for the Muslims to obtain that. Muslim narrated from Jābir: "It is likely that a measure will not be collected from them," and he mentioned the ḥadīth. Al-Nawawī said: "This has occurred in our time in Iraq, and it is currently happening." It was said: because they will apostatize at the end of times, thus preventing what is obligatory upon them, such as zakāh and other duties. It was also said: its meaning is that the disbelievers upon whom jizyah is due will become stronger at the end of times, thus refraining from paying the jizyah, the land tax, and other dues." I said: This meaning is the apparent and immediate understanding of the term "prevention"; unlike the first meaning, which is very far-fetched. For one who converts to Islam and is exempted from jizyah cannot be said to have refrained from paying what is due, as is clearly evident. The motivation for explaining this ḥadīth and clarifying that its suspended form is considered elevated, and explaining its meaning, was that some people today thought this ḥadīth was related to the blind tribulation that befell the Muslims due to the Iraqi army's invasion of Kuwait, which led to the imposition of land, sea, and air blockades on Iraq to prevent supplies and provisions from reaching it from its peaceful neighboring countries! Thus, questions about this ḥadīth increased on this occasion, and whether it has any relation or connection to this blockade on Iraq. I responded in the negative and explained its meaning in a manner similar to what was previously conveyed from Imām al-Nawawī (may Allāh have mercy on him). I wrote this on Wednesday, 1st of Ṣafar, 1411 AH. May Allāh protect the Muslims from the evil of tribulations, both apparent and hidden. *