PREFERRING THE AAKHIRAH
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه has advised:
“The person who makes his primary objective this material world, he has to compromise with his Deen and his Aakhirah.
And the one who makes the Aakhirah his primary goal and objective in life, he will have to compromise on his material world and certain luxuries and impermissible desires.
O people! Give preference to that which is eternal over that which will perish and come to an end in a few days.”
SOURCE: THE CLASSIC RESEMBLANCE OF RASOOLULLAH صلى الله عليه وسلم
SAYYIDUNA ABDULLAH BIN MAS’OOD رضي الله عنه (Page 49)
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SALAAH IN CONGREGATION
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه has said: “The one who wishes to meet Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله tomorrow on the Day of Qiyāmah as a Muslim should be punctual with performing his five daily Salaah in congregation.”
SOURCE: THE CLASSIC RESEMBLANCE OF RASOOLULLAH صلى الله عليه وسلم
SAYYIDUNA ABDULLAH BIN MAS’OOD رضي الله عنه (Page 50)
It is the intense desire of every believer to meet Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله in the state of Īmān. Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qādir Jīlāni رحمه الله has qualified that the height of achievement for a believer is death with Īmān. The noble companion Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه has advised us that the performance of the five daily Salaah will guarantee us that we will be resurrected with Īmān.
It is therefore imperative that the Ummah hold fast onto the institution of Salaah with Jamaat for the preservation of Īmān, death with Īmān and being resurrected on the Day of Qiyāmah in the blessed state of Īmān.
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HAZRAT ABU BAKR رضي الله عنه AND THE TREATY OF HUDAYBIYYAH
Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه used to say that there has never been a victory in Islam greater than the victory at Hudaybiyyah but the people on that day were unable to understand what Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم were doing. While man is hasty, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله does not have the haste man has because of which matters resulted as Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله desired. On the occasion of the Farewell Hajj, I saw (Hazrat) Suhayl bin Amr رضي الله عنه standing at the place where the animals were being slaughtered, taking the camel of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم closer to him. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم slaughtered the animal with his own hand and thereafter called for someone to remove his hair. Hazrat Abu Bakr said that he then witnessed Hazrat Suhayl رضي الله عنه collecting the blessed hair of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and even saw him placing them on his eyes. Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه reflected on the occasion of Hudaybiyyah that it was the same Suhayl who had refused to allow the writing of:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
and had refused to write
محمد الرسول الله
Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه then praised Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله who had guided him to Islam.
SOURCE: IBN ASĀKIR IN
KANZUL UMMAAL (Vol 5, Page 286)
This incident serves as an immense inspiration to each and every Muslim to be an ambassador of Islam. By virtue of our commitment to the temperament of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم this will melt the hardest of hearts. Therefore, in this atmosphere of negativity towards Muslims worldwide, if we lead through character, loyalty and honesty – why will the disbelievers not incline towards the light of Islam. The need for us is that we change our perspective and habits; thereby inviting towards Islam through action.
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HAZRAT ALI رضي الله عنه ACKNOWLEDGED THE COURAGE OF HAZRAT ABU BAKR رضي الله عنه
Once Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه whilst addressing the people asked; “O people! Who is the most courageous person?” The people submitted; “You are, O Ameerul Mu’mineen.” Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه then said; “Although I have defeated everyone who has confronted me, the most courageous person is Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه . We had constructed a shed for Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم during the Battle of Badr) and then asked who would remain with Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم so that the Mushrikeen do not attack him. By Allah! Whenever a Mushrik even drew close to us Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was there with his sword drawn near the head of Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم He attacked anyone who dared attack Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم He was certainly the bravest of people.”
Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه continues; “I have seen the Quraysh grab hold of Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم with one person treating him angrily and another shaking him while they said to him, ‘Do you make all the gods into one?’ By Allah! None of us dared to go close to Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم (for fear of being beaten) besides Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه He would hit one person, wrestle with another and shake someone else as he said; “Shame on you people! Will you kill a man for saying, ‘Allah is my Rabb?'”
Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه then lifted the shawl he was wearing and wept until his beard became wet. He then said; “I ask you to swear by Allah whether the Mu’min from the court of Fir’áwn was better or Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه .” When everyone remained silent, Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه said; “By Allah! A moment of the life of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه is better than the earth full of people like the Mu’min from the court of Fir’áwn. While the Mu’min from the court of Fir’áwn concealed his Īmān, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه made his Īmān public.”
