From the lessons of Scripture, we learn that throughout history, empires have risen and fallen. Even the greatest among them — those that dominated for generations, did not endure. This invites a deeper question: what led to their decline?

From my reflection and research, I believe a primary cause is that these empires became bound by the shackles of pride and nafs; an Arabic word meaning “the commanding self driven by desire, ego, and unchecked impulses” which the Koran so accurately describes (36:8).

History consistently reveals a striking and almost rhythmic pattern: powerful empires rise, flourish, and inevitably fall.

This cycle, observed across centuries, is not only preserved in historical records but deeply embedded within the teachings of both the Bible and the Koran. These sacred texts present the rise and decline of nations not as chance, but as part of a divine pattern rooted in moral and spiritual law.

The Bible traces the succession of great empires such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome — each dominant in its time yet ultimately temporary.

In the Book of Daniel, kingdoms are symbolised as mighty but fragile, reminding us that no earthly power is eternal. Likewise, the Book of Proverbs cautions: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This principle is not merely poetic — it is historical.

The Koran brings this reality into even sharper focus, particularly through its vivid moral imagery. In Surah Ya-Sin (36:8), Allah says: “Surely, We have put shackles around their necks, reaching up to their chins, so that they are stiff-necked.”

These are not physical restraints, but spiritual and psychological ones — chains of pride, prejudice, stubbornness, and blind adherence to inherited customs.

In classical Arabic usage, when something clings tightly and does not break away, it is said to be “around the neck.” Thus, their necks refers to being bound by attitudes that prevent growth and humility.

These shackles rise to the chin, preventing a person from lowering their head in submission. It is a powerful metaphor: arrogance not only elevates the self falsely, but physically and spiritually obstructs the act of bowing — to truth, to justice, and to God.

This condition is reflected in the stories of past nations repeatedly mentioned in the Koran — Ad, Thamud, and the people of Pharaoh. They possessed strength, innovation, and dominance, yet they were destroyed not for lack of power, but for excess of pride and corruption.

The Noble Koran makes it clear: “And We did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves.” (11:101) Their downfall began from within.

A central Koranic principle further explains this pattern: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves” (13:11). This establishes a timeless law — rise and fall are tied to internal states. When humility, justice, and accountability prevail, societies thrive. When arrogance, oppression, and moral decay take root, decline becomes inevitable.

The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reinforce this truth. He warned that arrogance — defined as rejecting truth and looking down on others is a barrier to salvation.

He also cautioned that when wrongdoing becomes widespread and is not challenged, its consequences affect all. This shared moral responsibility means that societal decline is rarely sudden; it is gradual, tolerated, and often ignored until it is too late.

When we look at the great empires of history whether Babylon, Rome, or others — we see more than political transitions. We see a recurring inner disease.

Civilisations rise with discipline and moral grounding, but often fall when pride replaces humility and when customs become so rigid they resist correction. The “shackles” described in the Koran become collective, binding entire societies in patterns they cannot or will not break.

In our present age, this message feels particularly relevant. Many observe global instability, shifting powers, and moral uncertainty, and sense echoes of earlier civilisations at their peak and on the brink of decline. For some, this reflects the unfolding of prophecy; for others, it is simply history repeating itself. In truth, it may be both.

Yet scripture does not present decline as inevitable; it presents it as avoidable. The imagery of shackles is a warning, but also an invitation. Chains can be broken. Societies can reform. Individuals can choose humility over pride, reflection over stubbornness, and truth over inherited falsehoods.

Every empire has its appointed time, but its end is not without cause. The lesson from both the Bible and the Koran is clear: power is a trust, not a guarantee.

When people refuse to bow out of pride, prejudice, or false superiority; the shackles tighten.

And when a civilisation can no longer humble itself, it has already begun to fall.

Bermuda let us pray for just leadership at home and abroad:

O Allah, grant our leaders sincerity, humility, and justice.

Protect them from pride, greed, and corruption.

Guide them to serve their people with wisdom and compassion,

and place in their hearts the fear of You in all their decisions.

If they stray, guide them back or replace them with those who are better.

Ameen.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam