A little over a month ago I came across a news headline that read: “Muslims more numerous than Catholics: Vatican.”
The headline alone brought me great joy. It gave me a sense of pride to know that Islam was moving up to the top due to our large numbers. The article mentioned that “Islam had overtaken Roman Catholicism as the biggest single religious denomination in the world.” It further went on to say that the main reason for that is due to the fact that Muslims have higher birth rates than others. That, along with the fact that more people are accepting Islam than any other religion in the world, gives truth to the phrase we so often hear: “Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world.”
However, after contemplating a Hadeeth that I recently came across, I realized that perhaps it was better not to rejoice. The Hadeeth is narrated by Thawban who was one of the servants of the Prophet (SAW). In it the Messenger of Allah (SAW) prophecized that this day would come. The Hadeeth goes as follows:
“The people will soon summon one another to attack you, as people when eating invite others to share their dish.” Someone asked: “Will that be because of our small numbers at that time?” He replied: “No, rather you will be numerous at that time, but you will be scum and rubbish like that carried down by a torrent, and Allah will take fear of you from the breasts of your enemy and last Wahn (enervation) into your hearts.” Someone asked: “What is Wahn (enervation), O Messenger of Allah!” He replied: “Love of the Dunya and dislike of death.” [Abu Dawud]
This Hadeeth really strikes home the reality we live in today. We have a large quantity with little to no quality. It goes to show us that we should not be deluded by our large numbers, for our strength is not measured by our numbers but rather by how steadfast we are upon our Deen. The sad reality of our Ummah today is that although we are large in numbers, only few are remaining steadfast upon the truth. This is further supported by the answer the Prophet (SAW) gave when asked about the Ghuraba’ (strangers):
“A righteous people who are small in number, among evil people who are large in number, those who disobey them outnumber those who obey them.” [At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb]
In the story of Talut (Saul) and Jalut (Goliath), Allah mentions the fear that overcame the followers of Talut when they saw that they were outnumbered by Jalut and his army:
“So when he had crossed it (the river), along with those who believed with him, they said: “We have no power this day against Jalut and his soldiers.” But those who were certain that they would meet Allah said: “How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allah's permission. And Allah is with the patient.”” [Al-Baqarah 2:249]
And so they defeated Jalut and his army, and from this we saw how a few steadfast believers were able to defeat an army that far outnumbered them. Then history repeated itself during the time of the Prophet (SAW). In the battle of Badr the Muslims numbered approximately 300 compared to the disbelievers who amounted to 1,000, and in the battle of the trench or Al-Ahzab the Muslims were roughly 3,000 compared to the disbelievers who amounted to 10,000. And in both battles the Muslims came out victorious.
The sad reality we face today, is that most Muslims have become deluded by large numbers. They look at the success of a group or organization based on how big of a crowd it can attract. Little do they realize that attracting a large crowd is not evidence of success, rather it is a catastrophe if it is not based upon guidance from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger (SAW). What proves this is that in the Qur'an Allah describes His Straight Path as being one, as for the other paths He uses the plural form to describe them. Hence, proving that the deviant paths are many in quantity compared to the one Straight Path of Allah:
“And verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not other paths, for they will separate you away from His Path,” [Al-An’am 6:153]
And we further see that Allah dispraises large numbers in various parts of the Qur'an, He says:
“And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the Path of Allah.” [Al-An’am 6:116]
And He says:
“And most of them believe not in Allah except while they associate others with Him.” [Yusuf 12:106]
And He describes small numbers in a praiseworthy manner, He says:
“But none had believed with him (Nuh) except a few.” [Hud 11:40]
And He says:
“But few of My slaves are grateful.” [As-Saba’ 34:13]
This is how the truth and its people have always been, few in number, but firm and steadfast in what they believe in. So who is more unjust than one who treats the Muslims equally, between those upon the Straight Path of Allah and those upon the paths of Shaitan?
“Shall We then treat the Muslims like the criminals? What is the matter with you? How do you judge?” [Al-Qalam 68:35]
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
15th of May 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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12 comments:
Having read your articles a few times in the past, I realized that you do not have a lot of positive things to say or write about.
So, is there absolutely no meaning to this life at all except preparing ourselves for the "hereafter"? And about the quality of life that you have mentioned, in the Canadian consensus, it was recorded that Muslims by far are one of the most educated and successful in their careers.
I see an uprising in the Muslim community in general in the West particularly amongst the youth. From these small organizations eventually will come about something big. And also disqualifying other things in life, this present life which has SO much to offer shouldn't be disregarded and viewed upon as satanic temptations. What kind of statement is that to make, that people will have the 'dislike of death'???? Well obviously noone likes death. This life has SO much to offer and appreciate particularly the beauty and care through which Allah has given us the many pleasures and bounties in this life and it is extremely ungrateful if anyone doesn't appreciate this.
