As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu
“There are three things, that whoever attains, will find the sweetness of faith: If Allah and his messenger are dearer to him than anyone else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; and if he would hate to return to disbelief (kufr) after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate to be thrown into fire." [Bukhari & Muslim]
Our love for each other for the sake of Allah implies a willingness to sacrifice our needs for the sake of our fellow Muslims’ needs in a manner that far outweighs normal sacrifice for the sake of friendship. This pure love is crucial to maintaining Muslims’ faith, if Muslims don’t have strong relations with each other, their faith will automatically decrease.
Loving for the sake of Allah means to love Allah and to show loyalty to Him by following His Shariah. It means to love all that is good and permissible in the Quran and Sunnah. This type of love requires one to defend Allahs deen and to preserve it. It is to love those who are obedient to Allah and to defend and assist them. These are the party of Allah.
Support one another
“The relationship between believers is like a wall, parts of which support other parts.”[Muslim]
A Muslim should not forsake or abandon his brother, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“There should be no breaking off of ties, no turning away from one another, no hating one another. Be brothers, as Allah has commanded you.” [Muslim]
Loved by Allah(SWT)
It is mentioned in a hadith Qudsi “My love is incumbent upon those who love one another for my sake, those who exchange visits for my sake, those who sit with one another for my sake, and those who put themselves in the service of one another for my sake”. It is the loyalty of those who love one another not for worldly benefits but only in the cause of Allah. Those are the the ones for whom Allah's love is incumbent. [Malik]
Shaded by Allah (SWT)
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, "Seven are (the persons) whom Allah will give Shade of His Thrown on the Day when there would be no shade other than His Throne's Shade: A just ruler; a youth who grew up worshipping Allah; a man whose heart is attached to mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying):
`I fear Allah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes well up". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah, the Exalted, will say: `Where are those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory? Today I shall shelter them in My Shade when there will be no shade except Mine"[Muslim]
Seated on pulpits of light
Mu`adh (bin Jabal) (RA) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "Allah, the Exalted, has said: `For those who love one another for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs". [Tirmidhi]
On one occasion the Prophet(SAW) finished the prayer and turned toward the people and said,
"O people, listen and understand. Allah has slaves who are neither prophets nor martyrs, but both the prophets and martyrs envy them for their closeness to Allah.
" A bedouin stepped forward, pointed to the Messenger of Allah and said,
"O Messenger of Allah, tell us about these people.
" The Prophet was pleased with the bedouin's request and said, "They are from various peoples and tribes who have no ties of relationship between them. They love each other purely for the sake of Allah.
On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will present them pulpits of light for them to sit on. Their faces will be light and their clothes will be light. The people will be scared on the Day of Resurrection, but they will not be scared. They are the friends of Allah who will not have any fear upon them nor will they grieve. [Ahmad and Abu Ya'la with a hassan chain]
Acts of love for one another
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said,
"A man set out to visit a brother (in Faith) in another town and Allah sent an angel on his way. When the man met the angel, the latter asked him, "Where do you intend to go?'' He said, "I intend to visit my brother in this town". The angel said, "Have you done any favour to him?'' He said, "No, I have no desire except to visit him because I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious.'' Thereupon the angel said, "I am a messenger to you from Allah (to inform you) that Allah loves you as you love him (for His sake)". [Muslim]
“If a man loves his brother in faith, he should tell him that he loves him.”[Abu Dawud]
Anas bin Malik (RA) reported: A man was with the Prophet (SAW) when another man passed by and the former said: "O Messenger of Allah! I love this man (for Allah's sake)".
Messenger of Allah (SAW) asked, "Have you informed him?'' He said, "No". Messenger of Allah (SAW) then said, "Tell him (that you love him)". So he went up to the man and said to him, "I love you for the sake of Allah;'' and the other replied, "May Allah, for Whose sake you love me, love you.'' [Abu Dawud].
Thursday, January 18, 2007
TAQWA: Fearing Allah (SWT)
As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu
Taqwa can be compared to walking through a narrow path with thorny bushes on both sides and a person passing through it tries his level best to save his clothes from being torn. The thorns are the sins and the clothes is one's Iman.
Linguistically Taqwa means forbearance, fear and abstinence, but in the Islamic terminology, Taqwa has a distinct meaning.
Taqwa is a high state of heart, which keeps one conscious of Allah's (SWT) presence and His Knowledge, and it motivates him to perform righteous deeds and avoid those, which are forbidden.
