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This day had seemed so far away. In fact, you had never quite come to terms with the idea of being a corpse, nor of the fact that you would be prayed over. Neither had you come to terms with the fact that a day will come when you will be entirely covered in white sheets by your own beloved ones.

Now it has come to light. As they carry you towards your funeral prayer, indeed this world was a transient exam that has now ended and bids you farewell… your futile pursuits were a waste and the small good deeds you had presented are now a treasure that you are unwilling to give up - even for the whole world and all it contains.

Four people carefully place your coffin upon their shoulders as they carefully escort it towards the car. The winds bid you farewell, blowing your way for the last time as the ground awaits your arrival. This is to be your very last ride to the masjid, after which they will take you to the cemetery in order to fulfil their duty of placing you in the grave which has already been dug; it awaits your presence to fill its dark and empty home...

They gently place you into the extraordinary car that has been hired. You’re unable to get yourself up and look outside the car window for the last time, so as to see your home, your street and the familiar surroundings you had become so accustomed to since childhood...

Death came and snatched you away so unexpectedly, little did you know that you will be seized from this world so soon. Your youthful appearance, your healthy lifestyle, your ambitions, aspirations and dreams all deceived you into believing your death wasn’t going to be any time soon.

How wrong you were.

***

Indeed, the greatest calamity we face is that the Noble Messenger is no longer amongst us, just as the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: 'If one of you is afflicted with a calamity, then let him remember his calamity by me (i.e., by my death); for indeed, it is the greatest of calamities.'{footnote}Related by Ibn Sa'd, al-Darimi, and others; through other narrations that attested to it, it is authentic, as mentioned in al-Sahihah (106): 2.{/footnote} Today the Noble Messenger is no longer alive to pray over you as he had prayed over the woman who used to clean the masjid.

But there is one question, which I earnestly ask you to ponder over: If the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) had been amongst us, would he have prayed over you?

For, in the time of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), one man had stolen from the war booty and another had killed himself with an arrow – both of whom the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) did not pray the funeral prayer for and rather, ordered the Companions to pray over them.{footnote} Abu Dawood (2710), al-Nasaa’i (1959) and Ibn Maajah (2848).{/footnote} In fact, the great Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullah) would not offer the funeral prayer over the one that had died openly committing sins. Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullah) said: al-Majd (i.e. Majd al-Deen ibn Taymiyah, the grandfather of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah) said that ‘The funeral prayer should not be offered for anyone who had died openly committing sin without having repented…’{footnote}Al-Insaaf (2/535){/footnote}

***

Today, you realize how the directive commands and incentives of the Prophet [saw] are a great blessing for the believers. For it is because of the following command of the Prophet [saw] that people attend your funeral:  “Whoever attends the funeral until the prayer has been offered will have one qiraat (of reward) and whoever attends until the deceased has been buried will have two qiraats.” It was said, “What are the two qiraats?” He said: “Like two great mountains.”{footnote}Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1325; Muslim, 945.{/footnote}

Many times you were reminded that the first question on the Day of Judgment will be regarding your prayer. Now the time is up; you are unable to join the believers in their prayers… you are unable to prostrate to the Almighty... you are no longer able to exalt, praise your Lord, you are unable to whisper words of forgiveness… your forehead can no longer prostrate, it merely faces upwards – it is only to face the Lord of the worlds and all that exists within them.

Your beloved friends and dear ones pick you up and place you in front of the Imaam, who is to lead the prayer. The believers come together in three rows behind the Imaam and they are all facing the Qiblah [direction to prayer]. The Imaam stands in front of the congregation, beside your shoulder. In one standing and within only a few minutes, they complete the prayer – without any sujood [prostration] or rukoo’ [bowing].

Within this short, yet precious prayer they whisper the du’aa [supplication] taught by Muhammad, al Mustafa [saw]. This du’aa [supplication] for you is one of the greatest gifts you can be given at this stage, as they whisper in Arabic:

“O Allah, forgive our living and our dead… O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, keep him safe and sound and forgive him, honor the place where he settles and make his entrance wide; wash him with water and snow and hail, and cleanse him of sin as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. O Allah, give him a house better than his house and a family better than his family. O Allah, admit him to Paradise and protect him from the torment of the grave and the torment of Hell-fire; make his grave spacious and fill it with light. O Allah, do not deprive us of the reward and do not cause us to go astray after this.”

