No nation, institution, or society collapses unless it first suffers from internal weaknesses. These weaknesses often arise from a failure to adhere to principles, internal divisions, corruption, or the erosion of core values that once formed the foundation of the entity.
The history of Muslims, like any other people, reflects human nature, including contradictions and complexities. Shady deals and subversive actions by malicious actors have often left their mark on this history. These actions deviate from the practical and flexible solutions Islam offers for peace and stability across all aspects of life: social, political, and economic.
Internal Weaknesses Preceding External Threats
Historically, many adversities faced by Muslim states, institutions, and societies were the direct result of schemes by external enemies. However, these plots would not have succeeded without the disloyalty of insiders—individuals driven by personal greed, ambition for status, or a desire to preserve family interests. As the saying goes, "Fortresses and strongholds only fall from within."
During the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, such individuals posed a significant threat to the Muslim community. Sometimes, they would amplify the perceived strength of external enemies, spreading fear and cowardice among the people. At other times, they conspired from within, aiding those who sought to harm the Muslims. Occasionally, they pretended to be part of the Muslim community while working to demoralize and divide the believers.
Deception in the Qur'an
Allah refers to these deceptions in the Qur'an, warning the believers against such traitors:
1. Spreading Fear of the Enemy by Inflating Their Threat
ٱلَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا۟ لَكُمْ فَٱخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَـٰنًۭا وَقَالُوا۟ حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ
"Those to whom the people said, 'Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But it [only] increased them in faith, and they said, 'Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.'" [Surah Aal-Imran, 3:173]
2. Plotting to Undermine Unity and Fragment the Muslim Community
وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مَسْجِدًۭا ضِرَارًۭا وَكُفْرًۭا وَتَفْرِيقًۢا بَيْنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَإِرْصَادًۭا لِّمَنْ حَارَبَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ ۚ وَلَيَحْلِفُنَّ إِنْ أَرَدْنَآ إِلَّا ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَشْهَدُ إِنَّهُمْ لَكَـٰذِبُونَ
"And [there are] those who took for themselves a mosque for causing harm and disbelief and division among the believers, and as a station for whoever had warred against Allah and His Messenger before. And they will surely swear, 'We intended only the best,' but Allah testifies that indeed they are liars." [Surah At-Tawbah, 9:107]
3. Pretending to Fight for Islam While Undermining It
وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ نَافَقُوا۟ ۚ وَقِيلَ لَهُمْ تَعَالَوْا۟ قَـٰتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَوِ ٱدْفَعُوا۟ ۖ قَالُوا۟ لَوْ نَعْلَمُ قِتَالًۭا لَّٱتَّبَعْنَـٰكُمْ ۗ هُمْ لِلْكُفْرِ يَوْمَئِذٍ أَقْرَبُ مِنْهُمْ لِلْإِيمَـٰنِ ۚ يَقُولُونَ بِأَفْوَٰهِهِم مَّا لَيْسَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَكْتُمُونَ
"And so that He may make evident those who are hypocrites. For it was said to them, 'Come, fight in the way of Allah or [at least] defend.' They said, 'If we had known there would be fighting, we would have followed you.' They were nearer to disbelief that day than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is most knowing of what they conceal." [Surah Aal-Imran, 3:167]
The Danger of Internal Traitors
These internal traitors have always been a crucial factor in the downfall of Muslim societies. Islamic scholars have emphasized the need to recognize and counter such individuals. Throughout history, external enemies have frequently exploited these insiders under various pretexts and disguises, causing significant harm to the Muslim Ummah.
Allah, the Almighty, issues a stern warning about such people:
۞ وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَهُمْ تُعْجِبُكَ أَجْسَامُهُمْ ۖ وَإِن يَقُولُوا۟ تَسْمَعْ لِقَوْلِهِمْ ۖ كَأَنَّهُمْ خُشُبٌۭ مُّسَنَّدَةٌۭ ۖ يَحْسَبُونَ كُلَّ صَيْحَةٍ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ هُمُ ٱلْعَدُوُّ فَٱحْذَرْهُمْ ۚ قَـٰتَلَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۖ أَنَّىٰ يُؤْفَكُونَ
"And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. They are as if they were pieces of wood propped up—they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?" [Surah Al-Munafiqun, 63:4]
The Importance of Internal Unity
This serves as a clear reminder of the importance of internal unity and strength within the Muslim Ummah for preserving peace, stability, and success. External threats, no matter how severe, are often less destructive than internal weaknesses. Thus, this is a call for continuous self-reflection, reinforcing core values, and maintaining cohesion within the community to prevent a downfall that often begins long before it becomes visible to the outside world.
Conclusion
Only by fortifying our internal foundation and upholding the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah—according to the understanding of the Salaf—can we ensure that no external enemy, regardless of their strength, can lead to our collapse. The wisdom of Islam urges the Muslim community to remain vigilant, unified, and steadfast, ensuring that the fortress of faith remains strong from within.
And Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in this regard, "Indeed, the believer to another believer is like a building, each part strengthening the other." The Prophet ﷺ then interlaced his fingers (to demonstrate this). [Bukhari and Muslim]
And also the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "The wolf only eats the sheep that strays away from the flock." [Sunan Al-Kubra]
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