Q: In the light of the narration below, should I stay in such a place or should I get away from a bad place so as not to be hit by punishment. If I stay in this bad place and I give advice so that people stop their bad deeds, is that correct or should I get away from this bad place?
1. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When Allah sends down a punishment on a nation, the punishment will strike all those who are among them, and then they will be resurrected in accordance to their actions.'” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 7108 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2879 with slight variation in the wording. Also see: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 7108)
2. Sayyidah Zaynab bintu Jahsh (radiyallahu ‘anha) relates: “I said O Messenger of Allah! Will we be destroyed when there are righteous people among us? He said: ‘[Yes], If evil deeds increase.'” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3346, 3598, 7059, 7135 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2880)
‘Evil deeds’ has been explained as zina, open sinning and immorality. This Hadith explains that when evil becomes widespread, then the pious will also be affected when the punishment of Allah strikes. However, each person will then be raised in the Hereafter in accordance to his intention [and level of obedience]. (Refer: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 7135)
A: In these times of fitnah and corruption, a believer should endeavour to remain in pious company at all times and refrain from areas of doubt and sin. Similarly, he should avoid going to places where sin take place. If it is not easy for you to move to a Deeni friendly environment, then as far as possible, you should keep to yourself with the intention that you will be saved from fitnah and save others from your weaknesses.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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