In this heartfelt question‑and‑answer session, Sheikh Bahauddin Adil addresses the wave of sorrow that has swept across the world in recent months. He begins by recalling the brutal attacks on two mosques in New Zealand and a tragic shooting at a synagogue in Chicago, asking what message these calamities convey to humanity and especially to Muslims.
Sheikh Bahauddin reminds us of the prophetic saying that fitna (trial or chaos) is like a sleeping giant: “When someone awakens it, they bear Allah’s curse.” He explains that the perpetrators—whether in New Zealand, Sri Lanka or elsewhere—are the ones who stir this dormant turmoil. Their actions are not isolated outbursts but part of a larger pattern driven by hidden forces that seek to dominate and enslave humanity through technology, media, and economic dependency.
Modern life, he warns, has turned us into servants of our phones, our jobs, our debts and even our fears. The rapid spread of information makes it easier for those who wish to sow discord to reach millions in an instant, turning real suffering into a kind of “video‑game” spectacle. This manipulation is not new; the Sheikh traces its lineage back to the events that sparked World I—where the murder of a single heir ignited a continent‑wide conflict—and points out how colonial powers, especially the British, have historically mastered the art of creating fitna for their own gain.
Against this backdrop, Sheikh Bahauddin calls on Muslims to awaken from spiritual slumber. He urges vigilance, remembrance of the Qur’an and prophetic teachings, and collective solidarity so that the “table of fitna” does not overwhelm our communities. The message is clear: small tragedies are never merely isolated; they are threads in a vast tapestry woven by those who profit from division.
For those seeking deeper guidance on navigating these challenges, we invite you to join our live gatherings where scholars and companions explore such topics together. More information can be found at the Society’s Live meetings. May we all remain steadfast, aware, and united in the face of fitna.
