Explanation of the Hadith - Islam began as something strange...

[eesa the kiwi]

Explanation of the Hadith - Islam began as something strange...

Q4: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: (Islam began as something strange and will return as ...) to the end of Hadith. Would you please comment on this Hadith and its degree of authenticity?

A: This Hadith is Sahih (a Hadith that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish) and was narrated by Muslim in his Sahih.On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Islam began as something strange and will return as something strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.

This Hadith is Sahih and was reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

A group of Hadith scholars added in another narration: It was asked: O Messenger of Allah! Who are the strangers? He replied: Those who perform good deeds while others make mischief.

In another wording: Those who correct what the people have corrupted of my Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). And in another wording: They are the strangers among their tribes. In another wording: They are the righteous few among the evil masses.

What is meant here is that the "Ghuraba' (strangers)" are the people of integrity and that Jannah (Paradise) and happiness are for those strangers who will rectify what others have corrupted. When the conditions change, matters become unclear, and the righteous people are few, they adhere steadfastly to the truth and to the religion of Allah. They sincerely worship Allah Alone, perform Salah (prayer), pay Zakah (obligatory charity), observe Sawm (fast), perform Hajj (pilgrimage), and all other acts of worship.

These are the strangers whom Allah has described saying: "Verily, those who say: ’Our Lord is All�h (Alone),“ and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ’Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised! We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have (all) that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask. An entertainment from (All�h), the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Fussilat 41: 30-32).

"for which you ask", means "for which you request".

Islam appeared as something strange in Makkah where only a few accepted the faith while most showed enmity towards it and rejected the Prophet (peace be upon him) whom they harmed along with his Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) who embraced Islam. Then it reached Madinah the city that those Companions who had the ability migrated to. It continued to be regarded as something strange until the number of Muslims increased in Madinah and other cities. People then embraced Islam in crowds after Allah made it possible for His Prophet (peace be upon him) to conquer Makkah. Islam was viewed as strange by people at a time when most were heathens associating others with Allah. They worshipped idols, prophets, saints, trees, stones, and the like.

Allah guided whom He pleased through His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) and through his Companions. Thus, they entered Islam, worshipped Allah sincerely abandoning their idols, prophets, and saints. They did not offer prayer, prostrate, or call upon anyone except Allah. They only sought assistance or cure from Him (may He be Exalted and Glorified). They did not supplicate or seek help from the dead, idols, trees, stones, planets, Jinn (creatures created from fire), or angels. Instead, they worshipped Allah (may He be Exalted and Glorified) exclusively. Such are the strangers.

Towards the end of time there will be those who hold fast to the religion of Allah while others fall by the wayside. When disbelief, disobedience, and evil increase, these strangers will remain obedient to Allah and His religion. They will be granted Paradise and Happiness with a goodly reward in this life and the Hereafter.

Fatwa Nur ala al-Darb

[Volume 1 > Ahl Al-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah > Explanation of Hadith, "Islam has began as something strange..."]

Reference: qsep.com

[drac16]

:sl:

Thanks for sharing this! :D

[Abu Fauzi]

As-Salaam alaikum,
May I have the pleasure of commenting on the above topic started by Brother Eesa and say that the Noble Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, said:--

"Islam initiated [started] as something strange, and it will revert to its (old position) of being strange. So, glad tidings to the stranger.!" [Muslim].

Today, we have become so distant from Islam that the way in which the Prophet, alaihi salaam, did some things appears strange to us. Even people who welcome Islam in their lives, find Muslim behaving strangely, which on further investigation turns out to be the recommended behavior in Islam. So, we should not shy away from being perceived as strangers.

Someone asked the Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, "Who are the Strangers"? He replied, "The ones who break away from their people (literally, tribes) for the sake of Islam". The Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, gave glad tidings to those who will be cut off from their people because they choose to follow Islam. Everybody Else's lifestyle will have become so contrary to Allah's Wishes, that of the person who follows Islam will appear strange and will be rejected.

[syed_z]

Someone asked the Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, "Who are the Strangers"? He replied, "The ones who break away from their people (literally, tribes) for the sake of Islam". The Prophet, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, gave glad tidings to those who will be cut off from their people because they choose to follow Islam. Everybody Else's lifestyle will have become so contrary to Allah's Wishes, that of the person who follows Islam will appear strange and will be rejected.

Asalaam O Alaikum and Eid Mubarak Abu Fauzi,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. In addition to your comments and the tradition, the Prophet (sallAllahu Alaihi Wassallam) always put emphasis on strengthening the family ties and warned to the Muslims not to severe them for the ones who cut off family ties will be cut off from the Mercy of Allah (swt) on the day of judgment, as He Himself has said in the Quran:

Surah Imran Verse 6
It is He who forms you in the wombs however He wills.

The word for womb in Arabic is 'Arhaam' meaning mercy, it is through this mercy that Allah (swt) joined the ties of brothers and sisters, mother and father in your own houses. The family ties with your people are kept connected through the Mercy of Allah (swt).

Even though they might not be following Islam or may be misguided in many things, we cannot sever them and therefore the 'Hadith of the Strangers' needs to be always understood in the light of other such Quranic Verses and Ahadith. Just a very important thought to share :).