Although the prayer was rather short, it holds immense value for you as you are in need of as many supplications as possible before a time comes when you will become as years pass apart of the earth and people forget your mention.

Now has come the time you had once dreaded – they gather round and lift you up… and each step they place on the earth, takes you closer to a home unlike any other…a small, murky excavation in the ground. The words of Uthmaan, the third Caliph of Islam, depicts a fact echoed silently by your lifeless body: ‘"If I were between Paradise and the Fire, unsure where I will be sent, I would choose to be turned into ash before finding out where I was bound."’{footnote}Abu Nu`aym, Hilya al-Awliya’ 1:92-100 #3; Al-Dhahabi, Siyar A`lam al-Nubala’ 1/2: 566-614 #4.{/footnote}

You can’t hear the crying of your loved ones or the final gentle whispers of the womenfolk of your household or friends, as the men get ready to place you into the car and drive you away to none other than the cemetery.

The moment is soon approaching when they are going to unload you into your new home, something they desire to do as soon as possible and without hesitation.

Yes: the depths of the earth… Your grave.

*Download the complete PDF (Preparing The Muslimah For The Grave (PDF)) by following the link.

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Category: Death and the Grave

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Allaah (az) says, “Everyone shall taste death. And only on the day of Resurrection you shall be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the fire and admitted to Paradise he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).”(Aal-‘Imraan 3: 175)

Such is the reality of death and what comes after it.

Every one of us shall taste it whether poor or rich; healthy or sick, old or young; leader or led and none of us can escape it.  Allaah says, “Wheresoever’s you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in a fortress built up strong and high.” (An-Nisaa 4: 78).

Death, as manifested in its character and effects is one of the mysteries that dazzles human intelligence because it has to do with the soul. Allaah says, “And they ask you (O Muhammad) concerning the spirit. Say: ‘The spirit is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you (mankind) have been given only a little.” (Al-Israa’ 17: 85)

One of it mysteries is that you see a youth who was full of health and energy suddenly fall dead without warning; thereby making that youthfulness and energy fade away, bringing all his senses to a complete standstill. That youth might even be an erudite scholar, an eloquent author, a skilled physician or brilliant inventor but it is absolutely out of the question that this quality should prevent death from overtaking him when his time is due.

Allaah says, “When their term is reached, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)."” (Yoonus 10: 49).

‘Amr bin Abdullah used to mount the pulpit and say,

“Many a person would see the beginning of a day but would not see it’s end. And many a person expected the morning, but would not live to see it. If only you had known your appointed time and how it comes to pass, you would have detested nursing hopes for worldly materials and its deception.”

While man enjoys his good health, playing and merrymaking, moving about in haughtiness, commanding and forbidding, death and illness suddenly attacks him, weakens his body, makes his limbs lifeless and then closes his record.

How near is death! Every day it becomes closer to us and no sooner has the book reached its appointed time that we belong among the dead. Then it becomes clear that life is really like flowers that bloom then afterwards wither or like a lamp that illuminates then afterwards dies down.

Let those who crave for this world and its pleasures ponder over these scattered graves all over the place and realize that the way to pleasures and lustful things, though decorated with beautiful roses inevitably leads to the present condition of those buried in these graves. Happiness is for him who had an informer open his eyes regarding death and its reality before he died, and whoever does not heed to the warning of the Qur’an and death, even if mountains were to thrust one another in front of him, he would not heed.

Dear Muslims! What we witness in the cemeteries is a great lesson for us. The carrier of the bier to the cemetery today is taken back there tomorrow (as a dead person) and is left there only with his deeds either good or evil.

It is also very unfortunate that in these days we see some among those who escort the deceased laughing and playing or attending the funeral for showing off. This phenomenon is due to the heedlessness that has hardened people’s hearts and made them forget the Last Day and the frightening conditions of the grave. May Allaah awaken us from this heedlessness!

It is expected of him who knows that he will die, be buried, raised up on the day of Resurrection and enter Paradise or Hell to always remember death, prepare for it and reflect on it. He is in fact expected to regard himself among the dead. This is because all that is coming is near and when the angel of death comes neither your wealth nor your people can prevent him from taking your soul.

