Q: The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) praised the people of Shaam and I have come across people from that region especially Syria who had dealings with the company I work for and they refused to pay money for the goods they were supplied with five years ago and come up with excuse after excuse. They have the ability to pay but they don't. Does the praise for people of Shaam apply to all times because clearly they contradict Islamic character. Kindly clarify.
A: Like there will be the good in every place, there will be evil elements as well. Like Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah have also been praised, but there will be the elements of Abu Jahal and Abu Lahab and Abdullah bin Ubay ibnu Salool. The hadeeth speaks about a certain class of saints that come from that region. It does not mean that there will be no evil elements.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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