SOURCE: BAZZAAR AS QUOTED IN AL BIDAAYA WAN NIHAAYA (Vol 3, Page 271)
We learn of the intense love of Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه towards Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. Furthermore, the courage displayed by Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه serves as a lesson for each and every Muslim that we mould ourselves in protecting our Deen and responding to the honour of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم Sadly, our concerns revolve around having attachments to those individuals who are blatant transgressors and involved in acts of lewdness and immodesty. We have to acknowledge with heavy hearts that we are far away from the temperament of the Sahaba رضوان الله عليهم اجمعين because our objects of attachment are those who rebel against the pristine purity propagated by Islam. Life is about choices; if we choose Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم we will be successful. But, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله forbid, we make the incorrect choices, we will suffer the consequences of our decisions in this world and the Aakhirah.
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HAZRAT ABU BAKR رضي الله عنه AND THE SNAKE
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه sought refuge from the Mushrikeen at the cave of Thawr. Prior to entering the cave, Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه first cleaned it to ensure that there were no harmful creatures. He tore his garments into strips of cloth to plug all the holes in the cave where such creatures could be hiding. There were two holes which Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was unable to plug, he closed them with his feet. He thereafter made Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم rest his blessed head upon his lap as his feet remained covering the holes. He was stung on his foot but remained motionless so that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم was not disturbed. However, when the pain became unbearable, a tear rolled down his cheek and fell upon the noble countenance of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم which awakened him. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم asked Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه what had transpired and he was informed that he was crying due to the intensity of the pain. Our Noble Master صلى الله عليه وسلم applied some of his blessed saliva on the wound which instantly cured it.
(SOURCE: MISHKĀTUL MASĀBĪH Hadith 6025)
It is indeed amazing that Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه tolerated so much pain that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم be spared any inconvenience. Yaa Rabb! When we examine the actions of the Ummah in general, it pains us that we are deliberately causing grief to the noble personality of Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم.
A great tragedy in our lives is that we do not learn or discuss the commitment of the Sahaba رضوان الله عليهم اجمعين to the mission of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Due to us remaining ignorant, we have lost congeniality with our Deen. It is therefore a humble plea that each and every household discuss the perfection of loyalty of the Sahaba M The discussion of the habits of the pious and loyal servants will indeed incline us towards submission.
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CONCERN FOR THE AAKHIRAH AND ABSTINENCE
Hazrat Abu Zar Ghifāri رضي الله عنه was extremely concerned about the Aakhirah and showed disinclination to the world. This noble personality always engrossed himself in virtuous deeds to secure the Aakhirah. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم classified him as an ascetic similar to Sayyiduna Īsâ bin Maryam S Mishkaat). Once Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم asked Hazrat Abu Zar رضي الله عنه “O Abu Zar, do you regard that person who has more wealth as rich?” Hazrat Abu Zar رضي الله عنه replied in the affirmative. Thereafter, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم asked; “Do you regard that person who has little wealth as poor?” Again Hazrat Abu Zar رضي الله عنه replied in the affirmative. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم thereafter advised; “In reality, the wealthy enjoys the wealth of the heart and the poor is the one who suffers from the poverty of the heart.” (Targheeb)
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THE STATUS OF UMAR رضي الله عنه
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه has said; “When Umar died, nine tenth of all knowledge vanished with him.” The people were shocked and said; “How can this be when among us now are still many great companions?” Hazrat Ibn Mas’ood رضي الله عنه replied; “I am not speaking of the knowledge of Fiqh and the science of judgements, I’m speaking about the knowledge of Allah.”
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه was referring to the struggle of isolation, the lengthy periods of hunger, the sleeplessness endured for the khidmah of creation and his incessant weeping out of the fear of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.
This worldly journey is only for knowledge of Allah and the whole of it lies in detachment from everything that passes away. All aspects of the life of Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه were motivated by first staying away from the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, then from abandonment of his opinions and desires. Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه was a man immersed in the recognition of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله whilst in the company of people. His sheer personality gave testimony to the perfection of his extreme closeness to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه has said; “The less attachment to the world; the easier your life.”
