What is meant by Ibn al-Qayyim’s statement, “And we are in a time of estrangement that is more severe than the estrangement at the beginning of Islam”?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner says: Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “And we are in a time of estrangement that is more severe than the estrangement at the beginning of Islam.” He asks: What did Ibn al-Qayyim mean by this statement, and what do you advise us?

Answer:
By Allah, I do not know; I have not seen Ibn al-Qayyim, but the estrangement at the beginning of Islam was severe, a severe estrangement where there was no one but the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him).