CONTINUOUS BLESSINGS AFTER DEATH

SOME QUALITIES OF A TRUE BELEVIER

DON'T BE ARROGANT DUE TO PIETY AND KNOWLEDGE 

Today we remind ourselves of a topic that affects all of us. It originates from the creation of mankind, the topic of arrogance. It is very misunderstood yet found in so many people today. We tend to think that the most common cause of arrogance is wealth, but history teaches us otherwise. A major contributor to arrogance is piety. Don’t you realize so many people who consider themselves pious are arrogant? The more some people pray, the more arrogant they become, and they think that they are better than everyone else.

The same goes for knowledge. When people think that they are more knowledgeable than others, have a degree or a doctorate, they walk with arrogance. Piety and Knowledge are not SIGNS of arrogance, but we are saying pious people can ALSO be arrogant. Many who try to be pious without knowledge, their ignorance causes them to act arrogant. It is interesting to know that knowledge can bring about humility when used in the right way.

So how does this relate to the origin of creation? In a summary of Surah Baqarah vs 31-34, when Allah (SWT) was about to cream Adam (AS), the angels ask why Allah (SWT) would create another creature that would cause chaos and corruption upon the earth. Allah (SWT) said, “I know what you know not” and the angels humbly accepted. Allah (SWT) created and educated Adam (AS), not just the name of everything but placed in him the capability of knowledge and thinking. Allah (SWT) commanded the angels and jins to bow to Adam (AS) and Iblis refused. This was the original quality of arrogance due to Iblis thinking he had knowledge and piety, and because of this Iblis strives to make us feel the same.

Let us remember that the Prophet (SAW) reminds us that if a person has a mustard seed of arrogance in them, they won’t be able to go to Jannah directly but will have to go to Jahannam first.  Let us not waste our time and lose our efforts in the path of Allah to arrogance. Seek refuge in Allah (SWT) whenever we begin having these types of thoughts that we are better than others.

This applies to arrogance in all forms. In the same sense, others with wealth and possessions think that they are better than others. Some think their strength makes them better and others their beauty. We must be careful of these thoughts. The Prophet (SAW) warned us against dressing with arrogance and even went as far as recommending that the sahabas take care of sheep which helps develop humility. We are permitted to enjoy from the bounties of Allah in that we can dress, look and smell nice once we do not develop the mindset that we are better than others.

If we have something, it is of the bounties of Allah (SWT), if we are beautiful, it is from Allah and if we have knowledge, it is from Allah (SWT). We should use this opportunity to be more grateful to Allah and become humbler. Allah (SWT) tells us that his true worshippers are those who walk and act humbly upon the Earth.

THE ANGEL OF DEATH AND OUR SOULS

HAPPINESS IN MARRIAGE

COMPETITION & WORLDLY DECEPTION

Allah reminds us that in this worldly life is a life of deception. Allah has no problem with necessities and having a career but when it gets into extravagance, competition, and waste, it becomes an issue. Allah says in the Qur’an, Surah Takathur (Chapter 102): “Competition for more gains diverts you from Allah, until you end up in your graves. But no! You will soon come to know.Again, no! You will soon come to know. Indeed, if you were to know your fate with certainty, you would have acted differently. But you will surely see the Hellfire. Again, you will surely see it with the eye of certainty.Then, on that Day; you will definitely be questioned about your worldly pleasures.”Allah talks about how people compete in worldly matters and reality only hits us when we die. We do not pay heed. We regret that we wasted our lives boasting and we only realize when it is too late. Allah repeats it over and over that true understanding of our situation will only hit most of us after we die. The full reality will hit when we realize the business and family we boasted about would not be with us in the grave while they were the very things distracting us from ibadah while we were alive. People have knowledge but do not have faith of what they know. On the day of judgement Allah will ask us concerning all of his favours to us and how we’ve used them. Can we imagine how we will give account when Allah asks us not just about our money but how we used the intelligence he gave us or if we used our skills to do good? May Allah allow us to realize the reality of our situation and what we’ve learned in the Qur’an and Sunnah before it’s too late?

WE SHOULD NOT MIS-REPRESENT QUR’AAN & SUNNAH

YOU ARE BLESSED DONT MISS OUT ON ALLAAH SWT MERCY 

In the Holy Quran (2:185)

The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.

Allah refers to the Qur’an as a guide for the entire mankind and makes things clear. It can guide us between right and wrong and give us a better judgement between right and wrong. In addition to the good deeds that we should be doing, we should also spend time in the Qur’an.

Every chapter in the Qur’an besides surah Tauba begins with Bismillah. It means to begin in the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. Allah has 99 attributes, but he uses the same to begin every surah.

It is out of Allah’s mercy that he forgives us and saves us from the fire of hell. Not our fasting, salaat and Hajj that gives us Jannah. One man can pray for 40 years and still sin so much that he gets nothing out of it. One man can accept islam and die instantly and be forgiven due to the mercy of Allah. Without praying a single salaat, he can go to Jannah. Allah’s mercy is beyond our comprehension.

