How long will Islam last?

In a Nutshell: Islam, a religion of divine guidance, transcends earthly limitations. While the Day of Judgement has a designated time unknown to us, Quran and Hadith emphasize Islam's enduring presence until then. Introduction Throughout history, countless religions, ideologies and philosophies have risen and fallen, their flames of influence flickering and fading with the passage of time. Yet, for over fourteen centuries, the message of Islam has endured, captivating the hearts and minds of individuals across continents and civilizations. This raises the how long will this faith of submission to the One God, Allah (swt), persist in our world? While humankind remains ignorant of the precise timing of the Day of Judgement, Islam's sacred texts - the Quran and the teachings of the The Prophet (pbuh) - offer insights into the enduring nature of this divine religion. Evidences Quranic Verses It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it. (Quran 9:33) Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder and indeed, We will be its guardian. (Quran 15:9) And say, 'Truth has come and falsehood has perished. Indeed, falsehood is bound to perish.' (Quran 17:81) They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it. (Quran 61:8) Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) The Prophet (pbuh) said, Islam initiated as something strange and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange. So, good tidings for the strangers. (Sahih Muslim) The Prophet (pbuh) said, This matter (Islam) will continue to be victorious until twelve caliphs have passed. (Sahih al-Bukhari) The Prophet (pbuh) said, There will never cease to be a group from my Ummah (nation) victorious upon the truth, not being harmed by those who forsake them or oppose them, until the command of Allah (swt) comes to pass while they are like that. (Sahih Muslim) How Long Will Islam Last? While the precise duration of Islam's presence on this earth is known only to Allah (swt), the Quranic verses and prophetic traditions presented above offer a robust framework for understanding its enduring nature. Allah (swt) declares His intent to establish the truth of Islam over all other beliefs and ideologies, promising divine protection and preservation of the faith. These verses emphasize the unwavering nature of Islam amidst a world in flux, destined by divine decree to overcome falsehood and oppression. The Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) offer further insight. The reference to Islam's initial and eventual strangeness implies periods of both strength and vulnerability. This suggests a dynamic trajectory rather than a linear decline. Moreover, the Hadith concerning the twelve caliphs and the unceasing presence of a victorious group within the Muslim community reinforce the unwavering nature of Islam's core message. These traditions point towards the continuation of Islam as a guiding, transformative force, even when dominant Muslim empires and political structures might wane. Opinions of the Companions (ra) Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (ra), the first caliph, said, Islam will rise and will not decrease, until Allah establishes His religion by it. Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra), the second caliph, said, We were the most humiliated people on Earth and Allah gave us honor through Islam. If we seek honor from anything besides that by which Allah honored us, Allah will humiliate us again. Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra), the fourth caliph, said, Islam is a religion which Allah has chosen for Himself and has perfected and completed. Do you want me to include scholar opinions or should we move on to the next section? Traditional Scholarly Opinions Ibn Taymiyyah (1263-1328): This prominent scholar emphasized Islam's inherent strength and its ability to renew itself, ensuring resilience amidst evolving challenges. Ibn al-Qayyim (1292-1350): He highlighted the cyclical nature of religious devotion, with periods of revival and decline. However, he maintained that the truth of Islam would always prevail. Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703-1792): Focused on the purification of Islamic practice, he believed that a return to the fundamentals of the faith would ensure its continued strength. Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905): A modernist reformer, he called for the reinterpretation of Islam in light of changing times, arguing that this adaptability was crucial for its continued relevance. Abu A'la Maududi (1903-1979): He advocated for the establishment of an Islamic state as the means to preserve and propagate the faith. He believed that a just and equitable social order based on Islamic principles would bolster its enduring power. 5 Misconceptions about Islam's Lifespan Islam will die out with the rise of secularism: This ignores the deep roots of Islamic faith within its adherents and its adaptability to various social and political contexts. Conflict and extremism signal Islam's demise: Violence and distorted interpretations of Islam do not represent the core values of mercy, justice and peace emphasized by the religion. Muslims are a minority and will fade away: Islam's global reach and continued growth in many parts of the world demonstrate its enduring appeal. Islam is incompatible with modern life: Islamic scholars continue to engage in reinterpreting principles to address contemporary challenges, demonstrating its dynamic nature. The Day of Judgement is imminent and Islam will soon end: While the timing of the Last Day is unknown, the Quran and Hadith emphasize the continuation of Islam until that time.