Protecting Oneself in the Time of Fitnah

Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned:

In this time of fitnah (trial), there seems to be evil prevailing everywhere. Hence, how will one protect himself from the fitnah? One will be able to protect himself from the fitnah by creating a safe-haven for himself. This will be possible by doing three things as explained in the hadeeth:

1. Control the tongue at all times. Controlling the tongue is not confined to speech, but also includes writing which is also a form of communication.

2. Do not leave the home unnecessarily. Though it is not haraam, but if one knows that a certain place is infested with malaria, will he go there unnecessarily?

3. Focus towards your weaknesses and cry over your sins.