The essence of Taqwa is to make a shield (which guards) against Allah (SWT)'s anger and punishment. That shield is to obey His commandments and abstain from His punishment. [as explained by Ibn Rajab (rh) in Jami al-Uloom wal-Hikam]Allah (SWT) says:
"O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah (SWT), as you should have of Him and do not die except as Muslims." [Soorah aal-Imraan (3): 102]
Ibn Mas'oud (RA) said speaking about this verse, Allah (SWT) is meant to be obeyed, and not disobeyed; remembered at all times, and not forgotten; and to be thanked; and we are not to be ungrateful to Him." Talq Ibn Habeed (a tabi'e) said:
"Taqwa (piety) is that you act in obedience to Allah (SWT), and hope in His Mercy, upon a light from Him; and Taqwa is leaving acts of disobedience to Allah (SWT) out of fear of Him, upon a light from Him." [Ibn Abee Shaybah in Kitaabul-Emaan (no: 99)]
Taqwa alone is the criterion of greatness in the Sight of Allah (SWT)Allah (SWT) says:
"O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah (SWT) is that (believer) who has Taqwa (God-consciousness, fearing Allah (SWT)). Verily, Allah (SWT) is All-Knowing, All-Aware." [Soorah al-Hujurat (49): 13]
Allah (SWT) has erased all distinctions of racism, cast and color and made all human beings equal. He has established a unique criterion for greatness and that is Taqwa. Taqwa is the essence of the teachings of Allah (SWT)'s Messenger (SAW).
Whenever Allah (SWT)'s Messenger (SAW) sent his Sahabah on a military expedition, he would advice them to have deep-rooted Taqwa of Allah (SWT) and he would also advise the rest of his military party likewise. The Sahabah (companions of Rasoolillah(SAW)) continued this practice of giving mutual advice of Taqwa after Allah (SWT)'s Messenger (SAW) passed away.
Umar Ibn Khattab (RA) wrote to his son, Abdullah:
"To proceed: 'Verily I advise you to have taqwa (fear) of Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Majestic, for whoever fears Him, Allah (SWT) will protect him, and whoever gives a loan to Him, Allah (SWT) will reward him, and whoever thanks Him, Allah (SWT) will increase Him."
Some benefits of Taqwa
1. Taqwa is a means by which a believer performs righteous deeds and Taqwa causes the righteous deed to be accepted by Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says:
"O you who believe! Have Taqwa (fear) of Allah (SWT) and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous and correct actions and will forgive you your sins and whoever obeys Allah (SWT) and His Messenger has indeed attained a great achievement." [Soorah al-Ahzaab (33): 70] and:
"Verily Allah (SWT) accepts only from those who are the muttaqoon (those who posses Taqwa)." [Soorah al-Maaidah (19): 71-72]
2. Taqwa makes one deserving of Allah (SWT)'s Pleasure and Love. Allah (SWT) says:
"Verily, the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah (SWT) is that (believer) who has Taqwa." [Soorah al-Hujurat (49): 13] and:
"Whoever fulfills his pledge and has Taqwa of Allah (SWT) much, then indeed, Allah (SWT) loves those who are muttaqoon (those who posses Taqwa)." [Soorah Aal-Imraan (3): 76]3.
Taqwa causes sins to be forgiven and increases rewards. Allah (SWT) says:
"And whoever fears Allah (SWT) and keeps his duty to Him. He will remit his sins from him, and will enlarge his rewards." [Soorah at-Talaaq (65): 5]
4. Taqwa keeps one steadfast on the Straight Path and protects him from deviation. Allah (SWT) says:
"O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah (SWT). He will give you a Furqaan (criterion to judge between right and wrong)." [Soorah al-Anfaal (8): 29]
Imaam Ibn al-Katheer (rahimahulla) said in his Tafseer, 'Ibn Abbas, as-Sudde, Ikrimah, adh-Dahhak, Qataadah and Muqaatil, Ibn Huyyan, all said about 'Furqaan' that it means a way out (from difficulty). Mujaahid added: 'A way out from difficulty both in this world and in the Hereafter.' In a narration from Ibn Abbas, he said: "It means, 'Salvation' and in another narration from him 'being helped.'
Muhammad Ishaaq said that it means: 'A criterion to judge between truth and falsehood.' This explanation from Ibn Ishaaq is the most general of what has proceeded and it is a necessary consequence of it.
