A Century of Unfulfilled Hopes of the Ummah

Before our eyes, the shadows of this Ummah are gradually disappearing. Over the past hundred years, the list of our losses and disappointments has become very long.
If we speak of achievements, we can only mention a few small efforts. Those who led these efforts and gave us hope are also gradually departing from this world one by one.

Leadership Crisis After the Fall of the Caliphate

The beginning of this crisis started with the fall of the Caliphate. After that, various states attempted to establish Islamic governance and emirates. Many revolutions were launched, but most of them ultimately failed.
In our lifetime, only two revolutions seem to have endured until today. Among them, the longest surviving one has been the Iranian Revolution. Yet even that now appears to be under threat of collapse.

Lessons from the Failed Revolutions of the Muslim World

We have witnessed the helplessness of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. We have seen the struggles of Tunisia’s Ennahda. We have seen the fight for survival of our brothers in the olive lands of Palestine. We witnessed the fall of Iraq.
And today we see the combined pressure of global powers against Iran, one of the few relatively organized Muslim states.
In this subcontinent, we have seen the struggle of Jamaat-e-Islami. We hear the cries of Kashmir. We witness the tears of the Uyghurs and the wounds of Arakan.
If we begin describing all these tragedies, it seems the list would never end.
Has this Ummah ever passed through such helplessness before?
Meanwhile, the figures who once gave leadership to the Ummah are also leaving us one after another. And now it seems that even Khomeini has been martyred.
Could it be that this growing leadership vacuum is actually a sign of a greater leadership yet to come? A leader under whose guidance the world may once again come under the shade of Islam?

The Hadith of Khorasan and Imam Mahdi: How Much Matches Reality?

Do you know why such thoughts come to my mind?
One of the significant signs mentioned in hadith is the emergence from Khorasan.
Abdullah ibn Harith (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“People will emerge from the East (Khorasan) who will support the establishment of the Caliphate of Imam Mahdi and help establish it.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 3, Hadith 4088)
Other signs are also mentioned:
the drying up of the Euphrates River,
the followers of Dajjal gaining their own state,
and the complete disappearance of the Caliphate from the earth.
There are many such signs that seem strikingly relevant today.
Never since the time of the Prophet ﷺ have Muslims experienced such a state of weakness and crisis. It makes one feel that perhaps a great Mujaddid (reviver) may soon appear.
After all, a Mujaddid comes at the beginning of every century.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Indeed Allah will raise for this Ummah at the beginning of every century someone who will renew its religion for it.”
(Sunan Abu Dawud 5/100)
Someone who will revive the lost spirit of Islam and renew what has faded.

Nationalism vs. the Unity of the Ummah

Dear brothers and sisters, if we want to free this Ummah from the chains of nationalism, a great transformation is necessary.
Yesterday, when Syria faced its crisis, hardly anyone came forward.
Our brothers in the olive lands did not receive sufficient support.
Today, even Iran seems to be standing alone.
If this continues, how can we hope that anyone else will receive support tomorrow?

Is the Arrival of Imam Mahdi Near?

Now perhaps all that remains is waiting.
Does this Ummah truly have no leader who can unite Muslims across the world?
Is it impossible without Imam Mahdi?
Has the time of his arrival drawn near?
Looking at the condition of Muslims across the world, it certainly feels that way.
The Hindus say they are living in the age of Kali Yuga.
Those hostile to the people of the olive land claim that it is their “Great Aliyah” era.
Christians say the time of the return of Jesus Christ is near.
And we too say:
The century of Islam’s victory will come.
By the will of Allah, Imam Mahdi will appear.
O Allah, help us.
And even if Imam Mahdi does not appear in our time, then grant us such a leader under whose leadership the Ummah will unite once again.
Sayedul Islam Sajib
02 March 2025