Where are those who achieved their aims and none were comparable to them in that? They collected but could not eat what they collected; they built mansions but could not live there! We on our part are still swimming in the pool of life as if we are meant to live here forever. Uways Al-Qarnee said,

“Remember death when you sleep and always think of it when you are awake.”

Fellow Muslims! It is a fact that this world and its tribulations appear insignificant in the eyes of him who always remembers death, for, he has lofty aims and strong resolutions; he is far from hypocrisy and always yearns for the everlasting bliss in the eternal Paradise.

Remembering death does not in any way make one’s life loathsome to him; forcing him to sit in his home and leave all means of sustenance. It is rather meant to deter him from committing sins and soften his hard heart. We remember death in order to have good preparation for it and for all that follows it by doing righteous deeds, obeying Allaah and increasing one’s efforts in all acts of worship.

Abdur-Rahman ibn Mahdee said,

“If Hammaad bin Salamah is told, ‘You will die tomorrow.’ He will not be able to increase anything in his deed, because his time is full of worship and remembrance of Allaah.”

How do we prepare for death? We prepare for death by shunning all abominable things and returning trusts to their rightful owners. We prepare for death by eliminating hatred and enmity from our hearts. We prepare for death by being good to the kith and kin.

Ibn al-Mubaarak said that Saalih Al-Mariy used to say,

“If the remembrance of death leaves me for an hour my heart becomes spoilt.”

It is also said that, 

“Whoever frequently remembers death is honoured with three things: quick repentance, self-contentedness and energy in doing acts of worship; and whoever forgets death is punished with three things: delaying repentance, lack of contentedness and laziness in acts of worship.”

When will one who always follows his lustful desires and moves wantonly in his heedlessness remember death? When will one who has no regard for Allaah’s injunctions in Halaal [permissible] or Haraam [impermissible] remember death? When will one who deserts the Qur’an, doesn’t pray the Fajr Prayer, usurps people’s property unlawfully, takes usury, and commits fornication, remember death? How can one whose habit is slandering others and backbiting, whose heart is full of rancour and envy remember death?

A Choice For The Sincere

Fellow Muslims! The Prophets, whenever death came to them were given a chance of choosing between remaining in this world or of moving to that noble position. It is beyond doubt that every Prophet would select the everlasting bliss. This happened to Prophet Muhammad, as narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Aa’ishah (radh) that she said, “The Messenger of Allaah saws used to say while he was healthy, ‘No Prophet died until he saw his place in the Paradise, he was then given the choice between that place and remaining in this world.’ So when he was dying and his head was on my thigh, he fainted for a while then regained his consciousness. He stared at the ceiling, then said, ‘O Allaah! I choose the Highest Companionship.’

I then said, ‘He is not preferring us.’ It was then that I understood statement he used to tell us and it was true. She said, ‘The last word he uttered was: `Oh Allaah, I choose the Highest Companionship.’”

Two Groups

During death and its pain; in the grave and its darkness; and the Day of Resurrection and its horror people fall into two groups. A group shall remain firm; secured from fright and given glad tidings of Paradise while the other group shall suffer disgrace and ignominy.

Allaah says, “Verily, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allaah (alone) and then stood straight, on them the angel will descend (at the time of their death saying,) ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised.’” (Fussilat 41: 30)   

Angels shall descend upon the believers who are sincere in their religion during death in their graves and when they are resurrected in order to assure them of security and to allay their fears of the horror of the day of judgement. The angels will be telling them,  ‘Do not fear about what you are going to meet and do not grieve over what you will be leaving behind of children, family and wealth.’

The angels will also say, ‘We have been your friends in the life of this world and (are so) in the hereafter.’ (Fussilat 41: 31) i.e. we will also be your friends in the hereafter, keeping your company in your graves and when the horn is blown, we will also assure you of security on the day of resurrection.

As for the unbelievers, when death comes to them and they start suffering its agonies, they will be subjected to ignominy and disgrace.

Allaah says, “And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands saying, “Deliver your souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to utter against Allaah other than the truth. And you used to reject His aayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) with disrespect.” (Al-An’aam 6: 93).    

