The Prophecy of Declining Times: Understanding the Hadith of Anas bin Malik (RA)

اردو عنوان: فتنوں کا دور اور صبر کی تلقین: حضرت انس بن مالکؓ کی روایت کردہ اہم ترین حدیث

Introduction (The Context of the Complaint)

In an era of political turmoil and social unrest, seekers of knowledge often turned to the companions of the Prophet ﷺ for guidance. This particular narration provides a roadmap for psychological and spiritual resilience when faced with oppressive leadership and deteriorating social values.

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The Authentic Narration (Arabic & Urdu)

عن الزبير بن عدي، قال: أَتَيْنَا أنسَ بنَ مَالِكٍ رضي الله عنه فَشَكَوْنَا إليه ما نَلْقَى من الحَجَّاجِ، فقال:

«اصْبِرُوا، فإنه لا يأتي زمانٌ إلا والذي بعده شَرٌّ منه حَتَّى تَلْقَوا رَبَّكُم» سمعتُه من نَبِيِّكُم صلى الله عليه وسلم.

اردو ترجمہ: زبیر بن عدی بیان کرتے ہیں کہ ہم رسول اللہ ﷺ کے خادم سیدنا انس بن مالک رضی اللہ عنہ کے پاس آئے اور ان سے (وقت کے گورنر) حجاج بن یوسف کے ظلم و ستم کی شکایت کی۔ انہوں نے فرمایا: “صبر کرو! کیونکہ تم پر کوئی ایسا زمانہ نہیں آئے گا مگر اس کے بعد آنے والا دور اس سے زیادہ شر (برائی) والا ہوگا، یہاں تک کہ تم اپنے رب سے جا ملو۔ میں نے یہ تمہارے نبی ﷺ سے سنا ہے۔” (حوالہ: صحیح بخاری: 7068، جامع ترمذی: 2206)

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Detailed Commentary & Analysis (EEAT Perspective)

1. Historical Context: Who was Hajjaj bin Yusuf?

Hajjaj bin Yusuf was the Umayyad governor known for his iron-fisted rule. While he was a capable administrator, his era was marked by significant bloodshed and oppression of many pious individuals. The companions’ response to his tyranny was not rebellion that leads to chaos, but patience (Sabr) and rectification of the self.

2. Does “Every Age is Worse” Mean No Good Exists?

Scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani in Fath al-Bari explain that “Evil” (Shar) mentioned in the hadith refers to:

• Decrease in Religious Knowledge: The loss of scholars (Ulema) and the rise of ignorance.
• Widespread Fitna: Trials of the heart, wealth, and power.
• General Rule vs. Exceptions: While the overall trend of the world is toward decline as the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah) nears, there can be specific eras or locations where “Khayr” (Goodness) prevails (e.g., the era of Umar bin Abdul Aziz).

3. The Spiritual Solution: Why Sabr?

The Prophet ﷺ taught Sabr not as a sign of weakness, but as a strategic spiritual preservation. By focusing on personal worship and avoiding civil strife (Fitna), a believer protects their Iman in turbulent times.

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Key Takeaways for Modern Times

• Avoid Hopelessness: Knowing that the decline is a prophecy helps a believer remain mentally prepared.
• Focus on Self-Correction: When external leadership is oppressive, focus on internal spiritual governance.
• Trust in the Meeting with Allah: The phrase “until you meet your Lord” reminds us that this world is temporary and justice is ultimate.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does this hadith mean we should not try to improve our situation? Ans: No. Islam commands us to enjoin good and forbid evil. However, this hadith warns against losing hope when society as a whole seems to be declining, and it prohibits causing mass destruction in the name of reform.

Q2: Is this a sign of the Day of Judgment? Ans: Yes, the continuous decline of moral and religious values is one of the “Minor Signs” of Qiyamah as predicted by the Prophet ﷺ.

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