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KEEPING ONESELF OCCUPIED
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه said:
إني لأ كره أن أرى الرجل فارغا لا في عمل الدنيا و لا في عمل الآخرة
‘I don’t like to see a man idle, not involved in any Deeni work, nor in any worldly work.’
(Hilyatul Awliyā Vol 1, Pg 178)
In the book ‘The Classic Resemblance of Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم ‘, it refers to the famous adage; “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” It is a misconception that one must perform Salaah or be involved in Tasbeehaat for the entire day. An individual should involve himself in some Deeni effort or some permissible worldly activity. To this extent that some scholars advise that a person should rather plant potatoes if he does not have any work, since some benefit will still come out of it.
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest challenges of our era is the excessive amount of time spent aimlessly with regards to social media. There are no restrictions when one is alone and it is so easy to slip into deviation and transgression.
Furthermore, our children have also become victims of this scourge due to the lack of parental control and guidance. The parents have abandoned their responsibility and lavish the children with devices to keep them occupied. Sadly, the occupation of most children is transgression because of the lack of controls. The need is to keep our children occupied in activities that will save them from experimenting in sins.
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SUCCUMBING TO TEMPTATIONS RESULTS IN MORE MISERY
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رضي الله عنه has said:
الحق ثقيل مريء
والباطل خفيف وبيء
ورب شهوة تورث حزنا طويلا
‘Truth seems difficult, but it is enjoyable. Evil and falsehood seems enjoyable, but it is poisonous. How many times falling prey to one’s desires and temptations result in eternal misery and distress.’
(Hilyatul Awliyā Vol 1 Page 183)
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that the accepted servants of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله who derive pleasure in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله have neither the need nor desire for worldly kingdoms and political power. Even if these are given to them, they yearn for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله which is the effect of obedience. They are not desirous of the world.
People complain of the difficulty in inclining towards the submission of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله but the only solution in checking the evil effects of temptation is the reformation of our actions. The objective of attaining the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله is attained through virtuous deeds. We should bear in mind that initially, to maintain the enthusiasm for virtuous deeds will appear difficult but the underlying factor is constancy (whether one feels enthusiastic or not). Steadfastness is achieved through constancy; this results in submission and thereafter one will not be able to survive without virtuous deeds.
We should not entertain notions that to practice Deen is difficult; it is absolutely easy and enjoyable. It requires courage to take the plunge into obedience. Many have erred into thinking that giving in to temptations is not harmful; sins are destructive to the extreme. Sadly, the setback in the lives of Muslims is that due to our lack of resolve, we feel that obedience is difficult whereas we should ask those who have forsaken sins and tasted the effects of obedience as to the sheer delight and enjoyment they are experiencing.
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CONCERN FOR THE WEAK
Hazrat Talha bin Ubaidullah رضي الله عنه once observed that Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه went out in the darkness of the night. He went and entered into a house, then he entered another house. The following morning, Hazrat Talha bin Ubaidullah رضي الله عنه went to the house which Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه had entered and found a paralysed, blind old woman. He said to her; “Who is this man that comes to you?” The old woman replied; “He has been taking care of me for some time. He brings to me what I need and takes away any rubbish for me.” Hazrat Talha رضي الله عنه severely admonished himself; “May your mother be bereft of you, how could you check on Umar?”
One of the great lessons we can derive from this incident is that we should develop a concern for the weaker members of our society; this is undoubtedly a great means of attaining nearness to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله .Leaders are those who serve the weak. It is worth reflecting whether we have inculcated the true spirit of Islam in our lives. When last did we visit the elderly in our family? Do we offer the weak any words of encouragement and kindness? Have we been of service to the elders in our community?
It is an indictment upon us as Muslims that we have forgotten that our Noble Master Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم was sent as a mercy to mankind; it is essential for us to identify with the temperament of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and be a source of mercy to those whom we interact with. In our materialistic lifestyles, we have forgotten the elements of humanity and kindness – these are core values of our Deen. Let us therefore make it an integral part of our lives that we pay careful consideration to spreading kindness and compassion; especially to the weak and elderly.