In his book, Allah reminds us constantly of his mercy. In the hadith, Rasool (s.a.w.) tells us how Allah says his mercy exceeds his anger. Every day, every minute and moment we receive the mercy of Allah. Let us not lose this opportunity. We constantly listen to surah Rahman.

The prophet (s.a.w.) says that out of Allah’s mercy, only 1% has been dedicated to this world. 99% Allah has kept for the akhirah. We think we live in good homes and drive nice cars. This is not even a fraction of what Allah’s mercy in this world.

If all the wealthy people in the world were to take all their money, put it together and give it in charity, it would still not make up 1% of Allah’s mercy. It still would not be able to give live. The life we live, the air we breathe, the sun, the moon, the fishes, the mountains, everything we have in this life, all the human kind and animal kingdom put together does not even equal 1% of Allah’s mercy. Could you then imagine the mercy of Allah? We cannot perceive it.

We should not think that our charity is anything compared to the mercy of Allah. Allah says that when we give charity, we should not follow it with injury. Some people give charity and proceed to talk down, embarrass and insult the person receiving it. This is forbidden. Allah gives to even those who don’t worship him without this.

Allah’s mercy is beyond our imagination. Do not lose out on this! Use every opportunity to gain the mercy of Allah! We hear the kind of blessings we get for praying salaat in jamaat, we hear the blessings we get to pray in Saudi Arabia.

Everything we can do, Qur’an, salaat, charity, ibaadah, let us take this opportunity before we are in desperate need of it.

ALLAH ALONE HAS CONTROL OVER LIFE AND DEATH

There was a conference where the overall theme was medicine and medical students would bring their questions on God, religion and science. These were the future physicians so there were talks about religious diets, male and female interaction, euthanasia etc but there was one interesting question: “What would you advise a physician who has tried everything, but the patient still died?”

The response was “I think that question answers itself”. “That is the beautiful proof in itself that if the doctor with all the inventions and medical knowledge cannot save the patient, then God is truly in control”

It doesn’t matter our knowledge, our abilities etc. We believe that Allah has written the lifespan of a person. It doesn’t matter what we do, we cannot extend life, but we can treat patients to make them healthier. Allah created us and the food around us. The Prophet (s.a.w.) tells us of a healthy life, for us to eat healthy. The Qur’an tells us of the food Allah provides but death is a totally different concept.

We eat processed food because we get it in our time, and we wish to ignore the different seasons for different fruits and vegetables that could prevent us from illnesses. There is a quote about “Eat healthy food as a medicine otherwise we will eventually eat our medicine as our food”. Islam is beneficial for our health, but we do not practice this. We should make effort for our health but at the end of the day, Allah is in charge.

Life and death are from the signs of Allah for us to understand that he is in control.

Chapter 25, vs 3:

“And they will not have control over death nor life nor resurrection”

Whatever we become, it’s important to hold on to our faith in Allah so we do not become like those doctors who get frustrated when their patients die despite them

Another interesting verse:

Chapter 36, vs 68-69

“And he to whom We grant long life We reverse in creation; so, will they not understand?”

Human beings should ponder over the fact that when Allah gives long life to someone, he brings back deterioration in that person. He brings him back to how he was in the beginning as a baby. There is a famous English saying “Once a man, twice a child”. When you’re a baby, you have legs but can’t walk, a tongue but can’t walk, hands but can’t feed yourself etc. It doesn’t matter our wealth, knowledge, science or degree we have.

There is an interesting quote “As you go up in life (with your degrees, wealth, success), do not look down at people as one day when we are coming down, they will be going up”

Let us be realistic and have faith in Allah. This is the reality of life.

SATAN MISLEADING PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT SINCERE

WHY DISUNTE OVER MAWLID/MEELAD

Majority of scholars have agreed that the Prophet (S.A.W.) was born on the 12^th of Rabbiul Awwal. It is wise to remind ourselves about him. He was Rahamatul-lil-Aalameen (Mercy to mankind)

 “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Chapter 21 vs. 107)

He was a universal messenger.

On the 12^th of Rabbiul Awwal the Muslim world is in conflict. It is not about the birth of the Prophet (S.A.W.) or that we must love him but as to whether or not to celebrate his (S.A.W.) birthday. Millions of Muslims criticize and condemn each other, calling each other Kuffar (Disbelievers) over this. Muslims kill each other in countries that have top Qur’aanic reciters and the best Islamic universities in the world. Some scholars even teach Muslims to defame and destroy others.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) says “One of the signs of the Day of Judgement will be that people will be reciting Qur’aan but it will reach up to their throats and go no further.”

The Hadith speaks of people who talk about the Qur’aan and recite it but do not follow the teachings and rulings that Allah has prescribed for Mankind to follow. Nations that came before us were destroyed in similar manners because they neglected what Allah has instructed them do. Ultimately, Muslims will eventually destroy ourselves. Historically, Muslim groups have killed more Muslims than anyone else. Rasool (S.A.W.) warned us that this would happen and today we are seeing it happen before our eyes.

So how could we fight over the birth of the Prophet (S.A.W.)?

Groups kill each other over differences in opinion and these are the same Muslims who want to try to straighten America yet we can’t even straighten our own homes.

