140 - The advocates of the truth shall prevail

1. The Prophet (peace be upon him) states that this religion of Islam will remain until the Day of Judgement, upheld by people who defend and advocate it. There will continue to be a group of people who declare the truth and overcome their enemies. They shall not hide their faith. On the contrary, they will declare it openly and call on people to embrace it. This will continue until the Last Hour when God’s decree is done. 

The expression ‘God’s decree’ refers to the pleasant breeze that blows before the Last Hour and causes the death of believers. The Prophet said: ‘God will send a wind from Yemen, which is softer than silk. It will gather every single one who has the weight of a seed of faith’.[1]

2. In the second version of the hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) states the characteristics of this group of believers. They will continue to implement God’s orders, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. They will adhere to God’s law, spread the knowledge of Islam, and give good counsel to the Muslims generally. They are the ones referred to in the Qur’anic verse: ‘Let their become of you a nation who invite to all that is good, enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid what is wrong. Such are they who shall prosper’. (3: 104) This community of people will not be adversely affected by standing apart from other people. They will not be perturbed by being let down by others.

The hadith makes clear that the earth will never be without some devout believers who continue to hold firm to faith, doing what God bids them and refrain from what He forbids. To them, it does not matter who supports them and who stands against them.

This group mentioned by the Prophet is not limited to any particular type of people. It includes scholars of Fiqh and Hadith as well as ascetic people, fighters, and other devout Muslims.[2]

1. This hadith provides evidence of the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). He clearly states that this religion will remain upheld by true believers until the end of time. We have seen its continuity up to the present despite all the attempts to crush it. This confirms the truth of what the Prophet said, and it strengthens our faith in our religion.

2. No Muslim should ever entertain a thought that Islam may disappear. It is the perfect form of the divine faith, and it will continue until the Day of Judgement. God shall ensure that its light will remain shining forever. 

3. Educators and advocates of Islam should spread the information that strengthens people’s faith and hopes, and they should also warn them against deviation. They should offer hope and give warning. 

4. Every Muslim should make sure to be one of this group which will ultimately be triumphant. This means that one should follow the way of divine guidance and steer far away from deviant and forbidden practices. 

5. The distinctive feature of the group praised by the Prophet (peace be upon him) is that it implements the divine decree. Everyone should review their beliefs and conduct so as to ensure being one of them. 

6. The small number of those who steadfastly follow the right way should not be disheartening. Those who follow the truth are always small in number, but they enjoy God’s support. 

7. A true believer is not perturbed by people’s hostility. His highest goal is to ensure that God is pleased with him, even if this invites people’s criticism. 

8. A person who sticks to the company of truly devout people and ensures that he follows their way and supports them is the one who is wise.