The people used to ask Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about the good but I used to ask him about the evil lest I should be overtaken by them. So I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! We were living in ignorance and in an (extremely) worst atmosphere, then Allah brought to us this good (i.e., Islam); will there be any evil after this good?" He said, "Yes." I said, 'Will there be any good after that evil?" He replied, "Yes, but it will be tainted (not pure.)'' I asked, "What will be its taint?" He replied, "(There will be) some people who will guide others not according to my tradition? You will approve of some of their deeds and disapprove of some others." I asked, "Will there be any evil after that good?" He replied, "Yes, (there will be) some people calling at the gates of the (Hell) Fire, and whoever will respond to their call, will be thrown by them into the (Hell) Fire." I said, "O Allah s Apostle! Will you describe them to us?" He said, "They will be from our own people and will speak our language." I said, "What do you order me to do if such a state should take place in my life?" He said, "Stick to the group of Muslims and their Imam (ruler)." I said, "If there is neither a group of Muslims nor an Imam (ruler)?" He said, "Then turn away from all those sects even if you were to bite (eat) the roots of a tree till death overtakes you while you are in that state."
Context and Significance
This profound narration from Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) in Sahih al-Bukhari 7084 reveals the wisdom of inquiring about future tribulations. While most companions asked about good deeds, Hudhayfah sought knowledge of evils to be spiritually prepared.
The hadith outlines the cyclical nature of good and evil throughout Islamic history, serving as a roadmap for believers navigating changing religious and political landscapes until the Final Hour.
The Three Stages of Good and Evil
First Stage: The initial good of pure Islam followed by deviation. Scholars explain this refers to the period after the Prophet's companions when innovations emerged, though some truth remained.
Second Stage: Mixed good containing both sound tradition and deviation. The "taint" represents religious innovations that partially corrupt the pure message while maintaining some authentic practices.
Third Stage: Complete misguidance where callers invite to Hellfire through major innovations and clear deviation from the Prophetic way.
Scholarly Commentary on Key Phrases
"They will be from our own people" - Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains this means they will be outwardly Muslim but inwardly deviant, making their misguidance more dangerous.
"Stick to the group of Muslims and their Imam" - Classical scholars interpret this as adhering to the mainstream Muslim community and legitimate leadership, avoiding sectarian divisions.
"Bite the roots of a tree" - This powerful imagery emphasizes the obligation to remain firm on truth even in extreme isolation and hardship when religious chaos prevails.
Practical Guidance for Believers
This hadith from "Afflictions and the End of the World" in Sahih al-Bukhari provides timeless principles: prioritize learning about trials, recognize the gradual corruption of religious practice, maintain allegiance to orthodox Muslim community, and practice patient perseverance when religious truth becomes scarce.
The ultimate lesson is that salvation lies in clinging to authentic Islamic tradition as understood and practiced by the righteous predecessors, even if one must do so alone.