Revival of Religion — Page 4
4 A Background to the Prophesies The prevailing decline of the Muslims and their internecine strife are matters of which the Holy Prophet Muhammad was not uninformed. Through divine revelation, he prophesied fourteen hundred years ago that Muslims would split into seventy two sects. He de scribed the pitiable plight of the Muslims in such detail as if a view of our era had been unfolded before his very eyes. The Prophet's Traditions contain a graphic description of our times. He said, 'Islam will have nothing left of it except its name. Mos ques, though full of worshippers will be devoid of guidance. Their religious scholars will be the worst creation under the canopy of Heaven. ' However, along with these terrible portents, he also gave glorious tidings. He said that in spite of this dire distress, the Islamic nation would not perish: 'How can my followers be destroyed when I am at their beginning and Jesus, Son of Mary, at their end. ' (Masnad Ahmad: Kanzal Aamal Vol. 7, p. 203) Then he said: 'How will you be when Mary's Son will descend among you; and he will be your guide from amongst you?' (Bukhari: Book of Prophets)