Thawban Narrated that The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 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, 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 enervation into your hearts. Someone asked: What is wahn (enervation). Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): He replied: Love of the world and dislike of death. (Sahih Al-albani)
This hadith is perfectly applicable to our time. Muslims today are vast in number, but they are engrossed in worldly pursuits, deeply attached to life, and fearful of death. As a result, they fear their enemies, while their enemies do not fear them.
The hadith does not only describe the condition of Muslims but also serves as a warning about the consequences of neglecting religion and being preoccupied with worldly desires. This requires us to reflect seriously on how this phenomenon manifests in our contemporary reality.
Many manifestations illustrate how this hadith applies to the current state of Muslims, particularly in the context of preoccupation with materialism and luxury at the expense of major issues affecting the Ummah.
1. Entertainment Events and Preoccupation with Leisure During Crises
Amid the ongoing Zionist aggression on Gaza, where homes are bombed and innocent children, elderly, and women are mercilessly killed, an event in Alexandria, Egypt, astonished many. A massive concert by singer Tamer Hosny was held, attracting huge crowds of fans.
This concert coincided with the Deir al-Balah massacre, which claimed the lives of 75 Palestinians. A mere few hundred kilometers separated the concert from the scene of mass killings. The atmosphere at the event reflected a complete detachment from the humanitarian catastrophe occurring nearby.
The event, held in a lively and extravagant atmosphere, drew such massive crowds that overcrowding forced Tamer Hosny to end it early to prevent stampedes and suffocation. This overwhelming enthusiasm for entertainment amidst massacres unfolding just a stone’s throw away vividly embodies the profound meaning of "love of the world and hatred of death" described by the Prophet ﷺ.
Such incidents raise profound questions about the priorities shaping the consciousness of the Ummah today. How can hearts and eyes turn away from the humanitarian suffering in Palestine, where people are annihilated and children are killed, while others are engrossed in lavish celebrations? Has engagement with the Ummah’s issues been confined to rhetoric, devoid of heartfelt action or meaningful impact?
2. Obsession with Football Matches
At a time when the Muslim Ummah faces repeated attacks on its sanctities and central issues, sports—especially football—have become an overwhelming obsession for many Muslims. Stadiums are packed with fans, large screens are set up in cafes and public spaces, and people immerse themselves in following tournaments with enthusiasm rivaling the importance of critical issues.
For example, during a recent assault on Al-Aqsa Mosque, where its courtyards were repeatedly stormed by Zionist settlers under the protection of occupation forces, many Muslims’ attention was fixated on UEFA Champions League matches. While the mosque was being desecrated by soldiers, Muslims in other places eagerly anticipated the semi-final games, as if Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa no longer held a place in the hearts of the Ummah.
This phenomenon is not limited to major tournaments but extends to local matches, which have become social events consuming financial and physical resources. Meanwhile, the plight of Muslims in Palestine, Kashmir, China (Uyghurs), and Syria faces neglect or is reduced to fleeting hashtags on social media.
It’s worth noting that sports, in themselves, are not blameworthy; they serve as a means of entertainment and physical strengthening. However, the problem lies in their transformation into a priority that overshadows critical issues. Sports have become a massive industry exploited to divert public awareness and distract people from their rights and concerns.
3. New Year’s Celebrations and Extravagant Festivities
While Muslims in Yemen face devastating humanitarian crises of famine, disease, and war that have killed and displaced thousands, and as Syrians grapple with the ongoing effects of war and destruction, some Islamic countries spend exorbitant amounts on New Year’s Eve celebrations. These include extravagant fireworks displays, lavish lighting, and festive events broadcast worldwide as if no burden weighs on the Ummah.
Millions are spent on mere minutes of fireworks, money that could instead feed thousands of hungry people in Yemen or contribute to rebuilding destroyed homes in Syria. This stark contradiction reflects a lack of awareness of the Ummah’s collective responsibility, with celebrations becoming superficial displays catering to material desires that increasingly dominate people’s lives.
The problem extends beyond financial extravagance to an obsession with blindly imitating the West. These celebrations have become symbols of progress and modernity, sidelining Islamic identity and values in favor of foreign traditions and cultures that bear no relation to our religion or principles.
Practical Solutions for the Ummah’s Revival
Reviving the Islamic Ummah requires a sincere return to the Qur’an and the Sunnah—not merely through their recitation but by deeply understanding their meanings and implementing their teachings in daily life. These two sources are the primary guides for direction and reform, and through them, the Ummah can reclaim its unity and identity.
Additionally, Islamic solidarity must be strengthened by activating the role of Islamic institutions in supporting major causes such as Palestine, Kashmir, and the plight of Uyghurs, as well as providing aid to refugees and the oppressed in the Islamic world. This solidarity necessitates reordering priorities at individual and communal levels, directing resources and efforts toward the Ummah’s critical issues rather than spending them on excessive entertainment or cosmetic projects that do not serve the Ummah’s core.
Moreover, it is crucial to focus on raising awareness among the youth, who represent the future strength of the Ummah, by designing educational and cultural programs that reinforce their Islamic identity and motivate them to adhere to their religion and work towards the Ummah’s renaissance. Guiding the youth to understand the Ummah’s realities and their responsibilities toward it is essential for building a strong and cohesive society capable of addressing contemporary challenges.
---------------------------------------------------------
The Sources:
- Al-Abbad in his commentary on Sunan Abu Dawood
- Media reports on the situation in Gaza
- Posts and tweets on my platforms X and Facebook
