He also reported God’s messenger as saying, “Islam began as a small religion and will return to the state in which it began. Then blessed will be the few [who hold to it]' Muslim transmitted it.
The Nature of Islam's Origin and Return
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim, recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 159, reveals profound wisdom about the cyclical nature of Islam's manifestation in the world. The Prophet (peace be upon him) draws a powerful analogy between Islam's beginning and its eventual state.
The Meaning of "Small Religion"
"Islam began as a small religion" refers to its initial manifestation in Mecca when believers were few, facing persecution and isolation. The early Muslims maintained pure faith despite overwhelming opposition, embodying true devotion without worldly power or numbers.
This smallness denotes qualitative excellence rather than quantitative weakness - a community purified through trial, whose faith was tested and refined like gold in fire.
The Return to Original State
"Will return to the state in which it began" indicates that in later times, true Islam will again become rare and its adherents will resemble the early Muslims in their isolation and testing. This return manifests when external forms dominate over inner reality, and nominal adherence replaces sincere practice.
Scholars interpret this as both a warning about religious decline and consolation for the faithful who remain steadfast during times of widespread corruption.
Blessedness of the Few
"Then blessed will be the few" contains profound wisdom: these remaining believers receive multiple blessings - the blessing of following the sunnah in times of innovation, the blessing of patience in trial, and the blessing of resembling the righteous predecessors.
Their blessedness lies not in numbers but in divine acceptance and spiritual reward, much like the early Muslims who laid Islam's foundations through sacrifice and sincerity.
Practical Implications
This hadith teaches believers to value quality over quantity in religious matters, to prepare for potential isolation in upholding truth, and to find comfort in following the path of the salaf even if it means standing alone.
It reminds us that Islam's essence lies not in worldly power or majority status but in sincere submission to Allah - a truth equally valid whether one is among many or among few.