Explanation of the Hadith: "Islam began as a stranger..."

Question:
The listener Abu Muhammad ibn Ahmad Ali asks and says: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The religion came as a stranger—this is how His Eminence the Shaykh says it—and it will return as a stranger as it began." Please explain to us the meaning of this strangeness. May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Yes, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in the authentic hadith: "Began" means: Islam appeared as a stranger in its initial stage in Makkah, a stranger among the disbelievers, and only a few people adopted it. Then it spread little by little in Makkah, and it remained a stranger. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) migrated to al-Madinah, and it spread in al-Madinah and became manifest there. Then it became manifest in the entire world, and praise be to Allah.
This means: in the end times, due to the fewness of its people who embrace it and hold fast to it, until in the end times the religion is taken away entirely, and nothing remains but the wicked, and upon them the Hour will be established. The meaning of is that its people decrease, and its opponents and enemies increase.
In the end times, after the sun rises from the west, Allah will send a pleasant wind that takes the souls of the believing men and women, and nothing remains but the wicked, and upon them the Hour will be established. It may spread in some lands, increase, and become strong, and weaken in other lands, but in general, it returns as a stranger. However, with regard to some lands, it may not be a stranger there due to the abundance of callers to Allah, scholars, and the righteous in them. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good, and may He do you good.