Setting
No prophet had been sent before me by Allah except that he had disciples and companions from his nation who adhered to his way and followed his command
No prophet had been sent before me by Allah except that he had disciples and companions from his nation who adhered to his way and followed his command
‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No prophet had been sent before me by Allah except that he had disciples and companions from his nation who adhered to his way and followed his command. They were, then, succeeded by successors who would say what they did not do and do what they were not commanded to do. Whoever strives against them with his hand is a believer; whoever strives against them with his tongue is a believer; whoever strives against them with his heart is a believer; and beyond that, there is no mustard seed's weight of faith."
Translations
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The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed that no prophet had been sent by Allah to a nation before him except that he had close friends, supporters, and sincere fighters from among his nation who were qualified to succeed him, adopting his way and following his command. These righteous predecessors would, then, be succeeded by people who were void of goodness; claiming what they did not practice and practicing what they were not commanded to do. Whoever strives against them with his hand is a believer, whoever strives against them with his tongue is a believer, and whoever strives against them with his heart is a believer, but beyond that, there is no mustard seed's weight of faith.Benefits
Encouraging the struggle against those who violate the Shariah with their words and deeds.
The heart's failure to disapprove of evil indicates the weakness or loss of faith.
Allah Almighty facilitates for the prophets those who convey their message after them.
Whoever seeks salvation must follow the prophets' methodology because every way other than theirs leads to destruction and misguidance.
As the time gap separating people from the time of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and that of his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) grows bigger, people become more liable to abandoning the Sunnah, following their whims, and introducing religious innovations.
Clarifying the levels of Jihad and how it should be carried out with the hand for whoever is capable of change, like the guardians, rulers, and leaders; with the words through demonstrating and advocating the right; and with the heart through disapproving evil, refraining from loving it or being content with it.
It is obligatory to enjoin good and forbid evil.