What is the meaning of the حديث: "There will come a time when the best of a Muslim's wealth will be a few sheep with which he seeks refuge in the mountains, fleeing with his religion from tribulations (fitan)"?

The hadith indicates the superiority of isolation during times of widespread sedition (fitan) and fear for one's faith, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, placed the isolating believer immediately after the mujahid in the path of Allah in terms of virtue. However, outside of times of fitan, the majority of scholars have held that mixing with people is superior, arguing that this was the state of the Prophets and the Companions, and that the believer who mixes with people and patiently endures harm receives a greater reward. Furthermore, the Muslim's standing in the path of Allah is superior to his prayer in his home, in addition to the great legitimate benefits realized from mixing with people, such as the rituals of Islam and supporting Muslims.