Since whoever has Taqwa of Allah (SWT) by obeying His commands and abandoning what He has prohibited, will be given the ability to recognize truth from falsehood. This will be the cause for his salvation, his being helped; and the cause for his worldly affairs being made easier and his happiness on the Day of Judgment. It will be the cause for his sins to be expiated by Allah (SWT), and his being granted forgiveness and Allah (SWT) shielding him from the people. It will likewise be the cause of him being the recipient of a great reward from Allah (SWT), as He the Most High says:
"O you who believe! Have Taqwa (fear) of Allah (SWT) and believe in His Messenger; and He will provide you with a light by which you will walk." [Soorah al-Hdeed (57): 28]
How to achieve Taqwa?Allah (SWT) says:
"O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become al-Muttaqoon." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 21]
Thus, Taqwa is the fruit of Ibadah (worship) and and can only be achieved by performing acts of Ibadah. Therefore we often find Allah (SWT) mentioning Taqwa with Ibadah, he said regarding the fasts of Ramadaan:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become muttaqoon (those who posses Taqwa)." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 183]
Who is the most righteous?Allah (SWT) says:
"And whosoever honors the symbols of Allah (SWT), then it is truly from the piety of the heart." [Soorah al-Hajj (22): 32]
Thus, Taqwa inhabits the heart and it is only within the capability of Allah (SWT) to know what the hearts conceal. Therefore, judging people's righteousness and spirituality is beyond the ability of the slave, Allah (SWT) pointed out to this fact when he said:
"There is among people, he whose speech will dazzle you in this life and he will claim that Allah (SWT) is witness (to the sincerity of) what is in his heart, yet he will be among the most vicious enemies (of mankind)." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 204]
It is mentioned in the Qur'aan that Allah (SWT) chooses His Awliya (singular 'wali' ling. meaning Friend) from His slaves based upon their righteousness. Allah (SWT) mentioned the characteristics of His Wali saying:
"Verily, Awliya of Allah (SWT) are those who are not overcome by fear of grief; they are those who believe and have Taqwa." [Soorah Yoonus (10): 62-63] and: "Verily, His close friends (Awliya) are only those with Taqwa but most of them do not realize it." [Soorah al-Anfaal (8): 34]
Thus, a Wali of Allah (SWT) is he, who has Iman, Taqwa and fear of Allah (SWT).
Taqwa can be compared to walking through a narrow path with thorny bushes on both sides and a person passing through it tries his level best to save his clothes from being torn. The thorns are the sins and the clothes is one's Iman.
Linguistically Taqwa means forbearance, fear and abstinence, but in the Islamic terminology, Taqwa has a distinct meaning.
Taqwa is a high state of heart, which keeps one conscious of Allah's (SWT) presence and His Knowledge, and it motivates him to perform righteous deeds and avoid those, which are forbidden.
The essence of Taqwa is to make a shield (which guards) against Allah (SWT)'s anger and punishment. That shield is to obey His commandments and abstain from His punishment. [as explained by Ibn Rajab (rh) in Jami al-Uloom wal-Hikam]Allah (SWT) says:
"O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah (SWT), as you should have of Him and do not die except as Muslims." [Soorah aal-Imraan (3): 102]
Ibn Mas'oud (RA) said speaking about this verse, Allah (SWT) is meant to be obeyed, and not disobeyed; remembered at all times, and not forgotten; and to be thanked; and we are not to be ungrateful to Him." Talq Ibn Habeed (a tabi'e) said:
"Taqwa (piety) is that you act in obedience to Allah (SWT), and hope in His Mercy, upon a light from Him; and Taqwa is leaving acts of disobedience to Allah (SWT) out of fear of Him, upon a light from Him." [Ibn Abee Shaybah in Kitaabul-Emaan (no: 99)]
Taqwa alone is the criterion of greatness in the Sight of Allah (SWT)Allah (SWT) says:
"O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah (SWT) is that (believer) who has Taqwa (God-consciousness, fearing Allah (SWT)). Verily, Allah (SWT) is All-Knowing, All-Aware." [Soorah al-Hujurat (49): 13]
Allah (SWT) has erased all distinctions of racism, cast and color and made all human beings equal. He has established a unique criterion for greatness and that is Taqwa. Taqwa is the essence of the teachings of Allah (SWT)'s Messenger (SAW).
Whenever Allah (SWT)'s Messenger (SAW) sent his Sahabah on a military expedition, he would advice them to have deep-rooted Taqwa of Allah (SWT) and he would also advise the rest of his military party likewise. The Sahabah (companions of Rasoolillah(SAW)) continued this practice of giving mutual advice of Taqwa after Allah (SWT)'s Messenger (SAW) passed away.
Umar Ibn Khattab (RA) wrote to his son, Abdullah:
"To proceed: 'Verily I advise you to have taqwa (fear) of Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Majestic, for whoever fears Him, Allah (SWT) will protect him, and whoever gives a loan to Him, Allah (SWT) will reward him, and whoever thanks Him, Allah (SWT) will increase Him."
