* Immorality never appears among a people to such an extent that they commit it openly, but plagues and diseases that were never known among the predecessors will spread among them.
* & They do not cheat in weights and measures but they will be stricken with famine, severe calamity and the oppression of their rulers.
* They do not withhold the Zakah [Due alms] of their wealth, but rain will be withheld from the sky, and were it not for the animals, no rain would fall on them.
* & They do not break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger, but Allah will enable their enemies to overpower them and take some of what is in their hands.
* Unless their leaders rule according to the Book of Allah and seek all good from that which Allah has revealed, Allah will cause them to fight one another.” [Ibn Majah] (1)
How Is This Proved True?
It’s clear enough that this is not a mere prediction of the future by Prophet Mohamed. On the contrary, it’s an unmistakable prophecy revealed and taught to him by God. Thus, he warns those who believe in God to avoid the inevitable punishment by staying away from committing unlawful acts and practices.
Precisely, avoiding those acts which were clarified in the Prophetic hadith (saying and teaching). Nowadays, many people not only commit adultery, but also call for it and encourage it in the claim of being free. No wonder AIDS and other STDs that have no cure had appeared. More unfamiliar diseases like H1N1 and Coronavirus also keep appearing as alarming signs from God to the people to return and repent to Him.
Divine Guidance to Avoid Calamities
The Prophetic hadith also warns against economic cheating, preventing due alms that are obligatory on all capable Muslims to provide for the poor, the needy and the homeless, etc. It warns us from breaking God’s covenant which requires us to be Muslims, believe in God alone without any partners, mediators, or children. The hadith tells us to follow God’s legislation. Precisely, He is instructing us to do good deeds, help and respect all creatures, and all what brings harmony, justice and mercy to the whole world.
This legislation forbids corruption, injustice and clarifies the punishments and consequences that have remained unchanged throughout the ages in this worldly life. So that, believers in God would be alerted not to violate God’s limits. Moreover, be obedient to their Master, and spread justice, mercy and goodness on Earth. Actually, they are obligated to do this in God’s book and the Prophetic teachings.
It is also to remind those who challenge man-made rules and wrong others, there is a much stronger power beyond the universe set by its Creator to protect the wrongdoings and punish the wrongdoers. And these rules are unchangeable. One can also observe these incidents and their consequences afflicting the whole world. It’s figured clearly in physical and spiritual suffering, tyrant governments, scarce rain, wars and civil wars in many countries that violate God’s legislation.
God’s Universal Legislation
God Almighty says in the noble Quran (meaning interpretation):
… but My mercy encompasses all things. ‘So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and give zakah and those who believe in Our verses. (156)
Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful.” [Qur’an 7 – 156: 157] (2)
In brief, while all the world is questioning the acceleration of many afflictions and adversities, one who believes in God must know it’s simple to find a way through. Simply, once we follow God’s instructions and avoid what He has forbidden. We must believe God’s capability is above us at all times, and His legislation is unchangeable in all ages. So, there is hope as long as you obey God.
References:
(1) Prophet’s saying (hadith) in Sunan Ibn Majah.
(2) Verse (7 – 156: 157) of Qur’an (English interpretation of meaning).
