Understanding the Hadith on Afflictions (Fitan) By Dr Shabir Choudhry

 

Understanding the Hadith on Afflictions (Fitan)

By Dr Shabir Choudhry

(Based on Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3501, Book 69, No. 109)

 

Introduction

 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the greatest teacher of humanity, not only guided us in faith and worship but also prepared us for the difficult times that would come after him. One such moment of timeless wisdom is contained in a hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him):

 

    “There will be afflictions. At that time, the sitting person will be better than the standing one, and the standing one will be better than the walking, and the walking will be better than the running. Whoever looks towards those afflictions, they will overtake him; and whoever finds a refuge or a shelter, should take refuge in it.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari 3501)

 

In another narration, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) adds that the Prophet ﷺ said:

 

    “Among the prayers, there is a prayer, the missing of which will be to one like losing one’s family and property.”

 

This hadith, brief yet profound, gives clear spiritual and social guidance for times of disorder — times much like those we see around us today.

 

1. The Meaning of “Afflictions”

 

The Arabic word used by the Prophet ﷺ is fitan, which refers to trials, turmoil, or chaos — whether political, moral, or social. It describes those periods in human history when the truth becomes blurred, falsehood spreads, and people fight without knowing why.

The Prophet ﷺ warned that such times would surely come, and when they do, believers should protect their faith and integrity rather than rush into the storm.

 

2. “Sitting is Better than Standing…”

 

This is a powerful metaphor.

•  The “sitting” person symbolises the one who stays calm, patient, and uninvolved.

•  The “standing,” “walking,” and “running” symbolise levels of increasing participation in conflict or wrongdoing.

Thus, the message is clear:

The less one gets involved in chaos or violence, the safer one remains — both morally and spiritually.

 

It is a call for restraint, not cowardice. In times when right and wrong are confused, wisdom lies in avoiding impulsive action.

 

3. Avoid Looking Towards the Fitnah

 

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever looks towards those afflictions, they will overtake him.”

 

Even observing, discussing, or getting curious about such turmoil can pull a person into its current.

 

In our time, this warning feels especially relevant — when media, social networks, and propaganda constantly tempt people to watch, comment, and take sides in conflicts they neither understand nor control.

 

The lesson is simple:

Protect your heart and mind. Do not feed the fire of confusion and hatred.

 

4. Seek Refuge and Shelter

The Prophet ﷺ advised:

“Whoever finds a refuge or a shelter, should take refuge in it.”

 

In other words, when the world falls into turmoil, find safety — both physically and spiritually.

Refuge might mean one’s home, a peaceful community, or the inner calm found in prayer and remembrance of Allah.

 

True strength lies in patience, reflection, and turning to Allah for protection.

 

5. The Importance of Prayer

 

Abu Bakr’s version of the hadith reminds us that during such times, many people will neglect their prayers. The Prophet ﷺ warned that missing even one prayer — especially the ‘Asr prayer, as other narrations clarify — will feel like losing one’s family and property.

 

When chaos spreads, prayer becomes the believer’s lifeline — a source of stability, clarity, and divine protection.

 

6. The Timeless Message

 

This hadith teaches self-control, awareness, and faith in times of disorder.

It urges us to:

•  Avoid unnecessary involvement in conflict and divisive politics.

•  Protect our moral compass when others lose theirs.

•  Stay firm in prayer and trust in Allah.

 

The Prophet ﷺ knew that every era would have its share of fitan, but he gave us a way to survive them: calm, wisdom, and faith.

 

Conclusion

 

In our modern world — filled with polarisation, propaganda, and unrest — the Prophet’s words resonate powerfully:

 

    “The sitting is better than the standing, and the standing is better than the walking.”

 

This is not a call to indifference, but to wisdom. It is a command to preserve one’s faith, protect one’s integrity, and resist the temptation to be swept away by the storm of fitnah.

 

When truth becomes obscured and voices grow harsh, the believer finds peace not in the crowd, but in closeness to Allah.