Their sorrow shall increase so much so that they will wish to go back to this world.  Allaah says, “Until when death comes to one of them, he says, ‘My Lord send me back.’” (Al-Mu’minoon 23: 99).    

Qataadah said while commenting on this verse,

“By Allaah, he would not wish by this statement to go back to his family and wealth nor to collect the good things of this world and satisfy his desires. He would rather wish to go back and do acts of obedience to Allaah. May Allaah bless him who does in this life what the disbelievers would wish to do when he sees the torment of Hell!’

Fellow Muslims! How in need is the dying Muslim for being successful enough to say, “Laa ilaaha illa Allaah”. Mu’aadh bin Jabal narrated that the Prophet said, “Whoever has ‘La ilaha illa Allaah’ as his last words will enter Paradise.”

Ibn Al-Qayyim said,

“Dictating this word to a dying man is recommended because one who is dying experiences horrors that were unknown to him before, so it is feared that forgetfulness might overtake him since Satan is close to human beings. Moreover, uttering this statement while dying has a great effect in erasing ones misdeeds because it is a testimony of a slave of Allaah who believes in it and knows its meanings; for whose lustful desires are now dead and whose soul has become weak after its might. Then that testimony becomes his last utterance, it purifies him from all his sins because he meets with his Lord with a sincere testimony…”

The righteous predecessors also recommended that a dying person be reminded of his good deeds, so that he can have positive thoughts about his Lord. Jaabir narrated: The Messenger of Allaah saws said, “None of you should die except in the state of having positive thoughts about Allaah.” (Muslim). 

The Sunnah encourages talking about good deeds of a dead person and abstaining from talking about his misdeeds. Al-Bukhari reported on the authority of Aa’isha that she narrated, ‘The Prophet saws said, “Do not abuse the dead; for they have gone to meet the consequences of their deeds.”’ 

In Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Abul-Aswad said,

“I came to Madinah while there was an epidemic there. I sat with ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab. Then a funeral procession passed by and people praised its owner. ‘Umar said, “It becomes incumbent.” Then another funeral procession passed by and people also praised its owner, and ‘Umar said, “It’s incumbent;” then a third procession passed by and people spoke ill of its owner. ‘Umar also commented, “It becomes incumbent.” Then I said, “What is incumbent, O Leader of the Faithful? ‘Umar answered, “I said as the Prophet (saws) said, that,

“Any dead Muslim whom four persons testify in his favour, Allaah will make him enter Paradise,”

We said,“And three persons?” He said, “And three persons.”

We also said, “And two persons?” He said, “Yes, and two persons.”

We did not thereafter ask him of one person.”  

It should be added that those whose testimony is regarded are the people of virtue and truthfulness. The testimony of an enemy shall not be considered.

It is also recommendable that the person who washes the dead should conceal whatever defects he may see on him. It is also a right of a Muslim on his fellow Muslims to escort his funeral, pray on him and supplicate for him. In Saheeh al-Bukhari, Aboo Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever attends the funeral of a Muslim faithfully and hoping for the reward of Allaah and stays with him until Salaah is done on him and he is buried, he will go back home with two qeeraats, each is as big as the size of Mount Uhud; and whoever observes Salaah on him and then goes back before he is buried will get one qeeraat.”

As regards debts, the family of the deceased should hasten to pay it because a believer’s soul hangs on his debt until it is paid on his behalf. Debts of Allaah should also be promptly paid for, it is more deserving to be paid.

Ibn Mas’ood said,

“A believer has no rest until he meets Allaah.”

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The Prophet, salaallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said,

"A Muslim who is killed in a battle is a martyr, (dying in) plague is martyrdom, a woman who dies while delivering a baby is a martyr." (Ahmad, Daarimee, Tiyaalisee, authenticated by Al-Albaanee.)

The Prophet (salaallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said,

"The martyrs are seven, other than the one who is killed in the Way of Allaah, ta`aalaa:

The Prophet (salaallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:

[death due to] stomach ache is martyrdom."

(Tabaraanee, Ahmad, authenticated by al-Albaanee.)

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The hard floor no longer bothers you, nor do the white sheets over your face feel claustrophobic.