“And We have not sent you but unto the whole of mankind, a Bearer of glad tidings and a Warner, but most of the people do not know (it).” (Chapter 34 vs 28)

Muslims worship Allah (SWT) alone but are taught to love the Rasool (S.A.W.). We should love him more than we love our own selves, parents and spouses. Hazrat Umar (RA) spoke about how much he loves the Rasool (S.A.W.) yet hadn’t had complete Imaan until he loved the Rasool (S.A.W.) more than he loved himself.

“If you love Allah (SWT) then follow Rasool (S.A.W.)” (Ch 3 vs 31)

We can’t follow him if we do not love him. One of his titles was Habibullah. The beloved of Allah (SWT).

Issues are on the rise which are causing people to refrain from attending their local masjid. Masjids today have become a place of disunity. We should allow the love of the Rasool (S.A.W.) to bring us together, not separate us when one masjid celebrates Mawlid and the other doesn’t.

Presidential candidates have the bitterest debates but when it comes to the inauguration and laws of the nation, they unite and work together. They debate and hate but in the end they still unite.

Because of differences in opinions, Muslims refuse to greet their fellow Muslims, shake their hands, and pray with them to the same God we all pray to. This is the work of Shaytaan disuniting the Ummah.

 “Certainly Allah (SWT) and his angels send salutation upon the prophet (S.A.W.). All of you who believe, send salutations upon him.” (Chapter 33 vs 56)

We must present salutations on the prophet (S.A.W.) especially on Fridays as it reaches him immediately. Special angels are appointed for this duty.

Today groups claim to do certain actions out of love for the Rasool (S.A.W.) and others claim to avoid these same actions out of love. Both sides present Daleel (proof).

For those who don’t celebrate Mawlid, they cite the fact that the Prophet (S.A.W.) didn’t do it. This does not mean that they do not love him (S.A.W.) and we have no right to call them Kuffar.

On the other hand, there are people who go beyond the limits in celebrations but this also doesn’t make them Kuffar. We should be people of the middle path.

This should not be used as an excuse to avoid the masjids and our brothers and sisters in Islam. This disunity, hate and enmity should not exist. If someone says they love the Rasool (S.A.W.) and wants to invite others to talk about the Rasool (S.A.W.), it should not be discouraged. We should do this every day so nothing is wrong with doing it at this time. The Prophet (S.A.W.) didn’t do it but didn’t forbid us. We have an issue if people go to extravagance. So many disasters against Islam and Muslims yet we fight over this issue.

 “Do not be like those people who after they have been educated and have received clear signs, make divisions. And the people who make division, for them is a very dreadful punishment” (Chapter 3 vs 105)

People take pride in dividing the Ummah over the love for the Rasool (S.A.W.). The one who united people. When Hind and her servant killed Hamza (RA), his uncle, she took his organs and chewed it out of hate for the Muslims. When they accepted Islam, the Prophet never said a bad word to them. He never called them Kuffar or made enemies out of them. People chased him and wanted to kill him. When he conquered Makkah, he was merciful to them. This proves that something is wrong with us as some of us seem to be filled with pride and ego. We think we’re better Muslims due to our lineage and culture but we are nothing in the sight of Allah (SWT).       

Hazrat Umar RA Narrated an incident in Bukhari. There was a man named Abdullah whose nickname was “Donkey” and who drank alcohol often. Because he was always punished and beaten for drinking, one day in front of the Prophet (S.A.W.), a man said to the Sahabas “This man is always punished and always drinking.” and called the Prophet (S.A.W.) to curse him with the punishment of Allah (SWT).

This man was drinking alcohol which is clearly haram yet the prophet (S.A.W.) forbade them by saying “Do not curse him for by Allah (SWT). I know that this man loves Allah (SWT) and his Messenger”. He (S.A.W.) The man was still punished for drinking but was not cursed. People make the smallest of mistakes and hypocrites call them kuffar and hate them. Are we better than the Rasool (S.A.W.)? Whose Islam do we follow when we divide the Ummah and curse each other? Let’s not fool ourselves.

In conclusion, make a promise to yourselves that starting from today that you will avoid backbiting and slandering. We should not curse each other regardless of how we show love of the Rasool (S.A.W.). The Rasool (S.A.W.) loved people. He would smile and laugh and was a mercy to the entire mankind. We call each other Kaafir and try to destroy each other.

May we come together in the obedience of Allah (SWT) and for the love of the Rasool (S.A.W.).

GIVING CHARITY HAS MORE BLESSINGS WHEN ONE IS ALIVE & HEALTHY

Stick to her [his mother] for indeed Jannah lies beneath her feet.’  In the commentary of this particular Ahadith, Rasoolullah SAW has said that “Curse be upon that individual who does not use his/her parents as an opportunity to enter Jannah!  In MANY Ahadiths, the Rasool SAW of ALLAH SWT has reminded us abundantly about His love and connection to His parents despite losing His father 6 months before His birth.

There is Ahadith of Rasoolullah SAW mentioning seven deeds that benefit us after we have passed away. 

