The Fitnah of Westernization Prophesized in the Ḥadīth
The ṣaḥābī, Sayyidunā ‘Iṣmah Ibn Qays raḍiyallāhu anhu is reported to have said that Rasūlullāh ṣallallāhu ‘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 Rasūlullāh ṣallallāhu ‘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 Islāmic 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 world. Anyway,
this fitnah is part of the general connotation of the words of the ḥadīth.
In short, this
fitnah that affects the knowledge, understanding, and practice of a Muslim is
spreading with even greater force in the Muslim world. In the current time,
there is a flood of fitan in the Muslim world, and it is now quite clearly
apparent on a global level. These fitan affect the knowledge, practice,
character, worship, and social life of a Muslim, causing the mind to become
totally dumbfounded.
Sayyidunā Abū Sa‘īd
al-Khudrī raḍiyallāhu ‘anhu reported that Rasūlullāh ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Surely, you will follow
the ways of those nations who were before you, in everything, as one arrow
resembles another, so much so that even if they entered a hole of a
sand-lizard, you would enter it." They said: "O Messenger of Allāh, do you mean the Jews and the
Christians?" He replied: "Who else?"[3]
When we analyse the Muslim
world and the social condition of the Muslims, we can literally witness the
truthfulness of the ḥadīth. When we look at the present condition of the
Muslims, we experience a deep sense of regret. With great difficulty, the
Muslim identity of a person can be picked up and recognised in the ocean of Westernised
people. It is a very serious thing to flow along in this flood of
Westernisation.
Now, this Westernisation
and Europeanisation has not remained confined to the outer figure of people,
but its poison has spread into the hearts and minds too. The thoughts, views,
understandings, and realizations of Muslims resemble those of Westerners and
Europeans to a very great degree.
Just as Rasūlullāh ṣallallāhu
‘alayhi wa sallam sought protection from this fitnah, Muslims around the world
should do the same. Study the following report, and practice on it by reciting
it regularly. Share it with family, friends, and associates:
اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أَعـوذُ
بِكَ مِـنْ عَذابِ القَـبْر ، وَأَعـوذُ بِكَ مِـنْ فِتْـنَةِ المَسيحِ الدَّجّـال
، أَعـوذُ بِكَ مِـنْ فِتْـنَةِ المَحْـيا وَالمَمـات . اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أَعـوذُ بِكَ مِنَ المَأْثَـمِ وَالمَغْـرَم
O Allāh, I
seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You
from the trial of the False Messiah, and I seek refuge in You from the trials
of life and death. O Allāh, I seek refuge in You from sin and from debt.[4]