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RESPECT FOR REVELATION
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه came out of the Musjid and he was accompanied by al-Jarood al-‘Abdi رضي الله عنه.There was a woman that came out onto the street and Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه greeted her and she responded to his greeting. The lady then said; “O Umar, I remember you when you were called Umayr in the market of Ukâdh, chasing the other boys with your stick. Not long after that you were called Umar and not long after that you were called Ameerul Mu’mineen. Fear Allah with regard to the people and remember that whoever fears the warning (of the Day of Qiyāmah), soon hardship will be made easy for him, and whoever fears death should worry about missing out (on doing righteous deeds).” al-Jarood responded; “You are being too harsh on the Ameerul Mu’mineen, O woman!” Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه said; “Let her be. Don’t you know who this is? This is Khawlah bint Tha’labah, whose words Allah heard from above the seven heavens, so Umar is more obliged to listen to her.” According to another narration, Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه said; “By Allah, even if she stood and spoke until night came, I would not leave her except to go and pray, then I would come back to her.” And according to another report, Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه said; “This is Khawlah concerning whom Allah revealed the words:
Indeed Allah has heard the statement of the woman (Khawlah bint Tha’labah) that disputes with you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning her husband (Aws ibn as-Sāmit)”
(Surah al-Mujaadalah 58: Verse1)
There are unique principles that can be derived from Ameerul Mu’mineen Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه .He afforded Hazrat Khawlah bint Tha’labah رضي الله عنه great respect due to the blessing of Wahī. The ta’alluq with the Holy Qur’an was always prioritised. Furthermore Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه led by example that he considered the opinions and admonishment of a woman.
It thus serves as a means of guidance for the Ummah that we revere the rights and everything associated to the Holy Qur’ān.
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CARE FOR SALAAH
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم ensured that the Muslims performed their Salaah with Jamaat and he emphatically denounced those who did not attend the congregational Salaah. Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه emulated the blessed example of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم When Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه became the Khalifa, he paid particular attention to the institution of Salaah and those who did not pray were punished. Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه wrote to his governors; “One of the most important issues in my view is the Salaah. Whoever prays regularly and takes care of the matter and focuses in Salaah has protected his religious commitment and is doing well, but whoever neglects it is more likely to neglect other religious obligations too.”
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه exercised great caution with regards to being focused and adopting humility (khushu’) in Salaah. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه explained that he had performed Salaah behind Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه and he could hear his weeping from three rows back.
It is essential that we understand correctly as to what is required of us and what aspects in our lives need to be prioritised. Being careful with regards to Salaah is identifying with the temperament of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Steadfastness in Salaah plays an integral role in strengthening our Īmān, assists in establishing proper moral values and aids in our reformation.
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AN AMAZING DUAA OF HAZRAT UMAR رضي الله عنه
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه once made a duaa; “O Allah, if You have decreed that I am doomed, erase it and decree that I be blessed, for you erase and affirm whatever You will.” And he further used to say; “I am not worried about a response, I am worried about making duaa. If I am inspired to make duaa then the response will come with it.”
سبحان الله
Duaa is indeed an immense bounty. More importantly, the need is that we ask Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله continuously for the tawfeeq to be steadfast in duaa. Furthermore, the main objective is that we first plead unto Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله; the response from our Rabb جل جلاله is guaranteed. The one who asks is never deprived.
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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Ā’ishah رضي الله عنه has said; “The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to engage in conversations with us and we would converse with him. But when the time of Salaah came, it was as though he did not know us and we did not know him because he was so engrossed in the grandeur of Allah Ta’ala.”
It is worth reflecting on our habits with regards to the performance of Salaah. We learn that the noble habit of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم was such that he became so consumed in fulfilling the demands of Salaah that he was oblivious to even the presence of his family. Sadly, when the Adhān is called out, there is no urgency in responding to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله We still involve ourselves in irrelevant activities which make us forget our ‘appointment’ with Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. It is related that Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه would tremble and the colour of his face changed at the approach of the time of Salaah. Someone asked him what was troubling him and he replied; “The time has come for a trust which Allah Ta’ala (جل جلاله) offered to the heavens, the earth and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. Whereas I (man), bore this responsibility.”
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم has said; “A servant does not receive a greater gift than the permission to offer two rak’āh Salaah which he performs.”
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FEAR OF ALLAH TA’ALA
Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله says in the Holy Qur’ān:
‘Do not fear people, but fear Me.’
