The Kind of Muslims Who Drown the Ship of the Ummah Inspired by the Hadith of the boat — Sahih al-Bukhari 2493

[Fatima]

The Hadith of the Boat (or Ship) is a profound parable shared by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, illustrating the vital role of encouraging good and preventing wrongdoing — and how the behavior of a few individuals can impact the entire community.

Hadith of the Boat (Ship) – Sahih al-Bukhari 2493

The Prophet ﷺ said: *“The likeness of those who adhere to Allah’s commands and those who violate them is like a group of people who boarded a boat and drew lots for their places. Some were assigned to the upper deck, while others to the lower. Whenever the people in the lower deck needed water, they had to go through the upper deck. So they said, ‘Why don’t we just make a hole in our part of the boat to get water ourselves and avoid disturbing those above?"

If those in the upper deck allowed them to go through with their plan, the entire boat would sink and everyone would perish. But if they stopped them, then all on board would be saved.

These are the ones who weaken and damage the collective strength of Muslims:

1.The Arrogant Scholar

Knows the truth but uses it to elevate ego, not to guide others with humility.

2.The Silent Witness

Sees wrong, hears falsehood, but remains quiet for convenience or fear of rejection.

3.The Hypocritical Preacher

Says one thing and does another, pushing people away from faith by bad example.

4.The Division Spreader

Divides the Ummah into groups, labels, and factions — forgetting we are one body.

5.The Mocking Muslim

Mocks sincere Muslims for their efforts, appearances, or struggles, rather than encouraging them.

6.The Backbiter & Slanderer

Destroys reputations in secret while pretending to care in public.

7.The World-Chaser

Sacrifices Islamic values for status, wealth, or fame — even if it harms the community.

8.The Cultural Supremacist

Puts culture above Islam and judges others based on language, skin color, or race.

9.The Lazy Worshipper

Doesn’t fulfill obligations but criticizes others trying to improve.

10.The One Who Justifies Sin

Commits sins openly, then tries to excuse them — or worse, labels them as "halal" to escape accountability or guilt.

Remember:

When people witness wrongdoing and fail to stop it, Allah may punish them all. — Sahih Abu Dawood 4338

May Allah protect us from being among those who drown the ship of the Ummah and make us among those who repair and sail it with righteousness. Ameen.