Hadith: The Muslim Ummah Is Like Foam, Yet They Love the World and Fear Death

Jakarta — Although Muslims in the end times are very numerous, they are depicted by the Prophet Muhammad SAW as foam on a pool’s surface: many in number, yet lacking strength and authority. In a hadith narrated by Imam Abu Dawud, the Prophet Muhammad SAW explained that this condition arises when the community is afflicted by al-wahn, namely the disease of loving the world and fearing death, causing other nations to easily seize upon and weaken the Muslims.

From Thauban he said, “The Messenger of Allah SAW said, ‘Almost the nations will attack you and sweep over you like people eating from a dish.’”

A man asked, “Are we then few in number?”

The Messenger of Allah SAW replied, “No, your numbers will be very great, but you will be like foam on the surface of the water. Allah will take away from you your fear, and He will instil into your hearts al-wahn.”

A man then said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is al-wahn?”

The Prophet Muhammad SAW replied, “Love of this world and fear of death.” (Hadith, Imam Abu Dawud)

This Hadith serves as a warning to Muslims not to fall into moral and spiritual weakness that would undermine their prestige before other nations, especially if those nations oppress and wrong Muslims.

The Prophet SAW stressed that the source of the community’s fragility is not their numbers, but the hearts filled with al-wahn, namely love of the world and fear of death. Therefore, the revival of the community can only be achieved by strengthening faith, improving the quality of oneself, and returning one’s orientation in life solely to seeking the pleasure of Allah SWT, not merely pursuing worldly pleasures.

In this Hadith, it also seems as if Muslims are being instructed to safeguard unity and solidarity. Thus, not only should they be numerous, but also strong and solid in facing oppression and upholding goodness and truth as taught by Islam.