(Surah al-Mā’idah: Verse 44)
It has been mentioned that Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه used to fall down unconscious out of fear when he would hear a verse from the Holy Qur’ān. One day he took a straw of grass and said; “If only I was a straw of grass and I was not worthy of any mention. If only my mother did not give birth to me.” He would cry profusely to the extent that his tears would flow from his eyes. There were two streaks of black lines on his face due to excessive crying.
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم once said; “The person who cries out of the fear of Allah Ta’ala will not enter the fire until milk goes back into the teat.” (Meaning that just as it is impossible for milk to go back into the teat; it is impossible for one who cries out of the fear of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله to go to Jahannum)
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POWER OF REPENTANCE
Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله has related that on one occasion Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattāb رضي الله عنه was walking in the alleys of Madeenah Munawwarah when a young man was walking towards him, carrying a bottle under his clothes. Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه said to the young man; “O youth! What are you carrying under your clothes?” There was alcohol in that bottle, so the young man felt ashamed to say that he was carrying alcohol. He therefore said silently; “O My Allah! Do not disgrace and humiliate me before Umar. Conceal my sin before him and I will never consume alcohol again.”
The young man said to Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه; “Ameerul Mu’mineen! I am carrying vinegar.” Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه asked the young man; “Show me so that I could have a look at it.” The young man opened the bottle before Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه and upon inspection found that the alcohol had turned into vinegar!
!سبحان الله العظيم
A servant of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله repented out of fear of another servant; Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله changed the alcohol into vinegar by virtue of his sincere repentance. Hazrat Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله has said that if a sinful person who is completely bankrupt of good deeds makes a sincere repentance and is remorseful of his sins, Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله will change the alcohol of his sins into the vinegar of obedience.
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EFFECT OF IMMORALITY
Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه has advised; “When immorality (and licentiousness) spreads in a community, Allah Ta’ala (جل جلاله) most certainly imposes a general calamity upon them.”
Hazrat Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله has said that negligence increases remorse. Negligence removes bounties and comes as a barrier in fulfilling service (to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله). Negligence increases jealousy. Negligence increases rebuke and regret.
It is related that a pious servant saw his teacher in his dream and he asked him; “What is your greatest remorse?” The teacher replied; “The remorse of negligence.”
A saint saw Hazrat Dhû an-Nûn Misri رحمه الله in his dream and asked him how he fared in the Court of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, to which he replied; “He (Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله) made me stand before Him and said to me: ‘O you who used to claim! O liar! You claimed to love Me but then you became unmindful of Me?'”
Hazrat Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله has quoted a poet who has said:
أنت في غفلة وقلبك ساهي
ذهب العمر والذنوب كما هي
‘You are in negligence and your heart is inattentive. Your entire life has passed while your sins are still the same.’
A pious servant of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله has said; “Time and days have passed, and the sins have been committed. The messenger of death has come but the heart is still negligent. Your comforts in this world are a deception and a source of remorse. For you to live in this world forever is impossible and baseless.”
If this is how the pious were admonished and their state of heart; can we well imagine our state of destitution? We are barren of actions, our lives give testimony to our negligence and transgression and yet we entertain notions of salvation without any commitment to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله?
At this stage, it is appropriate to share the simple but potent advice of Hazrat Allāmah Sayyid Sulaimān Nadwi رحمه الله who said that work is achieved through work. In worldly terms, we can relate to the fact that if anything requires to be achieved, one has to make an effort towards achieving the objective. Similarly, the Aakhirah cannot be attained through wishful thinking but by virtue of pious deeds and Mujaahadah (striving) to attain the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.
May Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله change our condition from negligence to being conscious of His Divine Presence and at the same time rectifying our deeds which will earn His pleasure. آمين يارب العالمين
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HASTEN TOWARDS GOOD DEEDS
Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه has said; “You should hasten with your good deeds immediately – before your appointed time draws to an end, and it casts you to face the consequences of your evil deeds. There were people who spent their time for others and forgot about their own selves. (In other words, they spent their time for the rectification and reformation of others, but forgot about their own selves.) I prohibit you from being like them.”
