destroy it. It does not even have enough power to determine its own course. Instead, it goes wherever
the water carries it.
This is our condition, as the Prophet described it. We must, however, return to the question of
why. The Prophet gives a clear answer for this question. He explains that the hearts will be
filled with wahn. When asked about this word’s meaning, the Prophet responded with a few
words that hold a truth deep in meaning. He said it was “love of this dunya (world) and hatred of
death.” The Prophet here is describing a people who have become so completely engrossed in
this life that it has made them selfish, materialistic, short-sighted, and heedless of their meeting with
Allah. He is describing a people who have become so worldly that they have lost their moral
character.
It is within the realm of this moral character that the condition of any people will change—either from
good to bad or from bad to good. Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) tells us, “Indeed, Allah
will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an, 13:11) It
is, therefore, because of their character that the condition of a people can change from a world
superpower to the froth on the ocean. And it is only by changing the hearts and character that what
was once only froth on the ocean can once again become strong.
Hence, we as Muslims should never lose hope. The nasr (help and victory) for His deen is promised.
The question is whether you and I will be part of it. Allah (swt) reminds us of this in the Qur’an when
He says: “So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.”
(Quran, 3:139)
It is only by our sincere faith and our striving, that Allah (swt) will ever change our condition. So for
the sake of those bleeding in Syria and Palestine and all over the world today, we, as an ummah, need
to wake up and return to Allah.