“Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves” 

By Sh Huthayfee 

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. May His blessings and benedictions be upon the Messenger, his household and companions. 

It is in the Sunnah of Allah and His rules that whoever sows good will harvest good and that whoever sows evil will harvest evil. He says, “Whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.” (Az-Zalzalah: 7-8). 

As for the Muslim, whenever any good affects him he knows that it is a favour from his Lord, for he knows that he deserves nothing from Allah by right and this belief will make him thank his Lord and praise Him. Also, if any evil afflicts him he perseveres and seeks the reward of his Lord, for he knows that, that is the result of a sin he has committed or that Allah wants to elevate his rank in the Hereafter. Allah says what translates as, “And whatever of misfortune that befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” (Ash-Shooraa: 30). 

He also says what translates as, “Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.” (Ar-Ra‘d: 11). 

Muslims in their history have passed through some periods which were more severe than the present one in afflictions and in which their enemies subjected them to persecutions. But then they made a sincere return to their religion with knowledge and Faith. They therefore, attained security and regained their honour, unity and wellbeing under the shade of Islamic law. This injury was healed and their condition became better. In this age, the calamity is actually great for the Muslim nation, but it remains and indisputable fact that the affairs of the latter generation of the Muslim nation will never be set aright except by that which set right the affairs of their predecessors. So, blaming the enemies of Islam for these calamities does not in any way absolve the Muslims from being responsible for their own woes, for how will the Muslims expect the unbelievers to solve their problems for them if they themselves fail to do so through the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of his Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and in the light of their interests and those of their coming generations? The solution to Muslims’ problems therefore lies with Allah and then with their rulers and scholars by letting the people know all that is good, encouraging them to do that and warning them against all that is evil as far as matters of their religion and life is concerned. This is a great responsibility that requires strong will and sincerity. 

Fellow Muslims! Whenever a calamity afflicts a community, the first step to take is to have a sincere repentance. Allah says what translates as, “And all of you beg Allah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.” (An-Noor: 31). 

Every Muslim needs to have a sincere repentance. If anyone however says, ‘What is the relevance of my personal repentance to the rectification of the Muslims’ condition?’ He should be told that the cause of all good in this world and the Hereafter is the obedience to Allah and the cause of evil retribution is to disobey Him. He should also be told that, the repentance of every individual brings greater good and reduces calamities on the Muslims. 

Muslims should also unite in the face of this changing world that aspires to change the creed of Islam and eliminate its values and laws. 

Brethren in faith! The religion of Islam commands the Muslims to be united and forbade them from disunity. Allah says what translates as, “And hold fast unto the Rope of Allah (the Quran) and do not be divided among yourselves.” (Aal-‘Imraan: 103). 

He also says what translates as, “And do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient.” (Al-Anfaal: 46). 

The religion of Islam while enjoining unity among Muslims, does not however mean that the non-Muslims can be attacked or denied their rights which they enjoy under the Islamic law. If many non-Muslims understand the justice of Islam and its beauties, they would embrace Islam and would not have blamed it for wrongful acts of some Muslims. Allah says what translates as, “Say (O Muhammad to the people): ‘Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him, be good and dutiful to your parents, kill not your children because of poverty –We provide sustenance for you and for them, come not near the shameful sins, whether committed openly or secretly and kill not any one whom Allah has forbidden except for a just cause (according to Islamic Law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.” (Al-An‘aam: 151). 

Brethren in Faith! Fear Allah as He should be feared, seek nearness to Him through righteous deeds and abstain from sins. Send forward good deeds before you meet Him and make good use of your life. Allah says what translates as, “O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. Let every soul look for what he has sent forth for the morrow and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” (Al-Hashr: 18).