Glad Tidings to the Strangers: Who Are the Ghuraba?
Glad Tidings to the Strangers: A Beautiful Explanation of the Ghuraba
In Islam, “The Strangers” (Ghuraba) are those who hold firmly to the authentic Sunnah and correct what people have corrupted during times of widespread trials (Fitnah). The Prophet ﷺ gave them glad tidings of Jannah, promising immense reward for their unwavering patience and righteousness.
The Loneliness of Holding Onto the Truth
Do you ever feel isolated because you choose to practice your religion? In a world sprinting towards temporary desires, preserving the commandments of Allah can often feel like holding onto burning coals. Perhaps you are mocked for your Hijab, ridiculed for lowering your gaze, or called “extreme” simply for adhering to the authentic Sunnah. This isolation can breed sorrow, making you question your place in an increasingly corrupted society.
But what if this very strangeness is actually a badge of divine honor? The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ foresaw this exact reality. He knew a time would come when the people of truth would be few, facing the crushing weight of Fitnah (trials). Yet, he did not offer pity; instead, he offered the ultimate comfort: Glad tidings.
At the Institute of Quran and Sunnah (IQS), we understand the challenges of navigating this strangeness. By grounding ourselves in the methodology of the Salaf, we find solace, clarity, and unshakeable certainty.
Table of Contents
- 1. The Prophetic Promise to The Strangers
- 2. Degrees of Strangeness in Islam
- 3. What Does “Tooba” Mean?
- 4. Signs of the Strangers Today
- 5. Will Islam Always Be Strange?
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. The Prophetic Promise to The Strangers
Despite all the trials and temptations we witness, and the appearance of falsehood echoing everywhere, we must remember the profound declaration of Allah ﷻ:
وَاللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰ أَمْرِهِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
“Indeed Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know.”
(Surah Yusuf: 21)
In the midst of mankind’s hastiness to fulfill evil desires and their laziness toward acts of obedience, Allah has chosen a selected group. He protects them from the Fitan because they preserved the commandments of Allah first. These are the people the Prophet ﷺ sought to console.
On the authority of Abdullah bin Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
بَدَأَ الْإِسْلَامُ غَرِيبًا وَسَيَعُودُ كَمَا بَدَأَ غَرِيبًا، فَطُوبَى لِلْغُرَبَاءِ
“Islam began as something strange and will revert to being strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.“
It was asked: “And who are they, O Messenger of Allah?”
He said: “Those who correct what the people have corrupted.”
(Classed as Authentic by Al-Albani Rahimahullah)
Righteousness vs. Reformation
Reflect deeply, may Allah bless you, on the precise wording of the Prophet ﷺ. He described them as “Yuslihoon” (those who correct/reform), and not merely “Salihoon” (the righteous ones).
Personal righteousness alone is not enough to attain this elite status. The Strangers are zealous callers to Allah. They do not despair or surrender to a corrupt reality. Because these reformers are few in number, they earned the beautiful title: “The Strangers.”
Tweet This: “The true ‘Strangers’ (Ghuraba) in Islam aren’t just righteous themselves; they are the brave souls who correct what society has corrupted. 🌟 #Sunnah #IQS”
2. Degrees of Strangeness in Islam
Strangeness exists in layers. The great scholar Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (May Allah have mercy on him) explained the hierarchy of the Ghuraba:
- The People of Islam are strangers among mankind.
- The True Believers are strangers among the general masses of Muslims.
- The People of Knowledge are strangers among the believers.
- The People of the Sunnah—those who distinguish it from desires and innovation—are the ultimate strangers among the people of knowledge.
These individuals call strictly to the Sunnah and bear immense patience against the harm of their opposition. They experience the most severe form of strangeness, yet they are the true allies (Awliya) of Allah.
As Yunus bin Ubaid profoundly stated: “There is nothing stranger than the Sunnah, and what is stranger is he who knows it, follows it, and applies it.”
Struggling to navigate the Fitnah and maintain your focus? Protecting your Aqeedah and learning the authentic Sunnah is your strongest shield. Start Your Journey to Authentic Knowledge Today.
3. What Does “Tooba” Mean?
Let no one deceive you into thinking that the strangers are miserable or unhappy. The Prophet ﷺ declared: “So glad tidings (Tooba) to the strangers.”
The word “Tooba” is derived from “Teeb” which translates to pure goodness, bliss, and happiness. Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:
طُوبَىٰ لَهُمْ وَحُسْنُ مَآبٍ
“A good state (Tooba) is theirs and a good return.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d: 29)
The Strangers are the happiest of people in this world through their connection with Allah, and the highest in rank in the Hereafter, trailing only the Prophets. On the authority of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet ﷺ explained:
“Tooba is a tree in Paradise, as big as a hundred year’s journey. The clothes of the people of Paradise come from its calyces (the outer parts of its flowers).”