Some benefits of Taqwa
1. Taqwa is a means by which a believer performs righteous deeds and Taqwa causes the righteous deed to be accepted by Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says:
"O you who believe! Have Taqwa (fear) of Allah (SWT) and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous and correct actions and will forgive you your sins and whoever obeys Allah (SWT) and His Messenger has indeed attained a great achievement." [Soorah al-Ahzaab (33): 70] and:
"Verily Allah (SWT) accepts only from those who are the muttaqoon (those who posses Taqwa)." [Soorah al-Maaidah (19): 71-72]
2. Taqwa makes one deserving of Allah (SWT)'s Pleasure and Love. Allah (SWT) says:
"Verily, the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah (SWT) is that (believer) who has Taqwa." [Soorah al-Hujurat (49): 13] and:
"Whoever fulfills his pledge and has Taqwa of Allah (SWT) much, then indeed, Allah (SWT) loves those who are muttaqoon (those who posses Taqwa)." [Soorah Aal-Imraan (3): 76]3.
Taqwa causes sins to be forgiven and increases rewards. Allah (SWT) says:
"And whoever fears Allah (SWT) and keeps his duty to Him. He will remit his sins from him, and will enlarge his rewards." [Soorah at-Talaaq (65): 5]
4. Taqwa keeps one steadfast on the Straight Path and protects him from deviation. Allah (SWT) says:
"O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah (SWT). He will give you a Furqaan (criterion to judge between right and wrong)." [Soorah al-Anfaal (8): 29]
Imaam Ibn al-Katheer (rahimahulla) said in his Tafseer, 'Ibn Abbas, as-Sudde, Ikrimah, adh-Dahhak, Qataadah and Muqaatil, Ibn Huyyan, all said about 'Furqaan' that it means a way out (from difficulty). Mujaahid added: 'A way out from difficulty both in this world and in the Hereafter.' In a narration from Ibn Abbas, he said: "It means, 'Salvation' and in another narration from him 'being helped.'
Muhammad Ishaaq said that it means: 'A criterion to judge between truth and falsehood.' This explanation from Ibn Ishaaq is the most general of what has proceeded and it is a necessary consequence of it.
Since whoever has Taqwa of Allah (SWT) by obeying His commands and abandoning what He has prohibited, will be given the ability to recognize truth from falsehood. This will be the cause for his salvation, his being helped; and the cause for his worldly affairs being made easier and his happiness on the Day of Judgment. It will be the cause for his sins to be expiated by Allah (SWT), and his being granted forgiveness and Allah (SWT) shielding him from the people. It will likewise be the cause of him being the recipient of a great reward from Allah (SWT), as He the Most High says:
"O you who believe! Have Taqwa (fear) of Allah (SWT) and believe in His Messenger; and He will provide you with a light by which you will walk." [Soorah al-Hdeed (57): 28]
How to achieve Taqwa?Allah (SWT) says:
"O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become al-Muttaqoon." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 21]
Thus, Taqwa is the fruit of Ibadah (worship) and and can only be achieved by performing acts of Ibadah. Therefore we often find Allah (SWT) mentioning Taqwa with Ibadah, he said regarding the fasts of Ramadaan:
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become muttaqoon (those who posses Taqwa)." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 183]
Who is the most righteous?Allah (SWT) says:
"And whosoever honors the symbols of Allah (SWT), then it is truly from the piety of the heart." [Soorah al-Hajj (22): 32]
Thus, Taqwa inhabits the heart and it is only within the capability of Allah (SWT) to know what the hearts conceal. Therefore, judging people's righteousness and spirituality is beyond the ability of the slave, Allah (SWT) pointed out to this fact when he said:
"There is among people, he whose speech will dazzle you in this life and he will claim that Allah (SWT) is witness (to the sincerity of) what is in his heart, yet he will be among the most vicious enemies (of mankind)." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 204]
It is mentioned in the Qur'aan that Allah (SWT) chooses His Awliya (singular 'wali' ling. meaning Friend) from His slaves based upon their righteousness. Allah (SWT) mentioned the characteristics of His Wali saying:
"Verily, Awliya of Allah (SWT) are those who are not overcome by fear of grief; they are those who believe and have Taqwa." [Soorah Yoonus (10): 62-63] and: "Verily, His close friends (Awliya) are only those with Taqwa but most of them do not realize it." [Soorah al-Anfaal (8): 34]
Thus, a Wali of Allah (SWT) is he, who has Iman, Taqwa and fear of Allah (SWT).
Death: The Destroyer of Desires
As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu
Death is not the absolute end. It is just the discontinuation of unity between the body and soul. It is a change from one state to another and a transition from this present life to that of the hereafter. The purpose of our existence is the worship of Allah as mentioned in the Book of Allah:
"And I [Allah] created not the Jinns and Men except that they should worship Me [alone]" Soorah az-Zariyat (51): 56
This life, which we are living, is the testing ground for which there shall be only two consequences, Paradise or Hellfire. Unfortunately more than often we disregard death, as we are so attached to this world and the love of which has been established in our hearts.