1) Knowledge that we teach and spread

2) When we leave a righteous child who does good deeds

3) The pages of the Qur’an that person a leaves and people can benefit from

4) Building masjids

5) Building a place where people can sleep and rest

6) Building a well, or opening a stream of water

7) Lastly, that person who gives sadaqah/charity while he/she is in good health. (Fee Sabeelillah)

In the Qur’an, in Surah Al-Anbiya 21:35

Every person shall taste death!  This ayat is a prime example of our imaan, and what is promised by ALLAH SWT.  Every soul SHALL taste death.  However, how can we benefit when this promise is upheld by ALLAH SWT.  Seven benefits are mentioned by Rasoolullah SAW. Interesting enough, the topic of parents and death are so interesting that each and every single one of us are tied into each topic.  Parents and death are given every soul in this earth despite your beliefs. Definitely we all have parents, and definitely we will all pass away one day.  The most interesting thing is that; Do we pay heed to the versus of this Qur’an?  Rasoolullah SAW has mentioned umpteen times to remind ourselves of death in great quantity.  The point is how many of us really pay heed to this warning?  Rasoolullah SAW recommended the remembrance of death as a form of soul purification.  It is natural phenomenon because we have been created from goodness, and that goodness will look forward to meet its Creator, ALLAH SWT one day, whom we know we MUST meet. It will also produce an inner fright and fear to avoid sins in order to prevent the distraction of the connection between ourselves and ALLAH SWT. It will produce the fear of punishment of the grave. On one occasion, Hadrat Uthman RA went by the graveyard and cried so much that the tears dripped down onto his beard.  The witnessing Sahabas asked why are you crying so much? Death is but a natural reality and the day of judgment would be far more dreadful.  Hadrat Uthman said that he recalls that Rasoolullah SAW said that the grave is the first stop in the journey after death. Once Rasoolullah SAW stopped a woman from going to the graveyard, and this Ahadith is misapplied by authorities. That was an isolated, exclusive incident particularly for that specific woman.  She was stopped because that particular woman was crying and grieving beyond the normal limitations and because of her over passionate fervent wailing and weeping, the Rasool (SAW) of Allah SWT stopped her from visiting the grave.  Subsequently, it was clarified by Rasoolullah SAW that men and women should visit the graveyards!  If women are not allowed to visit the cemetery, how would they benefit from the reminder of the first step of the journey after death?  Hence, it is advocated to see the reality of this life.  It is advocated to see how lonely this piece of land (grave) really is, despite your wealth, your fame and name.  However, there ARE some fiqh considerations of mixing the genders during the burial etc. When we hear of the virtues of making dua and doing good for your parents and loved ones once they have passed away, do we pay heed to this?  Truly a reminder benefits the believers.  The believers are those who have imaan.  Who are the people with imaan?  The Qur’an answers this my brothers/sisters in Surah Anfal 8:2 Only the believers (are) those who when Allah is mentioned feel fear their hearts, and when are recited to them His Verses, they increase them (in) faith, and upon their Lord they put their trust. We all claim to be believers by name, by county, by praying salah, by fasting, by performing Hajj, by giving zakat, and we truly think we have imaan.  When Allah SWT is being mentioned, when Allah SWT commands and verses are being mentioned, their hearts tremble.  Fear comes into their hearts and they tremble!  Does the reminder of Allah SWT and HIS (SWT) Rasool (SAW) bring fear into your hearts?!  Are we really obeying the commands?  When Allah SWT is being mentioned the fear is brought into their hearts, and when the verses are being recited their imaan gets stronger.  The faith of such people are strengthened by do we do when we hear the commands and the words of Allah SWT?  Excuses are presented in every way to apply why we shouldn’t pay heed.  If you have strong imaan, your imaan will only get stronger.  If you weak imaan, your imaan will only get weaker.  The three things are mentioned in this ayat is when Allah SWT is mentioned, 1) your hearts tremble, 2) their imaan gets stronger, 3) lastly such people will put their trust in Allah SWT.  When we hear what Allah SWT commands to do and what not do.  When we hear when Allah SWT commands, and we do not fulfill HIS SWT command, that is a sign of weak imaan.  That is the synopsis of this verse.  We only obey the commands of Allah SWT purely for the sake of Allah SWT, not worrying about what society will think of us. Technology has come so far that being reminded isn’t a problem.  So many texts, so many emails, so many websites, so many you-tube videos, so much Qur’an apps on our phones, MASHALLAAH! Do we develop fear of Allah SWT, elevate our imaan and to follow the Sunnah of our Beloved Rasool SAW?  It does not matter what knowledge you have on your phones, how many books you have in your home, it does not benefit us unless we pay heed to it’s teachings, and extract imaan from them and implement them into our hearts and lives.  The Arabs had the Rasool SAW of Allah SWT. It didn’t make them better.  If we don’t pay heed to the commands of Allah SWT, and HIS (SWT) Rasool SAW, then we are no better than the disbelievers during the time of the Prophet SAW!  Allah SWT judges based on your imaan, and purity of your heart.  When we start obeying and practicing, that is when our imaan starts to increase. In another ayat, Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69 - And those who strive for Us, We will surely, guide them (to) Our ways. And indeed, Allah surely (is) with the good-doers. Those who strive to do good things for the sake of Allah SWT, then Allah SWT opens ways to much more good.  So one good deed leads to another good deed.  As long as you make the intention to do good, Allah SWT opens the doors and removes the barriers from you succeeding in that goodness.  Our lifestyle, our businesses, our families will come in the path of Allah SWT however, we must make that effort!  Lastly, Allah SWT says that when we strive to do good, then Allah SWT is with us!  Allah SWT will be our protector, our guard, our companion.  So why are we not prompt to obey the commands of Allah SWT?  Why do we prolong in doing good?  Why do we procrastinate and make excuses when Allah SWT is promising us guidance and companionship and success in this life and the hereafter?!  That is why we fail, because we have confidence, and reliance on people, and wealth and not Allah SWT.  The more good we do, the more our sins will fall away.  Rasoolullah SAW once asked His sahabas, “if there is a river in front of your home and you were to take a bath in that river 5x’s a day, would there be any dirt on you? The Sahabas answered “no”.  “Similarly if we pray our salah 5x’s a day, our sins will be washed away like the dirt being washed in that river”.  So similarly if we have shortcomings, and we don’t make a change the sin becomes stagnant and will not eradicate from our hearts.  Why do we stop ourselves from participating in goodness altogether?  When Allah SWT has given you so much health, bounties, wealth? Does Allah SWT stop giving? No! Then, why do we limit ourselves to give back in HIS SWT cause?!  We make millions of excuses and go break the promise to Allah SWT, but Allah SWT NEVER breaks HIS (SWT) promise when HE (SWT) gives us!  Let us not be under the curse of Rasoolullah SAW, by not taking advantage of our parents, while they are alive to get into jannah.  Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother, and a fathers anger is Allah SWT’s anger.  Out of all the sins that people commit in this world, there is one sin that a person will have to be re compensated in this world before they die is: He who does not obey the commands of the Qur’an and the Sunnah pertaining to his/her parents.  They will compensate it in this world, and the hereafter.  Death is a reminder of what is inevitable.  Sadaqah jaariyah is when one continues to receive blessings after they have passed in their graves.  So brothers/sisters do good deeds so the parents that have passed away may continue to receive blessings in their graves by giving charity in their name.  Do thing Fee Sabeelillah (for the sake of Allah SWT) in their names while they are alive and healthy so they may benefit from the blessings.

