Glad Tidings For The Strangers
In another narration, the Messenger
of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked, "Oh Messenger of Allaah, who are the
strangers?" He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied: Those who are steadfast in
righteousness at a time when the people become corrupt. [At-Tahaawee in
al-Mushkil (298/1)]
In another version, he (صلى الله عليه وسلم)
said: Those who correct what the people have corrupted of my Sunnah. [At-Tirmidhee
(2765), at-Tabaranee in al-Kabeer (16/17), al-Bazzaar (3287) and others.]
Imam 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn
'Abdullaah Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah) brought the above hadeeth from Saheeh
Muslim and the subsequent narrations, and said about them: "So this noble
hadeeth makes it clear to the people of intellect that calling to the truth and
refuting that which the people have introduced into the religion - at a time
when Islaam is strange - is regarded to be from the reformation which the
Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) encouraged and praised its people for.
This great hadeeth also makes clear
to the readers that it is obligatory upon the people of truth - when Islaam has
become strange - to become more active in explaining the rulings of Islaam,
giving Da'wah and spreading merits and virtues, and fighting against the vices.
It is also necessary for them to be firm upon that until they become one of the
righteous people at a time when corruption is prevalent, and they become one of
those who correct the mischief when the people are active in it. Indeed, Allaah
is the Granter of success, Exalted be He."
Source: Words of Advice Regarding Da'wah, by Shaikh Ibn Baaz,
under the chapter: "If One Becomes Alienated and is Shunned, then he
should work harder in his Da'wah."