"Certainly, they see it as distant, but We see it as near" Soorah al-Ma'arij (70): 6-7
Death only becomes a reality when a close beloved one dies. The heart feels heavy, the eyes shed tears and there is, at that moment, a present fear of death. If we were to spend even a single moment each day thinking about death, it would bring forth many concerns? The greatest being our Hereafter:
"He Who has created death and life, that He may test you, which of you is best in deed." Al-Mulk (67):21
So we stop and consider what we are doing with our time and where we are heading, and then realize that much of it is wasted in light talk, in laughing, in pursuing that which is not going to benefit our Hereafter. One of the Salaf said:
"Three characteristics are from Iman (Faith): Modesty, Chastity and Withholding of the tongue, not the withholding of the heart and actions. These are things which cause gain in the Hereafter and loss in this life, and what is gained in the next life is greater than what is lost in this world." [Re ported by Abdur-Razzaaq in his Musannaf from A'oon ibn 'Abdullaah]
"This World in comparison with the world to come is just like one of you putting his finger in the sea. Let him consider what it returns with.” Saheeh Muslim (Eng. vol.4 p.l486 no.6843 )
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) explained how this world is not even worth the wing of a mosquito! And how small is a mosquito, and then the wing of a mosquito- so what is the worth of the world we run after and are dearly attached to?
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) referred to death as 'the destroyer of desires." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah & Nasaai]
Because when each one of us remembers the awesome reality of death and what is to follow after that, our present desires and wordy concerns seem so insignificant and futile, and the life of the Hereafter becomes our goal and we become interested in the means to attain that goal. We find that the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) excelled on this point and were not deluded by the amusements of this world, knowing that love for this world would injure their Paradise. Hence, they faced trials and every hardship with the knowledge that a weighty judgement was yet to come and a full compensation yet to be paid - so they had hope and fear in Allah, without exaggerated optimism or disparity.
"O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to march forth in the cause of Allah [ie. Jihaad] you cling heavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? [Soorah at-Taubah (9):38]
Regarding the shaheed (martyr), the Prophet (SAW) said:
"Nobody who enters Paradise will (ever like to) return to this world, even if be were offered everything on the surface of the earth, except the martyr who will desire to return to this world and be killed ten times for the sake of the great honour that has been bestowed upon him." [Saheeh Muslim (eng. trans. vol.3 p.1045 no.4635)]
Let us see how these words affected the hearts and lives of the Companions, as we reflect upon one Companion in particular, who was guaranteed Paradise, Talhah ibn 'Ubaidullaah..
"Whoever wishes to look upon a martyr walking the face of the earth, then let him look upon Talhah ibn 'Ubaidullaah." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi & al-Haakim]
The Prophet (SAW) said to Talhah when his fingers were struck by arrows in protecting the Prophet (SAW) at Uhud, as he let out an exclamation of pain:
"If you had said. 'In the name of Allah', then the Angels would have raised you up while the people were looking on at you."
(And in another narration he added): until they entered you into the sky." [Sunan an-Nasaai. The addition is from al-Baihaaqee]
"Talhah is one who has fulfilled his term." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi].
Which means that he has exhausted his allotted time in the path of Allah there remaining nothing between him and death - thus he is as one killed already, although still alive. These are the best of people, those whose belief is manifest in their actions, to whom Allah and His Messenger (SAW) are more beloved than the world and all it contains.
"But truly the home of the Hereafter is the actual life, if only they knew." [Soorah al-Ankabut (29):64]
"We have reminder upon reminder, about how nations before us were destroyed and a common sickness which they were plagued with was 'love of this world'. Regarding the Jews, who claim to be the best of all people and inheritors of the Promised Land, Allah says:
"And verily you will find them the greediest of mankind and [even greedier] than those who do not believe in Resurrection [i.e. the idolaters]. Every one of them wishes that he could be given a life of a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little from [due] punishment. And Allah is all-Seer of what they do." Soorah al-Baqarah (2):96
If these people who spend their time in heedlessness and negligence, and futile desires, and the best part of their time being when they sleep or are inactive - then death is better than life. And we say to them:
'Time is the most precious thing which you take care of, and I see it to be the easiest for you to lose" "….. and the worst regret is regret on the Day of Resurrection....and the fortunate one is the one who takes admonition from others.." [From the famous khutbah (sermon) of the Companion, Ibn Mas'ood which has been recorded in al-Musannaf of Ibn Abee Shaibah (vol.7 no. 106)]
"Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler." [Saheeh al-Bukhari vol.8, p.284, no.425]
Does a traveler waste his time in gathering that which is of no benefit for his journey?
Or does he immediately select that which shall facilitate him to reach his goal?
In the same way, we too must get into the good habit of striving to do as much as we can today and everyday, not putting off things for tomorrow, or after exams, or marriage, or the age of sixty. . !