GIVING CHARITY HAS MORE BLESSINGS WHEN ONE IS ALIVE AND HEALTHY 

ALHUMDULILLAH. 

Allahumma Salay Wa salim Ala Nabiyi Na Wa' Ala Alihi Wa Salimu Tasleema.

فَالْزَمْها فاِنَّ الجنّةَ تَحْتَ رِجْلَيْها ‘Stick to her [his mother] for indeed Jannah lies beneath her feet.’ 

In the commentary of this particular Ahadith, Rasoolullah SAW has said that “Curse be upon that individual who does not use his/her parents as an opportunity to enter Jannah!  In MANY Ahadiths, the Rasool SAW of ALLAH SWT has reminded us abundantly about His love and connection to His parents despite losing His father 6 months before His birth.

There is Ahadith of Rasoolullah SAW mentioning seven deeds that benefit us after we have passed away. 

1) Knowledge that we teach and spread

2) When we leave a righteous child who does good deeds

3) The pages of the Qur’an that person a leaves and people can benefit from

4) Building masjids

5) Building a place where people can sleep and rest

6) Building a well, or opening a stream of water

7) Lastly, that person who gives sadaqah/charity while he/she is in good health. (Fee Sabilillah)

In the Qur'an, in Surah Al-Anbiya 21:35

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ

Kullu nafsin tha-iqatu almawti wa nablookum bialshsharri waalkhayri fitnatan wa-ilayna turjaAAoona

Every soul (will) taste [the] death. And We test you with [the] bad and [the] good (as) a trial; and to Us you will be returned.

Every person shall taste death!  This ayat is a prime example of our imaan, and what is promised by ALLAH SWT.  Every soul SHALL taste death.  However, how can we benefit when this promise is upheld by ALLAH SWT.  Seven benefits are mentioned by Rasoolullah SAW. Interesting enough, the topic of parents and death are so interesting that each and every single one of us are tied into each topic.  Parents and death are given every soul in this earth despite your beliefs. Definitely we all have parents, and definitely we will all pass away one day.  The most interesting thing is that; Do we pay heed to the versus of this Qur’an?  Rasoolullah SAW has mentioned umpteen times to remind ourselves of death in great quantity.  The point is how many of us really pay heed to this warning?  Rasoolullah SAW recommended the remembrance of death as a form of soul purification.  It is natural phenomenon because we have been created from goodness, and that goodness will look forward to meet its Creator, ALLAH SWT one day, whom we know we MUST meet. It will also produce an inner fright and fear to avoid sins in order to prevent the distraction of the connection between ourselves and ALLAH SWT. 

It will produce the fear of punishment of the grave.

