The Consequences of Afflictions, Turmoil, and Unrest Amongst the Muslims

Fitan (fitnah – turmoil) has many sad consequences, both for the worldly life of a person and for his religion, and for this reason the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that death is better for a person than fitan. Mahmoud ibn Labid (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are two things that the son of Adam hates. He hates death, but death is better for him than affliction. And he hates small possessions, but few possessions are easier to calculate (on the Day of Judgment). Ahmad 5/427. The authenticity of the hadith was confirmed by Imam al-Suyuty and Sheikh al-Albani. See Sharh al-Sudur 35, Sahih al-Jami' 139. From Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) it is reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The most beloved people for Allah are the most useful of them, and the most beloved deed in front of Allah Almighty and Great, is joy which you bring to a Muslim, helping him in fitan or paying off a debt for him, or satisfying his hunger. And indeed, to come to the aid of your Muslim brother in what he needs is more beloved to me than to commit seclusion in the mosque (i'tikaf) within a month. And whoever restrains his anger towards his brother (in Islam), Allah will hide his shortcomings, and whoever restrains his anger at the time when he wanted to pour it out, Allah will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of Judgment. And whoever goes out to help his Muslim brother in his need until he helps him, Allah will strengthen his feet on the Day when the feet slip. And verily, bad temper spoils deeds just as vinegar spoils honey." Ibn Abu ad - Dunya , at-Tabarani. Hadith is good. See Sahih al-Jami' 176.