A Surprising Reality: The Reward of Fifty Companions
If a young man or woman becomes upright upon the Deen today, they instantly become strangers. They endure ridicule, slander, and mockery—even inside their own homes. But this hardship carries an astronomical, often surprising, reward.
The Prophet ﷺ informed his Companions about the people of the latter days:
“There are indeed ahead of you days that require patience. Whoever is patient during those days… will have the reward of fifty men who do what he is doing.”
The companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah, the reward of fifty of those with him?”
He replied: “The reward of fifty of you.“
(Sunan Abu Dawud)
4. Signs of the Strangers Today
How do we recognize the strangeness of Islam in our modern era? It manifests in several crucial areas of our religion:
- Strangeness in Aqeedah (Creed): There are very few who hold firmly onto the pure, unadulterated creed of the Salaf (the pious predecessors) without philosophical distortions or modern reinterpretations.
- Strangeness in Adhering to Islamic Laws: The Masajid are often empty, while places of entertainment overflow. As Allah ﷻ warns: “[The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away.” (Al-Anbiya: 1)
- Strangeness in Noble Conduct: Islamic manners have eroded. Good examples are scarce in business transactions, family ties, and daily interactions. Remember, nations only survive as long as they maintain their morals.
- Strangeness in Walaa and Baraa (Allegiance and Disassociation): This vital concept of loving for the sake of Allah and hating for the sake of Allah has dissolved. Worldly gains now dictate loyalties, contradicting Allah’s command: “Do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies.” (Al-Mumtahanah: 1)
5. Will Islam Always Be Strange?
Many Muslims fall into despair, assuming the hadith of strangeness implies a permanent, hopeless regression of Islam until the Day of Judgment. However, Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (May Allah have mercy on him) pointed to a profound and uplifting meaning:
“When Islam began as a stranger, it was not known, then it appeared and was known. It will return again until it is not known again, but it will appear and be known again.”
This is a magnificent refutation of despair! Just as Islam blossomed into a global beacon of light after its initial strangeness in Makkah, it will, by the Will of Allah, return strong and apparent once again.
Allah ﷻ guarantees this victory:
كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَأَغْلِبَنَّ أَنَا وَرُسُلِي ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ
“Allah has written, ‘I will surely overcome, I and My messengers.’ Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.”
(Surah Al-Mujadila: 21)
Do Not Walk This Path Alone
Al-Hasan Al-Basri (May Allah have mercy on him) beautifully summarized the life of the Ghuraba: “A believer in this world is like a stranger. He does not become anxious by its lowliness, nor does he compete for its honor.”
Are you ready to proudly embrace the title of the Stranger? To hold onto the authentic Sunnah, seek beneficial knowledge, and correct what has been corrupted?
If you feel spiritually exhausted, afflicted by the evils of this world, or simply want to root yourself deeply in the methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā‘ah, the Institute of Quran and Sunnah (IQS) is here for you.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the strangers (Ghuraba) in Islam?
The Ghuraba are the steadfast Muslims who hold onto the authentic Sunnah and correct the innovations and corruption spread by others. They prioritize the pleasure of Allah over societal pressure, making them appear “strange” to the masses.
What does the word “Tooba” mean in the Hadith?
Linguistically, “Tooba” means ultimate glad tidings, goodness, and happiness. Prophetically, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ described Tooba as a massive, beautiful tree in Paradise whose blossoms provide the garments for the inhabitants of Jannah.
How can I stay firm upon the Sunnah today?
You can stay firm by seeking authentic Islamic knowledge based on the understanding of the Salaf, surrounding yourself with righteous companions, making continuous Du’a for steadfastness, and practically applying the Sunnah in your daily life despite criticism.
References & Evidences
- Qur’an: Surah Yusuf: 21, Surah Ar-Ra’d: 29, Surah Al-Anbiya: 1, Surah Al-Mumtahanah: 1, Surah Al-Ma’idah: 51, Surah Al-Mujadila: 21.
- Hadith: “Islam began as something strange…” (Sahih Muslim; Classed Authentic by Al-Albani).
- Hadith: “The reward of fifty of you…” (Sunan Abu Dawud 4341, Classed Sahih by Al-Albani).
- Scholarly Quotes: Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Majmu’ Al-Fatawa), Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (Kashf al-Kurbah fi Wasf Hali Ahl al-Ghurbah), Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Yunus bin Ubaid, Al-Awza’i.
What is one Sunnah you are struggling to hold onto in today’s society, and how can we support you? Let us know in the comments below!
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