On one occasion, Hadrat Uthman RA went by the graveyard and cried so much that the tears dripped down onto his beard.  The witnessing Sahabas asked why are you crying so much? Death is but a natural reality and the day of judgment would be far more dreadful.  Hadrat Uthman said that he recalls that Rasoolullah SAW said that the grave is the first stop in the journey after death.

Once Rasoolullah SAW stopped a woman from going to the graveyard, and this Ahadith is misapplied by authorities.  That was an isolated, exclusive incident particularly for that specific woman.  She was stopped because that particular woman was crying and grieving beyond the normal limitations and because of her over passionate fervent wailing and weeping, the Rasool (SAW) of Allah SWT stopped her from visiting the grave.  Subsequently, it was clarified by Rasoolullah SAW that men and women should visit the graveyards!  If women are not allowed to visit the cemetery, how would they benefit from the reminder of the first step of the journey after death?  Hence, it is advocated to see the reality of this life.  It is advocated to see how lonely this piece of land (grave) really is, despite your wealth, your fame and name.  However, there ARE some fiqh considerations of mixing the genders during the burial etc.   

When we hear of the virtues of making dua and doing good for your parents and loved ones once they have passed away, do we pay heed to this?  Truly a reminder benefits the believers.  The believers are those who have imaan.  Who are the people with imaan?  The Qur'an answers this my brothers/sisters in Surah Anfal 8:2

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

Innama almu/minoona allatheena itha thukira Allahu wajilat quloobuhum wa-itha tuliyat AAalayhim ayatuhu zadat-hum eemanan waAAala rabbihim yatawakkaloona

Only the believers (are) those who when Allah is mentioned feel fear their hearts, and when are recited to them His Verses, they increase them (in) faith, and upon their Lord they put their trust.

We all claim to be believers by name, by county, by praying salah, by fasting, by performing Hajj, by giving zakat, and we truly think we have imaan.  When Allah SWT is being mentioned, when Allah SWT commands and verses are being mentioned, their hearts tremble.  Fear comes into their hearts and they tremble!  Does the reminder of Allah SWT and HIS (SWT) Rasool (SAW) bring fear into your hearts?!  Are we really obeying the commands?  When Allah SWT is being mentioned the fear is brought into their hearts, and when the verses are being recited their imaan gets stronger.  The faith of such people are strengthened by the remembrance of Allah SWT!  What do we do when we hear the commands and the words of Allah SWT?  Excuses are presented in every way to apply why we shouldn't pay heed.  If you have strong imaan, your imaan will only get stronger.  If you weak imaan, your imaan will only get weaker.  The three things are mentioned in this ayat is when Allah SWT is mentioned, 1) your hearts tremble, 2) their imaan gets stronger, 3) lastly such people will put their trust in Allah SWT.  When we hear what Allah SWT commands to do and what not do.  When we hear when Allah SWT commands, and we do not fulfill HIS SWT command, that is a sign of weak imaan.  That is the synopsis of this verse.  We only obey the commands of Allah SWT purely for the sake of Allah SWT, not worrying about what society will think of us.

Technology has come so far that being reminded isn't a problem.  So many texts, so many emails, so many websites, so many you-tube videos, so much Qur’an apps on our phones, MASHALLAAH!

Do we develop fear of Allah SWT, elevate our imaan and to follow the Sunnah of our Beloved Rasool SAW?  It does not matter what knowledge you have on your phones, how many books you have in your home, it does not benefit us unless we pay heed to it's teachings, and extract imaan from them and implement them into our hearts and lives.  The Arabs had the Rasool SAW of Allah SWT. It didn't make them better.  If we don't pay heed to the commands of Allah SWT, and HIS (SWT) Rasool SAW, then we are no better than the disbelievers during the time of the Prophet SAW!  Allah SWT judges based on your imaan, and purity of your heart.  When we start obeying and practicing, that is when our imaan starts to increase.

In another ayat, Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69

وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

Waallatheena jahadoo feena lanahdiyannahum subulana wa-inna Allaha lamaAAa almuhsineena

And those who strive for Us, We will surely, guide them (to) Our ways. And indeed, Allah surely (is) with the good-doers. 

Those who strive to do good things for the sake of Allah SWT, then Allah SWT opens ways to much more good.  So one good deed leads to another good deed.  As long as you make the intention to do good, Allah SWT opens the doors and removes the barriers from you succeeding in that goodness.  Our lifestyle, our businesses, our families will come in the path of Allah SWT however, we must make that effort!  Lastly, Allah SWT says that when we strive to do good, then Allah SWT is with us!  Allah SWT will be our protector, our guard, our companion. 

