The Fitnah of Westernization Prophesized in the Ḥadīth
The ṣ a ḥā b ī , Sayyidun ā ‘I ṣ mah Ibn Qays ra ḍ iyall ā hu anhu is reported to have said that Ras ū lull ā h ṣ allall ā hu ‘alayhi wa sallam sought protection from the fitnah of the east. It was said, “What about the fitnah of the west?” He said, “That is greater and worse.” [1] Another report states that Ras ū lull ā h ṣ allall ā hu ‘alayhi wa sallam would seek protection from the fitnah of the west. [2] It cannot be stated with certainty what the fitnah of the west is. It could be an indication to the fall of Andalus, i.e., modern day Spain and Portugal. The entire Isl ā mic society and system had collapsed and the forces of disbelief had taken over. However, the fitnah of Orientalism – originating in the west – could also be referred to in this report. It is this fitnah of heresy, atheism, misinterpretation, and distortion that has entered throughout the Muslim world from the doors of the west. This fitnah is the most dangerous of all, and it affects the entire wor...