What is the ruling on performing acts of worship during times of tribulation and turmoil (such as New Year's Eve), based on the Hadith: "Worship during times of turmoil is like migrating to me"?
A Muslim who adheres firmly to his religion is one who remembers Allah in secret and in public, and is keen to obey Him in all circumstances. These are the "strangers" who adhere to the Sunnah in times of tribulation, as in the Hadith: "Islam began as something strange, and it will return as something strange, so blessed are the strangers." This virtue is for those who maintain obedience in times of tribnah and heedlessness. Adherence to the Sunnah is always ongoing, such as the Prophet's fasting in Sha'ban, because it is a month people neglect, and the Hadith: "Worship during the time of tribulation is like migration to me," where "tribulation" refers to strife and the confusion of people's affairs, and the reason for the virtue of worship during it is people's heedlessness of it. Therefore, the nights of the Gregorian New Year should not be singled out for worship merely to oppose disbelievers, unless worship is a habit for the Muslim during the rest of his days.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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