So why are we not prompt to obey the commands of Allah SWT?  Why do we prolong in doing good?  Why do we procrastinate and make excuses when Allah SWT is promising us guidance and companionship and success in this life and the hereafter?!  That is why we fail, because we have confidence, and reliance on people, and wealth and not Allah SWT.  The more good we do, the more our sins will fall away.  Rasoolullah SAW once asked His sahabas, “if there is a river in front of your home and you were to take a bath in that river 5x's a day, would there be any dirt on you? The Sahabas answered “no”.  “Similarly if we pray our salah 5x's a day, our sins will be washed away like the dirt being washed in that river”.  So similarly if we have shortcomings, and we don't make a change the sin becomes stagnant and will not eradicate from our hearts.  Why do we stop ourselves from participating in goodness altogether?  When Allah SWT has given you so much health, bounties, wealth? Does Allah SWT stop giving? No! Then, why do we limit ourselves to give back in HIS SWT cause?!  We make millions of excuses and go break the promise to Allah SWT, but Allah SWT NEVER breaks HIS (SWT) promise when HE (SWT) gives us! 

Let us not be under the curse of Rasoolullah SAW, by not taking advantage of our parents, while they are alive to get into jannah.  Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother, and a fathers anger is Allah SWT's anger.  Out of all the sins that people commit in this world, there is one sin that a person will have to be re compensated in this world before they die is: He who does not obey the commands of the Qur’an and the Sunnah pertaining to his/her parents.  They will compensate it in this world, and the hereafter.  Death is a reminder of what is inevitable.  Sadaqah jaariyah is when one continues to receive blessings after they have passed in their graves.  So brothers/sisters do good deeds so the parents that have passed away may continue to receive blessings in their graves by giving charity in their name.  Do thing Fee Sabeelillah (for the sake of Allah SWT) in their names while they are alive and healthy so they may benefit from the blessings.  

LIVING FOR THE HEREAFTER INSTEAD OF THE DUNYA

Summarized by Sis. R. Mohammed, Florida USA

Life is an interesting paradigm. Most of the time, we can’t wait to get through the work day, school day, family get-togethers, or whatever we’re doing. We can’t wait for end of day, for Friday, for the weekend. Sounds familiar right? It’s a repetitive pattern of life we foster. But what is lost on us is the fact we have one day less in our life, one day less to achieve our pre-ordained destiny. It is also one day closer to the grave, to the hereafter, to answer for our good and bad deeds, right? So why are we such in a rush to get the end of our lives? Have we accomplished everything we would like in this life and prepared accordingly for the hereafter? It is important to reflect every now and then, to ask ourselves the question: how do we spend our time: the days, the hours, the minutes?  The reality is we cannot extend our life more than it is written for us by Allaah (SWT).  As the years go by, it is important to understand what we’re doing with our life? In general, we tend to concentrate heavily on the materialistic aspects that make us successful in this life:  degrees, diplomats, properties, businesses, marriages? Granted, Allaah (SWT) tells us in the Qur’aan, all of these are necessities or Zarooriyat (Urdu) and to enjoy all these things. But while doing so, Allaah (SWT) also tells us don’t forget to prepare spiritually for the hereafter. Allaah tells us, recommends to us and guides us on how to invest for our life in the next life. Today, many parents only advise and prepare their children on how to succeed in this life or Dunya, but not how to succeed in the next life. The truth of matter is, if something goes wrong in this life, we can get help from various sources like our family. But if we die today, there is no one to help us through to the Jannah or heaven: no father to help his son, no wife to help her husband, children to help their parents. On the Day of Judgement, we are on our own, brothers and sisters.  And as such we are duly responsible to prepare for our judgement day. Now there is caveat or exception in this case: a child can help a parent on Judgement Day if and only if, that parent invested in having that child memorize the Qur’aan and live by Qur’aan. On the Day of Judgment, the parents of that child will wear a crown and Allaah (SWT) will intercede, and give permission to save parents. And why?Simply because the parents invested and prepared that child spiritually by learning and living by the Qur’aan. So brothers and sisters, heed the advice of Allaah (SWT) and make the necessary change. Surah Hashr, chapter 59, verses 18-21 tells us: “Oh ye who believe, do your duty to Allaah – declare Shahada, pray Salah, give Zakat, perform fast and carry out Haj”. These are basic pillars of Islam, the foundation of Islam. But it’s only the foundation. There’s a letter called “Waw” in Arabic, and it literally means “and”. So Allaah (SWT) instructs us to do our duty or carry out the five pillars of Islam. And in addition to the five pillars, we must also invest our tomorrow, that is, develop and maintain our Iman or faith and Islamic lifestyle. So on the Day of Judgment, besides the five pillars, what can we do to prepare ourselves for our tomorrow? As noted in the hadith (Bukhari / Muslim): every child is born a Muslim, in total submission to God. Some parents take their children off the path of God for the sake of the Dunya. And on the Day of Qiyamah or Judgment, those parents and children will become enemies because they were busy fighting for the Dunya. So beware parents of what you teach your children in this life: don’t prepare your children only for the Dunya, but also teach them about Allaah and the Quran, and prepare them also for the hereafter. To put things in perspective, ask yourself if you and your children are prepared to answer the following five questions on the Day of Judgement:

1. What did you do in your youth? (Did you learn the Quran etc. ?)

2. How have you spent your life? ( Did you live by five pillars of Islam and practice Iman etc.?)

3. What have you done with the knowledge I gave you? (Did teach others about Islam etc.)

4. How did you earn your money or wealth? (Was it halal or haram, did you steal from anyone etc.?)

5. How did you use your wealth that Allah gave you? (Did you give zakat, perform dawah etc.?)

According to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (Hadith reference), everyone will have to answer these five questions on the Day of Judgement. Allaah (SWT) gave us these questions ahead of the Day of Judgement so we can better prepare ourselves, brothers and sisters.

