The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned the Ummah about the spiritual and worldly consequences of abandoning Islamic principles in business, leadership, and striving in the path of Allāh.
He said:
“When you indulge in al-ʿīnah (interest-based) transactions, take hold of the tails of cows, become satisfied with cultivation, and abandon striving in the path of Allāh, then Allāh will permit your humiliation and He will not remove it from you until you return to your religion.” — Sunan Abi Dawud #3455
In another powerful ḥadīth, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) described a time of weakness that would befall the Muslims:
“The people will soon summon one another to attack you as people invite others to share their dish.” It was 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 like the scum carried down by a torrent. Allāh will remove fear of you from the hearts of your enemies and place wahn into your hearts.” It was asked: “O Messenger of Allāh, what is wahn?” He replied: “Love of the world and hatred of death.” — Sunan Abi Dawud #4297
Causes of Weakness in the Muslim Ummah
These authentic narrations clearly outline key causes of humiliation and decline in the Muslim Ummah:
Engaging in ribā (interest-based transactions)
Becoming overly attached to worldly gains
Abandoning striving (jihād in its comprehensive sense)
Losing spiritual strength and reliance upon Allāh
Developing excessive love for worldly life and fear of death
Today, many Muslims reflect upon the condition of the Ummah—its fragmentation, loss of unity, political weakness, and social instability. Across numerous Muslim lands, there exists a shared sense of humiliation and subjugation. This reality compels an urgent and sincere question:
What led to the decline of the Muslims? What are the root causes of this state of weakness and dishonour?
The answer, as indicated in the Qurʾān and authentic Sunnah, lies not merely in external forces but in internal spiritual and moral decline.
The Islamic Solution: Returning to the Qurʾān and Sunnah
The Shaykh (may Allāh have mercy upon him) addresses these critical issues in light of the Qurʾān and the authentic Sunnah. He outlines both:
The causes behind the downfall of the Muslims
Practical solutions rooted in Islamic teachings
The necessity of reviving correct belief (ʿaqīdah) and righteous action
The importance of unity upon truth
This unique and beneficial work contains two important treatises that tackle a subject often overlooked: the spiritual roots of decline and the path to revival of the Muslim Ummah. It serves as a reminder that true strength, honour, and success come only through returning to authentic Islām.
Allāh, the Most High, says:
“You are the best nation raised for mankind: you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allāh.” (Āl ʿImrān 3:110)
The Ummah of Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was honoured because of its commitment to faith, righteousness, and moral leadership. When these qualities are upheld, strength and dignity follow. When they are neglected, humiliation and weakness take their place.
Reviving the Muslim Ummah Through Faith and Action
O Muslims, recognise your potential. The path to honour is clear:
Return to the Book of Allāh
Adhere to the authentic Sunnah
Abandon ribā and unlawful transactions
Purify the heart from excessive love of the world
Revive unity based upon truth
Through sincere repentance, reform, and adherence to Islām, Allāh grants strength, stability, and success in both this life and the Hereafter.
The revival of the Muslim Ummah begins with a return to authentic Islamic teachings — a return to the Qurʾān and Sunnah.
ISBN: 978-1-904336-75-4 Forfatter: Imam Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani Udgiver: Dar as-Sunnah (2023) Sider: 80 Indbinding: paperback
