Understanding Fitna and Its Different Types

Definition and Types of Fitnah

In language, fitnah comes from the root word *fatan*, with plural forms being *fitanat* and *fitan*. It is said that fitnah refers to trial by fire. Another meaning is *ibtila’* (trial or testing). We say *fitnat ad-dunya*—the trial of worldly life. The two major trials are wealth and offspring. The term *fitnah* with a heavy 'f' means a type of *sant* tree and its yellow flowers.

In Islamic terminology, fitnah is defined as what reveals a person’s true nature—whether good or evil. It is also described as hardship or affliction, exposing what lies hidden beneath the surface. Some define it as a test that may lead to loss of reason or wealth, or cause deviation from truth.

Meanings of Fitnah in the Quran

Allah mentions the word fitnah in the Quran and clarifies its meanings, as follows:

• Allah says: (Do people think they can be left saying ‘We believe’ without being tested?) This verse refers to worldly trial and testing.
• Allah says: (And beware of those who try to divert you from some of what Allah has revealed to you.) This warns against being led astray from the path of divine revelation.
• Allah says: (Indeed, your Lord is forgiving and merciful toward those who emigrated after being tested, then struggled and remained patient.) In this context, fitnah refers to suffering or punishment.
• Allah says: (Fight them until there is no more fitnah—no disbelief or polytheism.)
• Allah says: (But you yourselves have caused corruption, delayed, and doubted, and desires deceived you.) The phrase (you caused corruption in yourselves) means you destroyed yourselves through sin and fell into hypocrisy.
• Allah says: (Indeed, those who caused fitnah among the believers and believing women.) This refers to those who persecuted believers by burning them.
• Allah says: (If they were entered upon from every corner of their land, and asked to undergo fitnah, they would immediately comply, and not hesitate long.) Here, fitnah means warfare.
• Allah says: (So let those who oppose His command beware lest a fitnah strike them or a painful punishment descend.) In this case, fitnah means death.

Types of Fitnah

Fitnah comes in two main types; one person may experience both, or only one. These are:

• Fitnah of Doubtful Opinions

This arises from weak insight and lack of knowledge, especially when combined with corrupted intentions and personal desires. This type of fitnah leads to disbelief and hypocrisy, primarily affecting hypocrites and innovators, depending on the severity of their deviation. Its roots lie in flawed understanding or false, incorrect transmission.

It often stems from selfish motives and misguided inclinations that lead one down the path of error. It represents blindness in perception and corruption in will. The only way to escape this fitnah is to follow the commands of the Prophet Muhammad—peace be upon him—in all matters of faith, whether apparent or hidden.

• Fitnah of Desires

Allah combines these two forms in the statement: (Like those before you, they were stronger than you in power, greater in wealth and children. They enjoyed their share of worldly pleasures, just as you enjoy yours, as those before you enjoyed theirs. You plunged into it like they did. Their deeds became futile in this world and the Hereafter. Indeed, they are the losers.)

The term *khalaq* here refers to one’s ordained portion from Allah. Then He says: (And you plunged into it like they did.) The act of plunging signifies engaging in falsehood and deceptive arguments. Through this verse, Allah clarifies how the heart becomes corrupted and how indulgence in worldly pleasures and involvement in falsehood occur.

References

1. ↑ "Definition, Explanation, and Meaning of Fitnah", Comprehensive Dictionary of Meanings, accessed on 1/2/2022. Slightly modified.
2. ↑ Various authors, Encyclopedia of Islamic Virtues and Refutation of False Claims, page 333. Slightly modified.
3. ↑ Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid, Islam Q&A Website, page 214. Slightly modified.
4. ↑ Surah Al-Ankabut, Verse 2
5. ↑ Surah Al-Ankabut, Verse 49
6. ↑ Surah An-Nahl, Verse 110
7. ↑ Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 193
8. ↑ Surah Al-Hadid, Verse 14
9. ↑ Surah Al-Hadid, Verse 14
10. ↑ Surah Al-Burooj, Verse 10
11. ↑ Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 14
12. ^ ^{A B} "Meaning of Fitnah and Gossip", Islam Web, August 20, 2005, accessed on 1/2/2022. Slightly modified.
13. ↑ Surah An-Nur, Verse 63
14. ↑ Various authors, Light of Bliss: Noble Characteristics of the Noble Prophet, page 7. Slightly modified.
15. ↑ Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 69
16. ↑ Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 69