—in comparison with those who preceded us—see a great many differences. We have witnessed a vast disparity between bygone years and the present day.

A reliable person once told me that this very mosque—the central Friday mosque—would not even call the adhān for Fajr until the first row was already complete. People used to come early, spending part of the night in voluntary prayer. Where are the night worshippers today, save a few whom Allah wills? They are but few! Times have changed. You would find each of them, as the Prophet ﷺ said, “like a bird: it sets out in the morning hungry and returns in the evening with a full belly.” At dawn he would say, Allāhumma urzuqnī (O Allah, provide for me); his heart was attached to Allah, and Allah provided for him. Nowadays, however, most people are heedless of this; they rely on others beside Allah, and whoever clings to something will be left to it.

Yet in recent years—praise be to Allah—there is no doubt that Allah has granted the youth a remarkable opening. I ask Allah Most High to increase them out of His bounty. He opened the door for them, and they have turned back to Him; the difference between these last few years and the earlier years as far as the youth are concerned is enormous. Some twenty years ago you could scarcely find young people in the mosque, whereas now—praise be to Allah—the majority of those present are young. This is a blessing, all praise to Allah, and one hopes it heralds a radiant future. Be certain that when the populace reforms, their rulers will—of necessity—reform as well, whatever their condition may be. We therefore pray for our brothers in lands other than ours—upon whom Allah has bestowed righteousness