"If you survive till the evening do nor expect to be alive in the morning and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening. And take from your health for your sickness and [take] from your life for your death." [Saheeh al-Bukhari vol.8, p.284, no.425]
"And die not except in a state of Islaam" Soorah al-Imran (3):102
So we keep our hearts moistened and alive with remembrance of Allah, and we remember death in order to remember the Hereafter, and finally we close with a citation from Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee
“O my soul, it is not except a few days patience, As if her extent were a few dreams. O my soul pass quickly on through this world, And leave it, For indeed life lies ahead of it."
Death is not the absolute end. It is just the discontinuation of unity between the body and soul. It is a change from one state to another and a transition from this present life to that of the hereafter. The purpose of our existence is the worship of Allah as mentioned in the Book of Allah:
"And I [Allah] created not the Jinns and Men except that they should worship Me [alone]" Soorah az-Zariyat (51): 56
This life, which we are living, is the testing ground for which there shall be only two consequences, Paradise or Hellfire. Unfortunately more than often we disregard death, as we are so attached to this world and the love of which has been established in our hearts.
"Certainly, they see it as distant, but We see it as near" Soorah al-Ma'arij (70): 6-7
Death only becomes a reality when a close beloved one dies. The heart feels heavy, the eyes shed tears and there is, at that moment, a present fear of death. If we were to spend even a single moment each day thinking about death, it would bring forth many concerns? The greatest being our Hereafter:
"He Who has created death and life, that He may test you, which of you is best in deed." Al-Mulk (67):21
So we stop and consider what we are doing with our time and where we are heading, and then realize that much of it is wasted in light talk, in laughing, in pursuing that which is not going to benefit our Hereafter. One of the Salaf said:
"Three characteristics are from Iman (Faith): Modesty, Chastity and Withholding of the tongue, not the withholding of the heart and actions. These are things which cause gain in the Hereafter and loss in this life, and what is gained in the next life is greater than what is lost in this world." [Re ported by Abdur-Razzaaq in his Musannaf from A'oon ibn 'Abdullaah]
"This World in comparison with the world to come is just like one of you putting his finger in the sea. Let him consider what it returns with.” Saheeh Muslim (Eng. vol.4 p.l486 no.6843 )
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) explained how this world is not even worth the wing of a mosquito! And how small is a mosquito, and then the wing of a mosquito- so what is the worth of the world we run after and are dearly attached to?
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) referred to death as 'the destroyer of desires." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah & Nasaai]
Because when each one of us remembers the awesome reality of death and what is to follow after that, our present desires and wordy concerns seem so insignificant and futile, and the life of the Hereafter becomes our goal and we become interested in the means to attain that goal. We find that the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) excelled on this point and were not deluded by the amusements of this world, knowing that love for this world would injure their Paradise. Hence, they faced trials and every hardship with the knowledge that a weighty judgement was yet to come and a full compensation yet to be paid - so they had hope and fear in Allah, without exaggerated optimism or disparity.
"O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to march forth in the cause of Allah [ie. Jihaad] you cling heavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? [Soorah at-Taubah (9):38]
Regarding the shaheed (martyr), the Prophet (SAW) said:
"Nobody who enters Paradise will (ever like to) return to this world, even if be were offered everything on the surface of the earth, except the martyr who will desire to return to this world and be killed ten times for the sake of the great honour that has been bestowed upon him." [Saheeh Muslim (eng. trans. vol.3 p.1045 no.4635)]
Let us see how these words affected the hearts and lives of the Companions, as we reflect upon one Companion in particular, who was guaranteed Paradise, Talhah ibn 'Ubaidullaah..
"Whoever wishes to look upon a martyr walking the face of the earth, then let him look upon Talhah ibn 'Ubaidullaah." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi & al-Haakim]
The Prophet (SAW) said to Talhah when his fingers were struck by arrows in protecting the Prophet (SAW) at Uhud, as he let out an exclamation of pain:
"If you had said. 'In the name of Allah', then the Angels would have raised you up while the people were looking on at you."
(And in another narration he added): until they entered you into the sky." [Sunan an-Nasaai. The addition is from al-Baihaaqee]
"Talhah is one who has fulfilled his term." [Sunan at-Tirmidhi].
Which means that he has exhausted his allotted time in the path of Allah there remaining nothing between him and death - thus he is as one killed already, although still alive. These are the best of people, those whose belief is manifest in their actions, to whom Allah and His Messenger (SAW) are more beloved than the world and all it contains.
