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 a walking one, and the walking one will be better than a 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."
Hadith Text and Context
The noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 7082 describes the severe trials (fitan) preceding the Day of Judgment. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) employs a powerful descending analogy - sitting being superior to standing, standing to walking, and walking to running - illustrating the escalating danger where increased involvement leads to greater spiritual harm.
Scholarly Commentary on Degrees of Safety
Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain that "sitting" represents complete withdrawal and avoidance of the tribulation. "Standing" indicates observing without participation, while "walking" denotes mild involvement. "Running" symbolizes eager participation in the fitnah. Each level represents progressively greater exposure to spiritual danger.
Imam al-Nawawi clarifies that this hierarchy applies specifically to civil strife (fitan) where right and wrong are ambiguous. In clear matters of truth versus falsehood, the obligation to support truth remains, as established in other authentic narrations.
The Danger of Exposure
The phrase "whoever will expose himself to these afflictions, they will destroy him" warns against unnecessary engagement with fitan. Scholars interpret "destruction" as both spiritual corruption of one's faith and potential physical harm. The destruction encompasses deviation from the straight path and loss of proper understanding.
The Command to Seek Refuge
The final instruction to "take shelter" has been interpreted by traditional scholars in multiple dimensions: physically distancing from centers of strife, spiritually protecting one's faith through increased worship and remembrance of Allah, and intellectually avoiding debates and arguments that characterize periods of tribulation.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali emphasizes that the best refuge is adherence to the Jama'ah (main body of Muslims) and the Sunnah, while avoiding innovation and sectarianism that typically emerge during such tumultuous times.
Contemporary Application
This prophetic guidance remains profoundly relevant. During times of civil discord, ideological conflicts, and religious confusion, the wise Muslim exercises caution, prioritizes spiritual protection, and avoids unnecessary involvement in matters that may compromise their faith or well-being.