Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What is happening to the people of Syria? What can we do to help?
We must be certain that Allah causes these things to happen for a purpose. We should remember that the oppression that these people are suffering only increases them in elevation in Allah’s sight and it is a cause for their sins to be forgiven and expiated. We should remember our own transgressions and the fact that we are a cause of these things happening in our time. These events should also give us hope that the future will be better since it is Allah’s way to cause ease and goodness to follow hardship.
Imam al-Haddad said:
If adversity continues for a long time
It is a good sign that the good which is awaited will last for a long time
There is no doubt that Sham and Yemen will be safe havens at the time of discord in the world, for the Truthful One’s prophecy will no doubt be realised. However, this may be after those places suffer some tribulations for a period of time. We must pray for them abundantly and assist those suffering in whatever way we can.