"But truly the home of the Hereafter is the actual life, if only they knew." [Soorah al-Ankabut (29):64]
"We have reminder upon reminder, about how nations before us were destroyed and a common sickness which they were plagued with was 'love of this world'. Regarding the Jews, who claim to be the best of all people and inheritors of the Promised Land, Allah says:
"And verily you will find them the greediest of mankind and [even greedier] than those who do not believe in Resurrection [i.e. the idolaters]. Every one of them wishes that he could be given a life of a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little from [due] punishment. And Allah is all-Seer of what they do." Soorah al-Baqarah (2):96
If these people who spend their time in heedlessness and negligence, and futile desires, and the best part of their time being when they sleep or are inactive - then death is better than life. And we say to them:
'Time is the most precious thing which you take care of, and I see it to be the easiest for you to lose" "….. and the worst regret is regret on the Day of Resurrection....and the fortunate one is the one who takes admonition from others.." [From the famous khutbah (sermon) of the Companion, Ibn Mas'ood which has been recorded in al-Musannaf of Ibn Abee Shaibah (vol.7 no. 106)]
"Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler." [Saheeh al-Bukhari vol.8, p.284, no.425]
Does a traveler waste his time in gathering that which is of no benefit for his journey?
Or does he immediately select that which shall facilitate him to reach his goal?
In the same way, we too must get into the good habit of striving to do as much as we can today and everyday, not putting off things for tomorrow, or after exams, or marriage, or the age of sixty. . !
"If you survive till the evening do nor expect to be alive in the morning and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening. And take from your health for your sickness and [take] from your life for your death." [Saheeh al-Bukhari vol.8, p.284, no.425]
"And die not except in a state of Islaam" Soorah al-Imran (3):102
So we keep our hearts moistened and alive with remembrance of Allah, and we remember death in order to remember the Hereafter, and finally we close with a citation from Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee
“O my soul, it is not except a few days patience, As if her extent were a few dreams. O my soul pass quickly on through this world, And leave it, For indeed life lies ahead of it."
Twenty causes of forgiveness of future sins
As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu
1."That is the grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He pleases. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty." [57:21]1. Perfecting ones ablutionNo worshipper perfects his ablution except that his past and future sins are forgiven. [Hasan, al-Bazzaar]
2. Fasting the month of Ramadan with belief and seeking Allahs reward"Whoever fasts Ramadhan out of Iman and seeking Allahs reward then his past and future sins are forgiven." [Hasan, Ahmad]
3. Performing the night prayer in Ramadan with belief and seeking Allahs reward"Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramadan out of Iman and seeking Allahs reward then his past and future sins are forgiven." [Saheeh an-Nasaai.]
4. Performing the night prayer on the Night of Qadar with belief and seeking Allahs reward"It (Laylatul-Qadr) is in Ramadan, and expect it in the last ten days; it is on an odd night: on the 21st, or the 23rd, or the 25th, or the 27th, or the 29th, or on the last night (of Ramadan). He who performs the night prayer on it out of belief and seeking Allah's reward his past and future sins are forgiven." [Ahmad]]
5. Praising and thanking Allah after eating and putting ones clothes on. Whoever ate a food and then said, Praise be to Allah who has fed me this food and provided it for me, without any strength or power on my part, is forgiven his past [and future*] sins. And whoever wears a garment and says, Praise be to Allah who has clothed me with this (garment) and provided it for me, without any strength or power on my part, is forgiven his past and future sins. [Bukhari, Abu Dawud]
6. Getting old in IslamNo one reaches forty years in Islam except that Allah protects him from madness, leprosy and leucoderma. When he is fifty, Allah makes easy his reckoning. When he reaches sixty, Allah grants him repentance. And when he reaches seventy, Allah loves him and the inhabitants of the heavens love him. And when he reaches eighty, Allah accepts his good deeds and overlooks his sins. When he reaches ninety, Allah forgives his past and future sins, he is named the prisoner of Allah on earth and is granted intercession (for forgiveness) for his family. [Hasan, Ibn `Asakir]
7. Leaving the following: performing ruqya (curing with Quran), seeking having ruqya performed on one, cauterization, believing in bad omens.Narrated Ibn Abbas(RA) the Messenger(SAW) said, I was told: These are your people and amongst them there are seventy thousand who shall enter Paradise without being taken to either account or torment. 'They are those who do not make Ruqya nor seek it, nor believe in bad omens, but trust in their Lord (Allah).' [Bukhari and Muslim]
8. Whose two or three children die and he remains patientWhoever buries three children, Allah will forbid the Fire for him. [Saheeh, Tabarani]There are no two Muslim parents whose three children die before reaching puberty except that Allah will enter them into Paradise due to His mercy to the children. It will be said to them, Enter the Paradise, so they will say, Not until our parents enter first. It will be said, Enter the Paradise you and your parents. [Ahmad, an-Nasaai]Whoever practises ihtasaba (remains content and patient after the death of) three of his offspring will enter Jannah. A woman said, What about two? He said, And two. [Saheeh, an-Nasaai]To no woman three children die and she remains patient and content, except that she will enter Jannah. Or two (children). [Muslim]
9. Who raises three daughters or sisters and is nice to themThere is no one from my Ummah who takes care of three daughters or three sisters, and is nice to them, except that they will be a veil (protection) for him from the Fire. [Saheeh, al-Bayhaqi and Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab]
10. Defending the honor of a MuslimWhoever defends the honor of his brother in absence has the right over Allah to be freed from the Fire. [Saheeh Ahmad, al-Tabarani]
11. Sincerity to AllahNo servant who says la ilaha ill Allah, seeking the pleasure of Allah, will reach the Day of Judgment, except that Allah will forbid the Fire for him. [Ahmad, al-Bukhari] Hafidh Ibn Hajr said, Its not like that (i.e. not entering the Fire at all) for everyone who believed in tawheed and worshipped, but it is specific for the sincere, and sincerity (ikhlas) requires the realization of its meaning by the heart. One cannot imagine that the heart will reach that while persisting upon sins, as the heart would be filled with the love and fear of Allah, whereupon limbs will embark upon obedience and leave disobedience.
