Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "There will be afflictions (in the near future) during which a sitting person will be better than a standing one, and the standing one will be better than the walking one, and the walking one will be better than the running one, and whoever will expose himself to these afflictions, they will destroy him. So whoever can find a place of protection or refuge from them, should take shelter in it."
The Nature of Approaching Tribulations
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (7081) describes the escalating severity of future trials where increasing levels of engagement bring greater danger. The Prophet ﷺ employs a powerful gradation: sitting is safer than standing, standing safer than walking, and walking safer than running - illustrating that as one becomes more actively involved in these fitan, their exposure to harm increases exponentially.
Scholarly Interpretation of the Hierarchy
Classical scholars explain that "sitting" refers to complete disengagement and remaining at home, "standing" indicates slight involvement, "walking" signifies active participation, while "running" represents enthusiastic pursuit of these tribulations. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this hierarchy demonstrates the principle of gradual exposure to danger.
Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that the hadith establishes a fundamental Islamic principle: when civil strife emerges, the believer's duty is to avoid entanglement and seek protection rather than engage in dubious conflicts where truth and falsehood are intermixed.
The Imperative of Seeking Refuge
The final portion contains a decisive command: "whoever will expose himself to these afflictions, they will destroy him." Scholars unanimously agree this constitutes a stern warning against voluntary involvement in fitan. The destruction mentioned encompasses both spiritual corruption and physical harm.
Imam An-Nawawi explains in his commentary that "taking shelter" includes both physical refuge in safe locations and spiritual protection through increased devotion, avoiding doubtful matters, and adhering strictly to authentic Islamic teachings during times of confusion.
Contemporary Application
Modern scholars draw parallels between this prophecy and contemporary scenarios including sectarian conflicts, ideological battles, and media-driven controversies where Muslims are encouraged to exercise caution rather than impulsive engagement.
The timeless wisdom of this teaching from "Afflictions and the End of the World" in Sahih al-Bukhari reminds believers that preservation of faith and life during times of trial is itself an act of worship and wisdom.