In a recent talk, Bilal Assad delves into the idea of a global reset drawing from recent events facing the Ummah. Every century, Allah sends this ummah a reformer—a person, movement, or event to recalibrate the balance of the world. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) told us that at the beginning of every hundred years, a new opportunity for reformation and enlightenment would emerge.

وَعَنْهُ فِيمَا أَعْلَمُ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَبْعَثُ لِهَذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ عَلَى رَأْسِ كُلِّ مِائَةٍ سَنَةٍ مَنْ يُجَدِّدُ لَهَا دِينَهَا» . رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُد

He also reported among the material he knew to come from God’s messenger that he said, “At the beginning of every century God will send one who will renew its religion for this people.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.

Mishkat al-Masabih 247

Today, as we witness global atrocities and unparalleled suffering, it may feel like the world is hurtling towards chaos. Yet, as Bilal Assad explains, these moments of hardship could signify a recalibration—a divine process of sifting through the unjust to pave the way for something better.

A Century of Awareness and Change

There are ongoing atrocities and oppression everywhere, and this is happening worldwide – with a particular focus on Palestine. We should notice that the global response to these atrocities is markedly different from what we’ve seen in recent decades. For example, a recent survey by CNN highlighted an unprecedented generational shift in perspectives. Among Americans aged 18-34, 73% opposed Israel’s attacks on Gaza, compared to the overwhelming support for these actions among older generations.

What does this signify?

1. Heightened Awareness: There is an unprecedented level of awareness about global injustices, particularly in the past 75 to 100 years. This awareness is crucial in understanding and addressing the ongoing occupation of Palestine and other global issues.
2. Transparency via Social Media: Social media has revolutionised the way information is shared, providing a level of transparency that has never been seen before. This transparency helps expose injustices and mobilise global support for various causes.
3. Generational Shift: The younger generation is more open to alternative perspectives and guided by moral values that challenge the established narratives of the past. This shift is evident in their differing views on issues like the conflict in Gaza compared to older generations.
4. A New Era of Morality: There is a resurgence of human values and morality, suggesting a potential shift towards a more ethical and just global society. This new morality is paving the way for a new civilisation and culture, characterised by greater justice and harmony.

Signs of the Last Hour

As believers, we are reminded that the trials we face today are part of a larger divine plan. The Prophet (ﷺ) described the signs of the Last Hour as beads on a string. Once the string is cut, the beads fall one after the other. Each event builds upon the previous one, creating a sequence of signs that ultimately lead to the Day of Judgment.

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِذَا اتُّخِذَ الْفَيْءُ دِوَلًا وَالْأَمَانَةُ مَغْنَمًا وَالزَّكَاةُ مَغْرَمًا وَتُعُلِّمَ لِغَيْرِ الدِّينِ وَأَطَاعَ الرَّجُلُ امْرَأَتَهُ وَعَقَّ أُمَّهُ وَأَدْنَى صَدِيقَهُ وَأَقْصَى أَبَاهُ وَظَهَرَتِ الْأَصْوَاتُ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ وَسَادَ الْقَبِيلَةَ فَاسِقُهُمْ وَكَانَ زَعِيمُ الْقَوْمِ أَرْذَلَهُمْ وَأُكْرِمَ الرَّجُلُ مَخَافَةَ شَرِّهِ وَظَهَرَتِ الْقَيْنَاتُ وَالْمَعَازِفُ وشُربتِ الخمورُ وَلَعَنَ آخِرُ هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةِ أَوَّلَهَا فَارْتَقِبُوا عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ رِيحًا حَمْرَاءَ وَزَلْزَلَةً وَخَسْفًا وَمَسْخًا وَقَذْفًا وَآيَاتٍ تَتَابَعُ كَنِظَامٍ قُطِعَ سِلْكُهُ فَتَتَابَعَ» . رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِيّ

Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “When the booty is taken in turn,* property given in trust is treated as spoil, zakat is looked on as a fine, learning is acquired for other than a religious purpose, a man obeys his wife and is unfilial towards his mother, brings his friend near and drives his father far off, voices are raised in the mosques, the most wicked member of a tribe becomes its ruler, the most worthless member of a people becomes its leader, a man is honoured through fear of the evil he may do, singing-girls and stringed instruments make their appearance, wines are drunk, and the last members of this people curse the first ones, look at that time for a violent wind, an earthquake, being swallowed Up by the earth, metamorphosis, pelting rain, and signs following one another like bits of a necklace falling one after the other when its string is cut.” *Cf. Quran, 59: 7
Tirmidhi transmitted it.

Mishkat al-Masabih 5450

While each moment may feel like “the end,” it is merely a step in a larger process. As Bilal Assad noted, these trials—whether in Palestine or elsewhere—are stepping stones towards something inevitable. Whether the occupation persists or greater tragedies unfold, Allah’s justice is assured. History is full of examples where great empires, steeped in arrogance, fell and were replaced. Pharaoh once declared himself a god among men, yet Allah’s justice overtook him.

Faith Amid Tribulations

We are living in a time of immense fitnah—trials that test our faith, morals, and values. These moments sift through humanity, revealing the strength of our beliefs and character. But these tests also serve a purpose. They remind us to hold firm to our faith, to rise above despair, and to continue striving for justice.

As Allah says in the Qur’an:

إِن يَمْسَسْكُمْ قَرْحٌۭ فَقَدْ مَسَّ ٱلْقَوْمَ قَرْحٌۭ مِّثْلُهُۥ ۚ وَتِلْكَ ٱلْأَيَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَيْنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَيَتَّخِذَ مِنكُمْ شُهَدَآءَ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ١٤٠

If you have suffered injuries ˹at Uḥud˺, they suffered similarly ˹at Badr˺. We alternate these days ˹of victory and defeat˺ among people so that Allah may reveal the ˹true˺ believers, choose martyrs from among you—and Allah does not like the wrongdoers—

Ali ‘Imran 3:140

A Message of Hope

While the suffering we witness today is heartbreaking, it also signals the possibility of renewal. The world is undergoing a significant shift, with new pathways opening up amidst the turmoil. A new civilisation, culture, and morality are emerging. These shifts do not negate the pain but remind us that no tyranny lasts forever. Allah’s plan is unfolding, and the oppression we see today will not go unanswered.

As we navigate these uncertain times, let us take solace in the divine wisdom guiding this world. Let us be active participants in this renewal—spreading awareness, standing for justice, and strengthening our connection to Allah. This is not the end but a stepping stone towards something greater inshaAllah.