The Hadith of Mountains & Sheep | Part 01
The search of seclusion at the face of tribulations.
Disclaimer:
I am not an Islamic scholar and my understanding of Islamic concepts is an ongoing learning journey and elementary at best. I am trained in Psychology and Philosophy simply fascinates me. All but excerpts from Quran and Hadith are my own interpretations based on observation and lived experience and not scholarly opinions. If I am ever mistaken in my comprehension of a concept, please correct me.
I want to share a Hadith I read, which led me down a long spiral of contemplation.
Sahih al-Bukhari 19
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:The Prophet (PBUH) said:
A time will soon come when the best property of a Muslim will be sheep which he will take on the top of mountains and the places of rainfall (valleys) so as to flee with his religion from afflictions.
This Hadith prophesies a time when trials and tribulations will become so severe, that Muslims will find no refuge except in seclusion, fleeing to the mountains with their sheep to preserve their faith. It warns of an era where societal corruption, oppression, and threats to Islamic integrity will compel believers to retreat in order to safeguard their Deen. While the specific nature of these tribulations remains speculative, contemporary examples, such as rampant Islamophobia and the current genocide in Gaza, illustrate the increasing challenges faced by Muslims today.
The Significance of Sheep as Wealth
How can sheep be the best form of property for a Muslim? In a time of turmoil, material wealth (money, luxury, and large estates) may lose its value, wherein simpler, self-sustaining wealth, such as livestock, becomes more practical. This Hadith may indicate a shift toward a minimalist, self-sufficient life, where survival and faith take precedence over worldly excess.
We already see echoes of crisis in modern society; food insecurity, inaccessible healthcare, and corporate greed overshadows human well-being today. The mention of mountains and valleys could symbolize areas with natural resources, like water and arable land, essential for sustaining life away from urban chaos.
The Call for Seclusion
Historically, seclusion has played a role in spiritual purification. All Prophets spent time in solitude, often as shepherds, before receiving Divine revelation. Personally, this resonates with me deeply. I long to withdraw from the absolute disorder that is modern, urban life.
But I must ask:
Does this Hadith apply universally, or is it specific to particular circumstances?
My mother, for instance, understands it literally—foreseeing a time when Muslims will be forced to physically withdraw to remote areas for survival. I, on the other hand, interpret this Hadith as symbolic of the desire for solitude. These dichotomous views raised many questions for me, which I wish to explore.
Areas of Reflection
Literal vs. Symbolic
The Quran employs poetic devices such as imagery, symbolism, and metaphors. Similarly, how much of this Hadith is meant to be understood literally, and how much is symbolic?
Relevance in the Modern World
Given global economic and political instability, how does this Hadith apply to our contemporary struggles? Is it already unfolding?
Measuring the Severity of Fitna (trials & tribulations)
Every generation has faced trials. The Spanish Flu, The Great Depression, nuclear war, colonization, so on and so forth. So, how do we assess the gravity of our trials compared to past eras? Where do we stand in the timeline of Fitna?
The Individual vs. The Environment
So, trials have always existed; but could their perceived severity depend on the state of the individual or Ummah (the collective community of Muslims worldwide)? A strong spiritual self may withstand external turmoil better than a weakened one.
A Dual Interpretation
Perhaps the Hadith is both literal and symbolic, its meaning unfolding as society progresses. Some may already feel the need to retreat spiritually, while others may one day face the literal necessity of physical migration.
Literal vs. Symbolic
The interpretation of this Hadith depends on individual perspective and context. Some may see it as a prophecy of a literal retreat to mountains with sheep, while others view it as symbolic of seeking refuge from corruption and trials.
A middle-ground approach considers both material and spiritual dimensions. The Hadith may not strictly mean physical exile but rather a call to detach from corrupt influences, whether through physical relocation or by cultivating a simpler, self-sustaining lifestyle that is beneficial for our Iman.