Hazrat Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله has shared an incident of Sheikh Abu Ali ad-Daqqāq رحمه الله who went to visit an extremely pious man who had fallen ill. He was a very senior teacher and his students were sitting around him while he was crying. He had reached an extremely old age. So Sheikh Ali ad-Daqqāq رحمه الله said to him; “O Sheikh! What is the reason for your crying? Is it over this world?” The venerable saint replied; “Not at all. Rather I am crying over the fact that I missed my Salaah.” Sheikh Ali ad-Daqqāq رحمه الله then said; “How can that be when you were regular in your Salaah?” He replied; “Because I remained this entire day without prostrating except in negligence and I raised my head (from prostration) in negligence. And here I am now dying in a state of negligence.”
He then heaved a deep sigh and recited the following couplets; “I pondered over my resurrection and my day of reckoning. The light of my cheek is lying prone in the grave. I am all alone and lonely after all the honour and status which I enjoyed. I am responsible for my sins and the soil is my pillow. I pondered over the lengthy reckoning (of deeds) and the presentation thereof. And my disgraceful position when I will be given my book of deeds. However, I have hope in You (my Allah!), my Sustainer and my Creator, that O my Allah, You will forgive me my sins.”
Our Mashaa’ikh have stressed that we admonish ourselves prior to sleeping as to the certainty of death, the certainty of being given our book of deeds, the certainty of reckoning, the certainty of Jannah and the certainty of Jahannum. We acknowledge the reality of our actions and paucity of good deeds; should we then not reflect and make meaningful changes in our lives to be successful in the Aakhirah?
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PREPARATION FOR THE AAKHIRAH
Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه once admonished the Ummah; “Where are those whom you knew of your companions and brothers? They reached the abode for which they had sent forth (either evil deeds or good deeds). And so, they are either in torment or enjoying good fortune. Allah Ta’ala (جل جلاله) has no family ties with any of His creation whereby He could give that person some good, and turn evil away from him. This can only be achieved through obedience to Him and following His orders.”
It is therefore imperative that we secure our salvation and prioritise our lives. Unfortunately, we have lost direction and compromised ourselves. The admonition of Hazrat Shaqīq Balkhi رحمه الله in ‘Uyūn al-Akhbār (as mentioned by Hazrat Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله gives testimony to our negligence. The venerable saint said; “People make three statements which they are very used to in their actions:
(1) They say ‘we are the slaves of Allah’ yet they do actions of free people. So this is contrary to their statement.
(2) They say: ‘Allah has guaranteed our sustenance.’ Yet their hearts are only satisfied with this world and gathering all its vanities. This is also contrary to their statement.
(3) They say: ‘It is inevitable for us to die.’ Yet they do deeds of a person who is not going to die. This is also contrary to their statement.
Therefore my dear brother, you should think with which body you are going to stand before Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, with which tongue you are going to answer Him, and what are going to say when He questions you about every single thing – big and small. You should therefore prepare answers for the questions, and ensure that the answers are correct. Fear Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله for He is fully aware of all what you do – be it good or evil. Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله then admonishes the believers that they should not abandon His orders and that they should believe in Him as one both in secrecy and in public.”
The need for us is to wholeheartedly submit to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله without the contamination of our opinions. This is THE only passport to acceptance and salvation.
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ADHERE TO TRUTHFULNESS
Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه has advised; “Adhere to truthfulness because it leads to obedience – and they both will be in Paradise. Abstain from dishonesty because it leads to immorality – and they both will be in the Hell-fire.’
Hazrat Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله has said that it is the duty of an intelligent person to obey Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله with fear, with sincerity in obedience to Him (جل جلاله), with being please with whatever He (جل جلاله) has decided, with being patient with whatever He (جل جلاله) afflicted him with, with being grateful over His (جل جلاله) bounties, and being content with what He (جل جلاله) gives.
The venerable saint has further added that Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله says; “He who is not pleased with My (جل جلاله) decision, who is not patient over what I (جل جلاله) have afflicted him with, who is not grateful over My (جل جلاله) bounties and who is not contented with what I (جل جلاله) give him; he then should look for a Sustainer (جل جلاله) apart from Me (جل جلاله).”
The condition of the Ummah has clearly been diagnosed by Hazrat Hassan Basri رحمه الله; an individual complained that he does not experience any enjoyment in obedience to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. Hazrat Hassan thereafter admonished him thus; “You probably looked at someone who does not fear Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.” Hazrat Imām Muhammad Ghazzali رحمه الله has advised that worship demands that one abandons everything solely for Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.
The simple and only prescription for us is that we submit without question. When the objective of life is solely to attain the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, obedience will become pleasurable.