Instead of viewing the large numbers as a misleading 'delusion' we should hope that it brings about something great. In the contemporary world, muslims are being grossly vicimized and instead of just sitting around having pessimistic thoughts and how we should prepare ourselves for the life afer, we should be more proactive. We should study islam, discuss the Qur'an in more indepth and have intellectual discussions around it and make the most out of what this life has to offer.
Is this none other than the infamous S.K living out in East Asia? I would expect a comment like that from you....we have enough people sharing the beauty of this world with us - it's all around us, we are surrounded. Surely, someone needs to enlighten and remind us of - yes, our real purpose in this life - the Hereafter, don't you think?
And articles like these will generate discussion around important topics.
This life is a delusion:-)
MFA
Canada
No, this isn't S.K ... I am from Canada, at the moment working in the UK. I believe that there are many other purposes in this life. I do not think that this life is a delusion. It is a gift. And we should treat it as such.
..and you can't accuse this commenter - a physician - for neglecting the life of this world, and still saying that this life is a delusion :-)
peace,
MFA
Canada
This life is a delusion. If you belive in the Qur'an, then read the words of your Lord:
"Know that the life of the world is merely a game and a diversion and ostentation, and a cause of boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo one another in wealth and children, like the plant-growth after rain, which delights the cultivators. But then it withers, you see it turning yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In the hereafter there is terrible punishment, but also forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. The life of the world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion". (Surat al-Hadid, 20)
Also take a look at:
http://www.paradiseinthequran.com/paradise02.html
peace,
MFA
Canada
P.S. I think you are taking things the wrong way...no one is saying to neglect this world - yes, enjoy it in a halal way. But like I said before, we need reminders like this article to bring us back sometimes, otherwise we get too lost in this world. We need to balance, and so few of us really do.
The writer is a physician, I'm a geneticist. We're not talking about subjects we specialize in or in his case, his medical practice.
Yes, of course I agree with you, we need to have a balance in life and enjoy it in a 'halal' way.
I don't like viewing this life in a pessimistic manner. If this life was all a delusion, then what is the meaning of learning about this world? discovering new things? furthering technology, getting a higher education, wanting a family, enjoying this life? Are we doing all this just to pass time until we perish? Should I feel guilty about loving life? ... This life that my creator has given me. I love this life and I want to raise the next generation with this p.o.v. Not constantly telling them that this life means nothing. This not only discourages people but thinking about life like that will not want you do anything for yourself or for the benefit of others. It's a really sad existence.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts. I came across this article while I had some samples in the incubator. I was just excited to find my transfection working and I was thinking to myself, 'my god, these tiny minuscule things, they're created so elegantly" and then to read an article like this ... I wondered ... if this is how most of the consensus viewed life (myself included), why would I bother doing research to find a cure for Diabetes? I might as well just stay home, pray, and cry and cry to forgive my 'sins' and that of others ...
Firstly, to clear up any misunderstandings, I am not a physician, that is mfa.
Secondly, nowhere did I say that we have to neglect this life and not work towards achieving positive fruitful goals in it. Rather, the Muslims should be at the forefront in achieving prosperous goals that will help mankind in the various fields out there in life, with one condition: that it is within the boundaries of Islam.
Thirdly, all that I mentioned in this article was backed up by what Allah said and what His Messenger (SAW) said. If you dislike the fact that the Prophet (SAW) said that they will have "dislike of death" then I leave that between you and the one who brought to you the message of Islam, none other than the Messenger (SAW). If you have any other source where you obtain your information on Islam from, then please mention it, for my two sources of Islamic information are the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah.
Br. Kamil, could you help us find the list for the newly accepted students for next year? We were told the list would be out this past saturday.
I don't know where those rumours came from that the list would be out on Saturday. We're all waiting for the list to come out, it should be out any day.
sick article.. jazakhAllahkhairan
i really like this article, can u give me more hadeeths and ayahs relating to this topic please
MaashaAllah, it seems the list of accepted students that was once posted is gone. In any event, I wished to comment on there, or rather suggest - if I may - that you write on your reflections from going to the university, your time there, how you have benefited, how it affects one to be in such an environment, how it affects one to be in such close contact with the ulamaa. Perhaps this would be something you could consider, and something that the people may benefit from who don't have an opportunity to be there and experience the reality of it themselves.
Wallaahu ta'ala 'alam.
Wa Salamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu
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