On the other hand, a literal interpretation suggests that, in extreme times, Muslims would physically withdraw to rural, isolated areas to preserve their faith. This perspective, often shaped by cultural and historical contexts, highlights the potential need for real-world migration away from oppression.
Rather than focusing on whether the Hadith is strictly literal or symbolic, it’s better to emphasize on the preservation of Iman in times of tribulation.
Whether through physical retreat or spiritual resilience, the lesson remains the same:
When worldly distractions and oppression threaten one’s faith, a shift toward simplicity and sincerity is necessary.
Relevance in the Modern World
This Hadith offers a compelling lens through which we can examine today’s world and its trajectory, particularly from an Islamic perspective.
Present-Day Challenges
Social and Political Instability
Widespread corruption, persecution, and moral decay have made it increasingly difficult for many to openly practice Islam (e.g., The Niqab Ban). The Hadith’s warning about seeking refuge from afflictions resonates with the present era, where Islam faces frequent scrutiny.
Materialism and Distracted Faith
Consumerism and societal pressures prioritize wealth and status over spirituality. Many struggle to uphold Islamic principles in environments that promote decadence and indulgence (e.g., Muslims residing in credit-based economies). The Hadith suggests that in such times, distancing oneself—physically or spiritually—becomes necessary to protect one’s faith.
Technological and Ideological Influence
The digital age has introduced new distractions and ideological shifts that challenge Islamic values (e.g., ‘Hustle Culture’ and constant exposure to immodesty). For some, seclusion may not mean a literal retreat to mountains but rather a withdrawal from harmful influences, creating boundaries within modern life to preserve religious integrity (sometimes as simply as by not partaking in what’s trending on TikTok this week).
The World’s Trajectory
Increased Divisions and Conflicts
Rising political and social unrest could lead to greater persecution for Muslims, forcing them to seek refuge elsewhere.
Spiritual Crisis
The continued rise of materialism, consumerism, libertarianism, individualism and so much more, makes holding onto one’s Iman an increasingly isolating experience, requiring personal sacrifice.
Faith and Isolation
Thus, as Islamic practice becomes more difficult in certain environments, some may turn to self-sufficient lifestyles or seek refuge in places where they can worship freely.
In light of modern challenges, this Hadith holds deep significance. Many (including myself) already seek seclusion—whether through physical relocation or by disengaging from corrupt influences.
The message stands:
Material wealth and social status are fleeting, but spiritual survival is paramount.
Where Are We in the Timeline of Tribulations?
Determining our place in the timeline of tribulations is complex, as trials have always existed. But it is likely we are living in the Beginnings of the End (of times). It is true that every generation has faced hardships—wars, plagues, persecution, etc. And each era of tribulation was perceived as severe in its own time. However, the nature of trials evolves, and their intensity may grow as we move closer to the Final Hour prophesied in Islam.
Understanding the Growing Severity of Fitna
Perception vs. Reality
Every generation considered its trials immense, but hindsight often alters perspective. The early Muslims faced severe persecution, yet we now view their resilience as a model of faith.
Scale and Impact
While past trials were localized, today’s tribulations—political oppression, economic instability, ideological warfare—are global and interconnected. The rapid spread of information also amplifies the sense of crisis.
Spiritual Trials Across Time
The essence of Fitna is not just external hardship but internal struggle as well. Temptations, moral confusion, and the difficulty of holding onto faith have always existed, though their manifestations and our responses change over time. The battle to maintain spiritual integrity remains ever present.
The Individual and the Environment:
A Framework for Understanding Fitna and Its Severity
In Psychology, the relationship between the individual and the environment is central to understanding human behaviour, resilience, and perception. The individual represents the internal self—spiritual, psychological, and moral fortitude—while the environment consists of external forces, including societal pressures, political instability, moral decay, and Fitna.
A key observation in Social Psychology is that external challenges may remain constant, but their impact on an individual is largely determined by internal resilience. When a person possesses strong faith, clarity of purpose, and moral grounding, external tribulations, even if difficult, are endured with patience and steadfastness. However, when the self weakens, the same trials appear larger, more insurmountable, and more oppressive in proportion.