Yes, Allaah (SWT) has given us permission to enjoy the beautiful things in this world, the Dunya. But he also tells us don’t only invest in the Dunya, but make sure to prepare our children and ourselves for the hereafter and guide them on the “SiratulMustaqeem” or right path.  Live a life of Imaan. Allaah  (SWT) has provided the framework for Imaan, namely, the Qur’aan. 

PRIDE & PIETY 

Summarized By Sis. R. Mohammed 

Brothers and sisters, Shaitaan is never far away: he is always at work, tempting us to be prideful, to believe we are superior or better than our peers. We must be conscientious and mindful of this fact; because becoming prideful could possibly void all our prayers and supplications to Allaah (SWT); making us bankrupt on the Day of Judgement. The well-known Surah Luqman, chapter 31, verse 18, tells us: “Wa laa tusa’-’ir khaddaka linnaasi wa laa tamshi fil ardi maarahan innal laaha laa yuhibbu kulla mukhtaalin fakhoor”: “do not swell your cheek to people, do not walk on this earth with arrogance”. Allaah (SWT) does not like self-conceited, boastful people. It is not reflective of Imaan. Allaah (SWT) loves people who are modest and treats others fairly. If we are pious, praying five times a day, making Hajj, depicting ourselves as the “holiest of the holy”, but suffer from these prideful habits, treating people unjustly, not allowing them same privileges wedeemnecessaryforourselves,thenwhatisthepointofourpiety?Isitonlyfor“showandtell”? TheProphetMuhammad (SAW) said: “a person who has as much a mustard seed of pride will not enter Jannah or paradise”. Allaah (SWT) reminds us that it is His Earth, and we don’t have the right to walk with pride on Earth, for it is with certainty, Allaah does not like those people who are arrogant. And if we conduct ourselves in such a manner, then what will Allaah do with their blessings on the Day of Judgment? Well, brothers and sisters, Allaah would be just. He would take our blessings and give them to the people who were treated unjustly- they will reap our blessings on the Day of Judgment! To put this into perspective, let’s consider two examples. First, is the well know example of Shaitaan or Satan as noted in Surah Baqarah (Chapter 2, verse 34). Allaah (SWT) commanded the angels and jinn to bow or prostrate to Adam. Satan, a pious Jinn at that time, refused to prostrate. But it wasn’t an act of praying or prostrating, as it was disobeying the commands of Allaah (SWT). Satan’s “takabbur” or pride, prevented him from obeying Allaah’s (SWT) command. Satan thought he was better than Adam, because he was made from fire, while Adam was made out of clay. This was the first sin that was created: disobedience to Allaah (SWT). This disobedience resulted in Satan being expelled from Jannah. Second, is the example of Hazrat Umar (RA) as reference by Hadith. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said if there was to be a Prophet after me, it would be Hazrat Umar (RA). Why? Well, the commentary states that at on Eid ul Fitr celebration, after the Eid Salah, everyone was looking for Umar (RA). They could not find him. So they went home and only to find him crying and praying to Allaah (SWT). Umar (RA) was asking Allaah (SWT) to please accept his fast, his charity, his prays and deeds in the month of Ramadhaan. Brothers and sisters, to put this into perspective, this is the man, whom the Prophet (S.A.W) said, if there was to be another Prophet, it would be Umar (RA), and here he is, crying and weeping and asking Allaah (SWT) to accept his pray and charity in the month of Ramadhaan. So brothers and sisters, who are we to think we’re the most pious and we’re better than everyone else? Such thoughts ruin our piety and blessings! We must safeguard ourselves against pride. And pride is not having nice house, car, clothes and so forth. Allaah (SWT) is beautiful and loves beautiful things, but when we allow those things to negatively influence our perception as Satan whispers in our ears “you’re better than them”, then those thoughts of arrogance and pride allows us to commit the same first sin as Satan: disobedience to Allaah (SWT)! Brothers and sisters, humbleness is a sign of confidence and true understanding of Allah (SWT) and Islam. Three things we’re “Pakka” or sure of: (1) Allaah (SWT) is most merciful and most forgiving. If you cannot forgive people and be good to people, then you are nobody.

(2) We are nothing but a “drop of sperm” (Surah Yaseen, chapter 36, verse 77). We cannot “be” anything without the will of Allaah (SWT).
(3) Death is a surety, and Allaah (SWT) tells us to prepare for the hereafter accordingly.
In closing brothers and sisters, lets recall a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), a person who is generous and charitable and does so without pride, is closer to Allaah (SWT) and closer to paradise. And Allaah (SWT) gives that person peace and happiness, and fulfills the needs of that person because Allaah (SWT) loves that person. This is something money and power cannot buy. So don’t let pride be our downfall in this lifetime and on the Day of Judgment and the hereafter.