By Mallam Mande Faru
Yesterday, the President of Iran lamented that none of the fifty-seven Muslim countries stood firmly beside his nation in its difficult moment. His words were painful, but they reflected a deeper crisis facing the Muslim Ummah today: how did a civilization once known for unity, knowledge, courage and justice become so divided and weak despite its enormous numbers and resources?
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) foretold this condition more than fourteen centuries ago. He said:
“The nations will soon summon one another against you just as people invite others to share their dish.”
The companions asked:
“Will that be because we will be few in number on that day?”
The Prophet replied:
“No. You will be many on that day, but you will be like the foam of the sea. Allah will remove fear of you from the hearts of your enemies and cast weakness into your hearts.”
They asked:
“What is that weakness?”
He said:
“Love of the world and hatred of death.”
(Abu Dawud)
Today, Muslims are more than one and a half billion people spread across the world, possessing vast resources, strategic lands and rich history. Yet the Ummah often appears divided, dependent and unable to act collectively in moments of crisis.
Allah explains the reason clearly in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.”
(Surah ar-Ra‘d 13:11)
The weakness of Muslims is not simply military or political. It is spiritual and moral. When justice disappears, corruption spreads, leaders pursue personal interests, scholars fear speaking the truth, and Muslims become divided against one another, strength naturally departs.
Allah warns:
“Do not dispute, lest you lose courage and your strength departs.”
(Surah al-Anfal 8:46)
The Prophet (SAW) also said:
“The believers, in their mutual love, mercy and compassion, are like one body. If one part suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Sadly, today parts of the Muslim world bleed while others remain silent, fearful or indifferent.
Yet Islam never teaches despair. Allah says:
“Do not lose heart nor fall into despair, for you shall be superior if you are true believers.”
(Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:139)
The early Muslims were respected not merely because of weapons or wealth, but because of faith, justice, sacrifice, discipline and knowledge. Salahuddin united Muslims before liberating Jerusalem. Umar ibn al-Khattab ruled with justice. Umar ibn Abdul Aziz transformed society through righteousness.
The crisis of the Ummah today is therefore a crisis of the soul. Muslims seek victory without sacrifice, unity without forgiveness, and divine help without repentance. Yet Allah says:
“If you support Allah, He will support you and make your feet firm.”
(Surah Muhammad 47:7)
The lament of the Iranian president should therefore become a moment of reflection for the entire Ummah. Why are Muslims weak despite their numbers? Why has division become easier than unity? Why do Muslim nations often fear one another more than they fear their enemies?
These are painful questions, but necessary ones.
The future of the Ummah will not be rebuilt through emotional speeches alone, but through sincere return to Allah, justice, knowledge, unity and moral leadership.
History has shown that decline is not permanent. But renewal only begins when Muslims reform themselves and rebuild their relationship with Allah and with one another.
Only then can the Ummah regain not merely power, but honour.
