Explanation of the Hadeeth of Hudhaifah bin Al Yamaan ‘We were in a state of Jaahiliyyah’ – by Shaikh Saalih Ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy. All Praise is due to Allaah, Lord of the ‘Aalameen, and may peace and blessings be upon our prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions.

Amma Ba’du:

Indeed, the hadeeth to be addressed in this lecture is the hadeeth of Hudhaifah Bin al Yamaan (radiallaahu ‘anhu). He said: People used to ask the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about the good times, but I used to ask him about bad times fearing lest they overtake me. I said: O Messenger of Allaah, we were in the midst of ignorance and evil, and then Allaah brought us this good (time through Islam). Is there any bad time after this good one?He said: Yes. I asked: Will there be a good time again after that bad time? He said: Yes, but therein will be a hidden evil. I asked: What will be the evil hidden therein? He said: (That time will witness the rise of) the people who will adopt ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know (their) good points as well as (their) bad points. I asked: Will there be a bad time after this good one? He said: Yes. (A time will come) when there will be people standing and inviting at the gates of Hell. Whosoever responds to their call, they will throw them into the fire. I said: O Messenger of Allaah, describe them for us.  He said: All right. They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and speaking our language. I said: O Messenger of Allaah, what do you suggest if I happen to live in that time? He said: You should stick to the main body of the Muslims and their leader. I said: If they have no (such thing as the) main body and have no leader? He said: Separate yourself from all these factions, though you may have to eat the roots of trees (in a jungle) until death comes to you and you are in this state. (Collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim, rahimahumullaah. The wording of the above is that of Imaam Muslim)

The Fitna (trial) and it’s Reality : In reality: Indeed, Allaah pre-decreed and ordained that the creation will be visited by tribulations, trials and tests, in order that the truthful one is distinguished from the hypocrite. He (Ta’aalaa) said (what means):Alif-Laam-Meem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, ”We believe,” and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allaah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood) of those who are liars (although Allaah knows all that before putting them to test). (Al-’Ankabut, ayat 1-3)  

Fitnah is a test. The human being will not be left alone because he says, ”I believe, I submit, I am a Muslim, I am a believer.” He must be tried and tested. Read more…