12. Crying out of fear of AllahNo man who cried out of fear of Allah will enter the Fire until the milk returns to the udder, and dust in the path of Allah (jihad) and the smoke of the Fire cannot go together. [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi]
13. Performing the prayer in congregation for forty days while reaching the opening takbeerWhoever prays to Allah for four days in congregation, reaching the opening takbeer, will have two written for him: freedom from the Fire and freedom from hypocrisy. [Hasan. at-Tirmidhi]
14. Being consistent in praying four rak`ats before Dhuhr and after itWhoever is consistent in praying four units of prayer before Dhuhr and four
at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, al-Hakim who authenticated it. Al-Albaniauthenticated it in Saheeh al-Jaami` (6195)]
15. Being consistent in praying before sunrise and before sunset.No one will enter Fire who prays before sunrise and after sunset. [Ahmad,Muslim, Abu Dawud, an-Nasaai] Meaning, Fajr and `Asr prayers.
16. Dust of JihadThe dust of Jihad and the smoke of the Fire will never coexist within aservant, and greed and Iman will never coexist in the heart of a servant.[Saheeh. An-Nasaai and al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak. Authenticated by al-Albaniin Saheeh al-Jaami` (7616)]17. Killing a mushrik in warA kafir and one who killed him will never be together in the Fire.[Muslim, Abu Dawud]
18. Good characterWhoever is easy-going, easy to deal with and kindhearted, Allah will forbidthe Fire for him. [Saheeh. Al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak, al-Bayhaqi,at-Tabarani. Al-Albani authenticated it in Saheeh al-Jaami` (6484)]
19. Freeing slavesWhoever frees a believing slave it will be his salvation from the Fire.[Saheeh. Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasaai. Authenticated by al-Albani (6050)]
20. Salat ut-Tasbeeh (Tasbeeh Prayer)There is an unusual difference of opinion about this one. Scholars havegreatly differed about the authenticity of the relevant narrations, withtheir rulings ranging from fabricated to authentic. In a narration,Al-Mustamir ar-Rayan relates, Whoever prays it will be forgiven his pastand future sins, what he did secretly and what he did openly. [Mentioned byIbn Hajar in Ma`rifat al-Khisal al-Mukaffirah, p. 48, who said it was Hasandue to supporting narrations. Allah knows best
after it, Fire will be forbidden for him. [Saheeh. Abu Dawood]]
15. Being consistent in praying before sunrise and before sunset.No one will enter Fire who prays before sunrise and after sunset. [Ahmad, Muslim] - meaning the Fajr and `Asr prayers.
16. Dust of JihadThe dust of Jihad and the smoke of the Fire will never coexist within a servant, and greed and Iman will never coexist in the heart of a servant. [Saheeh An-Nasaai]
17. Killing a mushrik in warA kafir and one who killed him will never be together in the Fire. [Muslim, Abu Dawud]
18. Good characterWhoever is easy-going, easy to deal with and kindhearted, Allah will forbid the Fire for him. [Saheeh. Al-Hakim]]
19. Freeing slavesWhoever frees a believing slave it will be his salvation from the Fire. [Saheeh Ahmad]
20. Salat ut-Tasbeeh (Tasbeeh Prayer)There is an unusual difference of opinion about this one. Scholars have greatly differed about the authenticity of the relevant narrations, with their rulings ranging from fabricated to authentic. In a narration, Al-Mustamir ar-Rayan relates, Whoever prays it will be forgiven his past and future sins, what he did secretly and what he did openly. [Mentioned by Ibn Hajar in Ma`rifat al-Khisal al-Mukaffirah, Allah knows best.]
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