Outside the Camp

A reflection on the Ummah’s distraction, hypocrisy, and neglect of true spiritual transformation

Outside of the Camp

For years, a path of inner transformation has been offered freely — a program of healing, reflection, and the reclaiming of dignity. It was no more or less than everything our Holy Prophet (ﷺ) and the Imams (ع) have taught: the Quran, Ziarats, Duas, and the Asma ul Husna.

The one thing it required was centering one’s life, focus, and discipline on the ultimate goal — the ẓuhūr and reappearance of the Imam (عج). Yet the ummah was not willing. Those who heard the solutions and did not respond, or gave up, failed. Silence, inaction, and distraction became the norm.

The ummah wails over the martyrs, cries over the slain children of Palestine, forwards the words of the Rahbah, but does not hear his message. You are content to mourn with your throats while your hearts remain unmoved. Spirituality is nowhere to be found.

“Nay, they say: ‘Muddled dreams! Nay, he has invented it! Nay, he is a poet! Let him then bring us a sign like the ones that were sent to the former people.’” (Al-Anbiya 21:5)

You have become the very people you once cursed, mocked, and warned against. The people who demand a sign but ignore the call.

You turn to doctors and worldly “experts” for healing, yet ignore the Healer of hearts and souls. You chase physical distractions — food fads, oils and massages, fitness regimens, botox, and shallow imitations of wellness. You boast of ecology, yet the teachings of Islam, inherited from Imam al-Sadiq (ع), already contain the balance you claim to seek. You crave polymathy, yet reject the wellspring of divine wisdom offered freely to transform your hearts.

“And We sent not before you (O Muhammad) except men to whom We revealed — so ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.” (Al-Anbiya 21:7)

But you will not ask, because asking requires humility. You cling to certificates, not to truth. To laws and rituals that ask nothing of your soul. To outward acts that never demand stillness, reflection, or transformation.

“And how many a city which was unjust have We shattered and produced after it another people.” (Al-Anbiya 21:11)

Do you see? If you refuse the call, if you remain outside of the camp, you risk being replaced by another people — one who will rise where you have failed.

For years, the call has gone out. For years, the door has been open. For years, the camp of Imam Husayn (ع) has awaited you. Yet you remain outside — shouting, wailing, repeating slogans — while refusing to enter.

“Say: I only warn you by the Revelation. But the deaf do not hear the call when they are warned.” (Al-Anbiya 21:45)

It is not all. There are pockets of people scattered across the globe who have heeded the call, who have embraced transformation, reflection, and service. But not everyone deserves the title of sincerity and purity. The majority remain outside, lost in distraction and hypocrisy.

O Ummah — you are outside of the camp. And outside, there is only hypocrisy, distraction, and death of the heart.