{UAH} Being Prepared Without Becoming Paranoid

Being Prepared Without Becoming Paranoid

I have generally avoided speaking about current political affairs in America, primarily because it is so depressing, and there really isn't much to comment on.

Given today's announcement of Trump's dismal tax returns, and the very real possibility that this will even further entrench and mobilize his followers (it is still difficult to believe the level of almost messianic loyalty that his fan base has), along with the unbelievable threats that he might actually not hand over power easily...without being too explicit, it would be wise for all of us to start taking reasonable precautions.

The COVID crisis has already made many people financially desperate and somewhat tense. The situation is already bad enough, and if one studies history, the combination of a contested election, an unhinged president, crazed followers, and an economic crisis (with a 'healthy' dosage of a virus that we still can't cure - pun intended!) does not bode well at all. We have all of the necessary components for a scenario that we'd rather not think too deeply about.

An intelligent, faithful Muslim is never paranoid or alarmist; but neither is he a fool or unprepared. We need to have a healthy middle ground: make sure we all are prepared economically, physically and socially to the best extent possible, without losing track of reality, and always hoping for the best. Take all (legal) precautions that are necessary, but expect that inshaAllah you will not need to avail yourself to any of those precautions.

The specifics of what precautions to take are not something for me to spell out, and will vary from person to place to circumstance.

But for sure one precaution is universal: the necessary religious fortifications. Make sure your rituals are regular; increase you du'a, especially isti'ādha, ask Allah for āfiya, and memorize this prophetic du'a as well:

وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ بِعِبَادِكَ فِتْنَةً فَاقْبِضْنِي إِلَيْكَ غَيْرَ مَفْتُونٍ (ترمذي)

"O Allah! If you have willed a major trial for your servants, then allow me to return to you without having been tested" [Tirmidhi].

We ask Allah for āfiya, for all of us and our loved one, and we ask Allah to avert from us any major test!

O Allah! Do not cause us to bear a burden that is more than what we can bear!

Ameen.

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Allaah gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him."And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things." (6:17)

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