BENEFIT: Refuting the Claim That We Live in a New Meccan Era

Note: This is a summary Question: Some the claim that Muslims today are living in conditions comparable to the early Meccan period of Islam (“العهد المكي”), when the Prophet ﷺ and the first Muslims were severely persecuted and weak. Main points from Sheikh Yahya's response: The early Meccan period was marked by extreme oppression: Muslims were tortured, isolated, and unable to practice openly. Such as Bilal ibn Rabah being tortured, Muslims being forced to flee to Abyssinia, and companions hiding their faith. The Sheikh mentioned this to highlight how things are very different from the present situation: Muslims today can generally pray, fast, perform Hajj, read Qur’an, and preach openly. Masids are active and Da'wah is widespread. Therefore, describing current society as identical to the Meccan era is false and exaggerated. The Sheikh warns that such claims can lead to dangerous conclusions: Declaring Muslim societies equivalent to pagan Quraysh. Despising the blessings Allah has given. Creating despair, weakness, and withdrawal from da‘wah. Encouraging extremist attitudes or takfir (declaring Muslims disbelievers). The Sheikh goes on to speak about the spread of Salafiyyah and describes it as the true path based on Qur’an and Sunnah. He contrasts it with other groups and sects, which he criticises as misguided, ignorant, political, or emotionally manipulative. He repeatedly emphasises: Islam and truth are still strong. Muslims should be grateful rather than pessimistic. Weakness lies in Muslims’ own shortcomings, not in the religion itself. Believers should continue calling people to Islam with knowledge, patience, unity, humility, and reliance on Allah. The Sheikh concludes with some encouragements: Continue enjoining good and forbidding evil. Hold firmly to Qur’an and Sunnah. Cooperate in righteousness. Avoid division, despair, and following desires or sectarianism. Conclusion: The overall message is that comparing today’s Muslim societies to the earliest persecuted phase of Islam is misleading and harmful. The Sheikh confirms that Islam, especially Salafi teaching, remains widespread and influential, and that Muslims should respond with gratitude, confidence, da‘wah, and adherence to Qur’an and Sunnah rather than pessimism or extremism. Source: https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/2324