The Decline of Islam and the Men Who Tried to Save It: A Reflection on the Actions of Juhayman al-Otaybi and Sheikh Saleh al Talib

According to the Qur’an and Hadith, Islam is a religion of justice, compassion, and righteousness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that the purpose of Islam is to submit to the will of God and to follow His guidance in all aspects of life. He also emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their religion or background.

However, in recent years, it seems that Islam has strayed from these core values and principles. Juhayman ibn Muhammad ibn Sayf al-Otaybi, who led the siege of Mecca in 1979, and Sheikh Saleh al Talib, a former imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca who was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison for speaking out against the government’s reforms, are just two examples of individuals who have seen the decline of Islam and have felt a sense of duty to speak out and take action.

Juhayman al-Otaybi and his followers believed that the Saudi government had strayed from the true path of Islam and that it was their duty to restore the religion to its original form. They saw the corruption and injustice present in society and believed that the only solution was to overthrow the ruling monarchy and establish a new system based on the principles of Islam.

Similarly, Sheikh Saleh al Talib was arrested and sentenced to prison for speaking out against the government’s entertainment reforms, which he believed went against the cultural and religious values of Islam. He, along with many other clerics and imams, has been arrested and silenced for peacefully expressing his opinions and concerns about the direction in which Islam was heading.

These men are not driven by hate or a desire to cause chaos, but rather a deep love and concern for their religion. They have watched as Islam has been distorted and manipulated, and they feel compelled to take action in order to protect and preserve its true values.

The Qur’an and Hadith make it clear that justice and righteousness are essential components of Islam. In Surah 4:135, God states: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and speaking out against injustice, even if it means going against one’s own interests or those of loved ones.

In addition, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that compassion and kindness towards others are essential virtues in Islam. In a hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As, the Prophet said: “The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy on you.” This hadith highlights the importance of showing compassion and kindness towards others, as it is a way of seeking the mercy and blessings of God.

It is evident that Juhayman al-Otaybi and Sheikh Saleh al Talib, along with many other individuals, have been motivated by a desire to uphold justice and protect the true values of Islam. While it is not justifiable to resort to violence or terrorism in the name of any cause, it is important to consider the motivations behind their actions and to address the root causes of the problems they were trying to solve.

As Muslims, it is our duty to strive towards justice and righteousness, and to treat others with kindness and compassion. We must not allow ourselves to be swayed by corrupt or misguided leaders, but rather stand firm in our beliefs and values as taught by the Qur’an and Hadith. Only by upholding the true principles of Islam can we hope to bring about a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.