By: Samihah Bin Omar — Secretary-General of the Al-Ruwad Specialist Network and Chairwoman of the Muslim Woman Platform
We journey East and West, speak in abundance, and indulge in analysis: the economist discusses crises, the politician comments on reality, and the media professional interprets the scene. Yet all agree on one common concern and pressing question:
"O my Ummah, how will you rise again?"
In the light of Prophetic guidance, let us pause at a hadith that shines brightly for those seeking to join a noble caravan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as he walked with Mu'adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) near Mount Jumdan, said:
"O Mu'adh! Where are the forerunners?"
Mu'adh replied, "They have gone ahead, and some people were left behind."
The Prophet then said:
"Indeed, the forerunners are those who are consumed with the remembrance of Allah. Whoever wishes to stroll in the gardens of Paradise, let him engage frequently in the remembrance of Allah."
In another narration:
"Proceed, for this is Jumdan. The Mufarridun have gone ahead."
The companions asked:
"Who are the Mufarridun, O Messenger of Allah?"
He replied:
"They are those — men and women — who remember Allah frequently."
[Muslim 2676]
Who are the Mufarridun?
They are those who detached themselves from the distractions of the worldly life. They stood out not because of wealth or fame, but through their abundant remembrance of Allah. They singled out their Lord with constant dhikr (remembrance), abandoning mention of all else. Thus, they became distinguished — departing from worldly people to join the caravan of the forerunners, treading a path paved with remembrance and devotion.
A Thought to Reflect On
Imagine yourself at the rear of the caravan, struggling to catch up to the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him), and he leaves you with this concise yet profound advice:
"The Mufarridun have gone ahead — those whose hearts are consumed with the remembrance of Allah."
You are not asked to sacrifice your blood, your wealth, or even your time — only to increase your remembrance of Allah. For if your heart becomes devoted to Him, everything else becomes insignificant.
Make this your goal:
To be among those whose hearts are filled with the remembrance of Allah.
For these are the companions of the Prophet, the people of Paradise, the dwellers of eternal bliss. They learned about their Creator, loved Him, revered Him, and thus became from the Mufarridun.
When Dhikr (Remembrance) Disappears from the Ummah
Today, knowledge about Allah has decreased within the Ummah, and so has His remembrance. People clung to material causes and forgot the One who causes all things. As a result, the means failed them — no food, no drink, no medicine — and no helper remains but Allah.
Our means of victory have also diminished — for there is no true victor but Allah.
The Prophet and Insight: A Scene from Jumdan
Notice how the Prophet (peace be upon him), while passing by Mount Jumdan — a solitary mountain in the desert — sees through it a scene of the Hereafter:
“The Mufarridun have gone ahead.”
It is vision here, and insight beyond.
Allah praised him and the other Prophets with this verse:
{Indeed, We chose them for a distinct quality: remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter].}
(Surah Sad 38:46 – Sahih International)
Ibn Kathir commented:
"Remembrance of the Hereafter and working for it is among the greatest blessings Allah grants to His chosen ones."
Our Ummah and the Love of the Immediate
The Ummah today has contradicted the way of its Prophet. Allah says:
{No! But you love the immediate (worldly life) * And leave the Hereafter.}
(Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:20-21 – Sahih International)
And the clear prophetic warning came:
"The nations will soon call one another against you, just as people invite others to share in a dish."
They asked, "Will we be few in number that day?"
He replied,
"No, but you will be like the foam of the sea. Weakness will enter your hearts, and fear will be removed from the hearts of your enemies, because of your love for the worldly life and your hatred of death."
[Abu Dawud 4297]
When the Ummah Becomes Preoccupied with Dunya
Allah reproached His servants, saying:
{Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you * Until you visit the graveyards.}
(Surah At-Takathur 102:1-2 – Sahih International)
You became distracted from Allah by boasting and competing in wealth, children, careers, and status — a life of heedlessness until you arrived at your graves. Then, the veil was lifted, but it was too late.
Scholars said:
"The Barzakh (the stage after death and before the Day of Judgment) is a place of passage, not permanence."
Thus, Allah called you "visitors" — not residents.
Conclusion: The Root of All Calamity
The love of this world is the root of all calamities.
It is the cause of weakness, humiliation, and settling for inferiority.
But whoever’s heart is consumed with the remembrance of Allah rises above all of that and joins the Prophet’s caravan — becoming one of the Mufarridun.
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