This dynamic is critical in understanding Fitna. If the individual (whether a single person or the collective Ummah) is spiritually strong, trials may be navigated with greater endurance. However, as spiritual decline sets in, external tribulations seem amplified. The environment does not necessarily become more hostile in absolute terms, but the individual's capacity to withstand it diminishes.
This perspective reframes the discussion of Fitna. Rather than seeing tribulations as increasing solely in magnitude, they can also be understood as becoming more overwhelming because of the shrinking internal strength of the individual (or Ummah). The trials of past generations—whether war, economic hardship, or persecution—were severe, but those who faced them, may have had a level of resilience (greater than us) that allowed them to endure better.
As societies move away from spiritual and moral anchors, the very same external forces may appear more severe, not because they are objectively greater, but because the internal structure resisting them is weaker.
Layered Understanding of The Hadith
Metaphorical in the Early Stages
In the initial phases of Fitna, Hadiths often serve as metaphorical warnings, urging spiritual preparation, steadfastness, and avoidance of distractions. At this stage, trials manifest subtly—moral decay, internal doubts, and societal pressures—requiring individual resilience rather than physical withdrawal.
Literal Manifestation as Tribulations Intensify
As Fitna worsens, its impact shifts from personal trials to tangible hardships, such as persecution, exile, or conflict. Warnings that once seemed symbolic—like retreating to the mountains—may become literal necessities for survival.
Prophetic Wisdom and Adaptability
Prophetic Hadiths are not confined to a single era but offer guidance across time, adapting to varying levels of tribulation. In the early stages, seeking knowledge and spiritual resilience suffice; later, survival may necessitate physical withdrawal. This dual-layered wisdom allows this particular Hadith to remain relevant across changing circumstances.
In Conclusion
The Hadith of Mountains & Sheep is more than a Prophecy. It is a timeless lesson on faith, endurance, and the shifting nature of tribulations. Whether taken literally or symbolically, it underscores a crucial truth: when the world becomes inhospitable for Islamic practice, retreat, be it physical or spiritual, becomes a means of preservation.
Throughout history, believers have faced trials that tested their commitment to Islam, yet each era responded according to its circumstances. In today’s world, where ideological warfare, materialism, and political instability threaten religious integrity, the Hadith’s message resonates deeply. Some may feel the need for solitude, disconnecting from corrupt influences in pursuit of a simpler, more sincere existence. Others may one day find themselves forced into actual seclusion, as oppression intensifies. In either case, the ultimate goal remains the same: safeguarding Iman in the face of mounting Fitna.
This Hadith also reminds us that survival is not merely about enduring external hardships but also about fortifying the self against internal decay. As Fitna progresses, the strength of the individual and the Ummah determines how trials are experienced. The weaker the self, the larger the afflictions appear. Thus, the best preparation is not only to anticipate external tribulations but to cultivate the internal resilience needed to withstand them. And the best way to do that is to learn Islam as earnestly as possible.
Perhaps we are already living in the early stages of this Hadith’s fulfilment. Whether the future demands spiritual withdrawal or physical migration, one thing is certain: in times of turmoil, faith must be protected at all costs. And for that, the believer must always be ready to let go of worldly comforts and return to the simplicity of Tawakkul upon Allah.
Disclosure(s).
This essay was developed in part with AI-generated insights.
Author’s Note.
When I read this Hadith, the aforementioned questions were raised in my mind. I turned to ChatGPT with my questions and it provided me with many insights and answers. My back and forth with ChatGPT proved to be quite enlightening and I wanted to present it to the Psychology, Philosophy & Islam blog.
The initial conversation resulted in a transcript of over 9000 words. This is a significantly shortened, rewritten and formatted summary of it.
This is Part 01. Stay tuned for Part 02, which will be a completely human reflection based on my own experiences.