You are unable to move your limbs so as to gesture towards those around you, to move the sheet from your face and allow you to breathe. For just as your breathing was limited, the time which you stayed on the face of this earth was also limited. This time for you has now run out.

All bodily satisfactions and delights of this fleeting abode have now ceased to hold any value. Ah! If only you had come to realise the deceitful nature of this world and the meagre existence you led in its abode.

As you lie there, motionless and wrapped up, people from both far and near have gathered to console your family, see you for the last time and leave you to your fate. It is not really you they have come to bid farewell, rather it is your corpse they bid farewell to. This is because the minute your soul was extracted from your body you no longer suitably come under the definition of a ‘person.’ Yes, you are now a corpse whose neighbouring friends are soon to be the various insects that mother earth contains - whose very womb you are fast-approaching...

No single matter is in your control now; your last moments in this world are quickly passing. The years you spent in this world now seem short; everything of this world has broken its link with you. As for your memories, then they too will stay for a time but soon they will be wiped out as generations pass by. Yes, even the dusty albums in the attic will soon be left unattended collecting more dust - only to be viewed rarely and even they too one day will be worthless, forgotten and lost.

***

The room is packed with family, friends, neighbours and even strangers, as they gather to take you to the masjid for your funeral prayer. You are unable to receive and greet them - let alone thank them - for coming to your funeral prayer, one of the five duties of a Muslim over another Muslim (Al-Bukhaari (1240) and Muslim (2162) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “The rights of one Muslim over another are five: returning the (greeting of) salaam, visiting the sick, attending funerals, accepting invitations and saying ‘Yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you)’ to one who sneezes.”)

Some people you would never have expected to come have turned up for your funeral prayer, and others you would have expected to attend are... absent. Their excuses, whether valid or not, hold no significance for you at this point. Now the reality has surfaced: each soul will be given its due and no soul will avail another, unless Allah, the Glorious, Wills. How true the Words of Our Lord are! Then in the end unto Him will be your return. Then He will inform you of that which you used to do. (Surat al An’aam [6]:60)

What matters now is whether or not forty believing men have gathered for your funeral prayer, something which now holds weighty importance for you as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “There is no Muslim man who dies and forty men who do not associate anything with Allaah pray the funeral prayer for him, but Allaah will accept their intercession for him.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Some of your dear family members and friends cry nearby; if only they knew that more than their tears, you are in need of their supplications to the Lord of the heavens and the earth to make you pass the test awaiting you in the grave and to make easy your standing on the Day of Judgement in front of Allah, the Almighty, the Just and Swift in taking to account. If only you could arise and inform your friends and loved ones that what has happened to you will surely happen to them. That Allah, He is the Irresistible, Supreme over His slaves, and He sends guardians (angels guarding and writing all of one's good and bad deeds) over you, until when death approaches one of you, Our Messengers (angel of death and his assistants) take his soul, and they never neglect their duty. Then they are returned to Allâh, their Maulâ [true Master (God), the Just Lord (to reward them)]. Surely, His is the judgement and He is the Swiftest in taking account. (Surat al A’naam [6]:61-62)

In the room in which your dead body lies, people are murmuring and whispering with one another. Even outside people are standing in circles with their heads lowered and in deep discussion. If only you could come secretly and listen to what they are saying, for their discussions will play a vital role in determining where your next home is. This is because Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: A funeral passed by and they spoke well of him, and the Prophet (may the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It is guaranteed.” Then another passed by and they spoke ill of him, and he said: “It is guaranteed.” ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “What is guaranteed?” He said: “The one of whom you spoke well, Paradise is guaranteed for him, and the one of whom you spoke ill, Hell is guaranteed for him. You are the witnesses of Allaah on earth.” (Agreed upon)

Today, you are in need of the praises of people and their recognition of any good you performed. But do you know what the most worrying thing is? You have no control over who says what. In truth, even if you could listen to their conversation, your time has now finished and you can no longer go back in time and fix your past record. You cannot multiply the good deeds you have done - even if you earnestly desire to do so...

