Advice for Times of Fitna - A Few Simple Reminders

By Sheikh Khalid Al-Fulayj (may Allah free him) Assalamu alaikum - a few straightforward reminders for when fitna surrounds you. 1) Make du'a a lot for steadfastness. The Prophet ﷺ used to say, “O Turner of the hearts, make my heart firm on Your Deen.” Keep asking Allah to keep you firm. 2) Increase your worship and turn to acts of obedience. In times of trial, extra ibadah is like making a spiritual migration back to the Prophet’s path. 3) Avoid places and situations that invite temptation or doubt. Don’t put yourself where you’ll be tried; as Allah warns, we mustn’t lead ourselves into temptation. 4) Be keen on seeking knowledge and growing in Taqwa. Knowledge helps you answer doubts, and Taqwa helps you resist desires. 5) Keep company with people of virtue, sound knowledge, and piety. Allah told the Prophet to be patient with those who call on their Lord morning and evening - so stick close to the righteous. 6) Remember how fleeting this worldly life is. Its pleasures are temporary and will fade; it’s unwise to prefer them over the eternal Hereafter. 7) Think about the results of remaining steadfast: in this world, dignity and strength for the righteous; in the Hereafter, eternal bliss and a place in Jannah. 8) Consider the outcome of being overtaken by desires and doubts: in this life, regret and restriction; in the Hereafter, punishment and humiliation. 9) Don’t follow whims and desires. Chasing desires leads away from the truth. Hold fast to the words of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, and don’t let anyone’s opinion override them. 10) When scholars disagree, follow the one you know to be honest, sincere, and who follows clear evidence. Don’t use scholarly differences as a cover to pursue what your soul wants. Difference alone is not proof - follow the strongest evidence and what protects your deen. May Allah grant us firmness and protect us in times of trial. Ameen.