in his heart even the weight of a mustard seed of faith” (1).

This is precisely the reality among Muslims in this age. They say of a man, “How intelligent he is! How excellent his character is!” They describe him in the most glowing terms, even though he is among the most wicked of people and among those most lacking in religious commitment and trustworthiness. He may even be an enemy of the Muslims, working to demolish Islam. There is no might or power except with Allah, the Most High, the Magnificent.

34 — Greeting Only Those One Knows:

One of its signs is that a man will greet only those whom he knows. Ibn Masʿūd reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “One of the signs of the Hour is that a man will greet another man solely because he knows him.”

Recorded by Ahmad (2).

In another narration recorded by him: “Before the Hour, greetings will be restricted to select people” (3).

This is plainly evident in the present age, for many people greet only those whom they know. This is contrary to the sunnah, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged the spreading of