You are at fault; the words of Allah [azza wa jall] were present within the copy of the Qur’aan that lay for months on your bookshelf without being read. If only you had realised that an appointed term awaited you, if only you had realised that the pursuit, aspiration and desire for Paradise will surely be rewarded by the Most High: And no person can ever die except by Allah’s leave and at an appointed term. And whoever desires a reward in (this) world, We shall give him of it; and whoever desires a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give him thereof... (Surat aal Imraan [3]:145)

Today, the truth is evident and manifest: “...and whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).” (Surat aal Imraan [3]:185)

The believers gather to pray your first and final funeral prayer, whilst your non-Muslim friends leave you to your fate as they go back home and accept that you will no longer be around.

Yes, you will not pray but will be prayed over.

*Download the complete PDF (Preparing The Muslimah For The Grave (PDF)) by following the link.

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There you lie; within 30 minutes your body temperature has now decreased. Your blood has become stagnant; it misses the days when it would gush forth, pumping from the heart to the rest of the body, adding life to life.

The heart that was once a junction, pumping blood around your body, has now cut off all roots and has lost its movement – its very beat. Those tunnels, which we refer to as veins, are now silent: with no life and no energy. Your veins now evidently manifest themselves as they come to the surface, visible for everyone – but you. The lack of oxygen in your blood has caused your body to stiffen; a process which is also referred to as ‘rigor mortis’. The cold plank below your cold body doesn’t help. No, you can’t seek an appointment with your GP nor can you visit the hospital. The GP has forever closed your file and the hospital is no longer in need of your records.

The tongue that once would speak so proudly and freely has now been quietened by the throes of death.  How can you speak - when you can no longer breathe? Your silence is deafening. Your thoughts, feelings, sensations and emotions now hold no meaning and have no reality.

The eyes that Allah commanded you to guard are now unusable. Passing to your right and your left are some of the most beloved people to you. Yet you are unable to
open your eyes to have a last look towards them. And how can you open your eyes to see them, since it was they themselves who closed them? Yes, the same family that would become anxious if you overslept have now closed your eyes forever in obedience to the command of the Rasool (sallallahu a’lyhi wasallam):

Umm Salamah said, "Allah's Messenger (sallallahu a’lyhi wa sallam) came in and found Aboo Salamah's eyes staring. He closed them and said, 'Verily when the soul is snatched, the eyes follow it…'” (Saheeh Muslim)

A thin cloudy film has developed over your eyes within only three hours of your death. The very eyes by which you observed the world day in, day out, have now forever lost their function. Ah, and what about your skin?

How many people flaunt the beauty Allah has commanded them to cover with the covering of modesty, dignity and respect? If only they could see you.

Your skin, within only 48 hours of your death, has begun to breed bacteria. The tinge – which began in your lower stomach, has now spread outwards, affecting your hands and feet last- as your skin now has an evidently greenish tone and a marble-like appearance.

Surely the signs are clear – it is time to hand you over to the earth, from which you were created and to which you are - without a doubt - returning.

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The most beloved people to you are the most intent in getting your burial underway. They have organised the place and time to wash you and have prepared the necessary items to shroud you. Do not hate them, since they are only following the command of the Prophet (sallallahu a’lyhi wasallam),

“The corpse of a Muslim should not remain withheld among the family (without being buried).” (Abu Dawud)

In fact, burying the dead is a natural instinct Allah (azza wa jal) has intrinsically placed in the heart of man – and you are no exception to that rule. Today is that day when you will be washed and you will not be able to show nor feel any embarrassment.

You are truly left to the mercy of your beloveds...

The cool water starts to run from the tap and hot water is also at hand. Islaam has given you respect even after your death- your private parts are covered.  Your beloveds lie you down in a sloping position on a cold plank of wood, in this way the water that is used to wash you and whatever comes out of your body flows down.

Your head is raised and they sit you in a semi sitting position. One of the washers passes her hand over your abdomen gently allowing anything withheld therein (such as excrements) to come out. If only you knew that the food you ate only yesterday would be taken out in this manner…

They pour water over your body allowing the excrements to overflow and be removed. A washer uses a coarse piece of cloth, cleaning your stool, urine and anus with water. SubhanAllah, what did you know that this sister of yours would help you in this way, for now you cannot thank her, but her reward lies with Allah, inshAllah..

The “bismillah” (in the name of Allah) is uttered and they do wudhu (ablution) on you and for you; this is your last ablution forever - today you learn the beauty of  ablution, but it’s too late to add more wudhus to your list of good deeds, since your book of deeds has been forever closed and now you must face the result of the exam you sat in this temporal and passing abode.

