On the authority of Thawbaan , the Prophet said:
"The People will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating
invite others to share their food." Someone asked, "Will that be because of
our small numbers at that time?" He replied, "No, you will be numerous at
that time: but you will be froth and scum like that carried down by a torrent
(of water), and Allah will take the fear of you from the breasts (hearts) of
your enemy and cast al-wahn into your hearts." Someone asked, "O Messenger of
Allah, what is al-wahn?" He replied, "Love of the world and dislike of
death." [An authentic hadith recorded by Abu Dawud and Ahmad]
In attempting to contemplate on the meaning of the Prophet's words in the
above hadith (and indeed on any of his noble sayings), one quickly comes to
appreciate the Prophet's statement: "I have been given words which are
concise, but comprehensive in meaning" [Bukhaari and Muslim]. The Messenger
was blessed with the profound ability to utter several words which whole
volumes could then be written about.
Allah said: "Say: 'Short is the enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter
is the best for those who do right. And you will never be dealt with unjustly
in the very least. Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are
in towers built up strong and high." [An-Nisaa, 4:77-78]
Imam Ahmad records from Abu Dardaa as saying: "If only you knew what you
will certainly see upon your death, you would never eat again a single bite
out of a craving appetite, and you would never again drink an extra sip of
water for the pleasure of unquenchable and insatiable thirst."
Once Muslims realise that the death is not the end, but the beginning,
thereafter with ultimate justice and either excruciating torment or blissful
reward, our situation will surely change.
Until then, Allah says: "Verily, Allah will never change the condition of a
people until they change what is within themselves." [Ar-Ra'd, 13:11]
"And fear the Fitna (affliction, trial) which affects not in particular
(only) those of you who do wrong, and know that Allah is Severe in
punishment" [al-Anfal:25]
Abu Dawud has narrated on the authority of Qays b. Abi Hazm: "That Abu Bakr
(r.a.) after he had glorified and praised Allah (swt) he said: O people! You
read this ayah but you do not understand it: "O you who believe! Guard your
own souls: If you follow the right guidance none can hurt you from those who
have gone astray" [al-Maida:105]
I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: "The people when they see the
tyrant and do not restrain his hands, Allah will be about to punish them
all".
And I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: "Any people amongst whom sins
are committed, and they could change them but they did not (change), Allah
will be about to bring a punishment which engulfs all." [Abu Dawud: Book of
Battles/3775]
And the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "By the One in Whose Hands my soul
rests, you must enjoin the good and forbid the evil or Allah will be about to
send upon you a punishment. Then you will make du'a to Him and He will not
answer you" [Ahmad b. Hanbal:22212]
"O you who believe answer the call of Allah(swt) and His Messenger(saw) to
that which gives you Life."(8:24)
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