“He cited as evidence the words of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): ‘Religion is sincere counsel. Religion is sincere counsel. Religion is sincere counsel.’

They asked, ‘To whom, O Messenger of Allah?’

He replied, ‘To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims, and their common people.’”

He said:

“Know that this tribulation has now become widespread and all-encompassing, spreading throughout the lands. Scarcely anyone escapes its swirling dust except those whom Allah protects. This bears out the words of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace):

‘Islam began as something strange and will return to being strange just as it began, so blessed are the strangers.’

He said: I then reflected on this matter and found that the chief cause