Your teeth and nostrils are cleaned with the utmost care and your head is washed with fragranced soap. They turn your body to its left side then wash the whole right side of your body (the neck -> right hand -> right shoulder -> right half of the chest ->the right thigh -> right leg -> right foot). They roll you to the right side and the left side of your back is washed the same way. They repeat this procedure 3 times and up to 7 times if need be. In the last wash they use camphor, or something scented; this scent overcomes the stench that was starting to emit from your body, aiding your body to remain stiff, fragrant and cool. Today has become clearer for you Islaam's beautiful etiquettes of cleanliness and burial; your love for the Rasool’s [saws]way is an asset which you hold dearly as a beloved friend, as they prepare you for the grave.

Some perfume is applied to your head, forehead, nose, hands, knees, eyes, armpits, and perfumed cotton is placed on the front and rear openings. Your long nails are cut and the hair from your armpits is removed. Both are kept – since they are going to be one of the few things that will accompany you in your shroud, when all others will leave you… Your hair is braided into 3 braids falling down backwards.

Throughout your life you had amassed many commodities and wealth: a house, jewellery, clothes, car, mobile, laptop… and the list goes on. Your family has also prepared for you a provision, but it does not include any of these things that you worked so hard to gain and were so attached to… Rather your wealth will be inherited by your family - and your friends will easily make new friends. But what your family do give you to take along as your worldly asset is something that many women underestimate the significance and need for - especially during the hot and summery months…

It is nothing but pieces of cloth, the same cloth that the Lord of the Worlds commanded you to cover with, and the same cloth that is a means by which a woman’s bodily honour, dignity and respect is preserved. Yes, there is a difference between the former kind of cloth which Allah commanded you to cover with, giving you free-will to choose to obey Him or the accursed satan [nb: satan only wants bad for you], and the second type - your shroud.

Even if you do not accept the former covering in your life, you now have no choice over the latter. Your shroud is white, as described by the Prophet (sallallahu a’lyhi wa sallam), "Wear white clothes, since they are the best of your clothes, and shroud your dead with them." (At-Tirmidhi)

They prepare the following five pieces of cloth to cover you from head to toe, and your face will not be revealed, since there is no longer a need for you to breathe nor see the world. Also, as you will be taken soon to the Masjid for the funeral prayer, your dignity and respect as a Muslimah must be preserved - even if you didn't think so when you were alive. The following five pieces of cloth are used to cover you:

*A loincloth

*A veil

*A shirt

*2 shrouds

They lovingly apply rose water or perfume on your shroud, since this is the best they can scent you- before you are handed down to the earth, and after which the soil's redolence will emanate into your shroud... right into your being.

They begin to tie the open cloth, starting from your head and then working down to the legs. Take your last look into this world; by Allah, its joys have come to an end! All friendships that were other than for the sake of Allah have blown away. The realities of the heavens have come alight and the lowly world has shown its dark colours of deception and betrayal. Truly they succeeded who were travellers in this world. You feel like screaming: 'O Believers! Wake up! Wake up before your soul is snatched away and your body is handed over to the grave as I am going to be,' yet they can't hear you, since you can't really speak nor think. This is because when the angel of death took out your soul, all your senses at that point came to an end.

Kissing your face for the last time, they slowly begin to cover your face and your whole body. Now you resemble a cocoon; lying there as naked as the day you were born, and it is only these sheets which guard your respect, honour and dignity.

Time has come for the believers to pray over you for the first and the last time.

Yes: it's time for your funeral prayer.

*Download the complete PDF (Preparing The Muslimah For The Grave (PDF)) by following the link.

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Category: Death and the Grave

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Your time is up; your body lies motionless, within a few seconds the angel of death has seized your soul. How can you describe the painful separation your body underwent as the soul was taken out from the body? The many years you lived in the world, your body and soul had become one and you never realised the difference between the two. As the soul was being extracted from your body, every single vein in your body screamed in pain.

You have now come to realise the true impact of the words of the Prophet (sallallahu a’lyhi wa sallam) , when he described the evil as well as the disbelieving souls’ reaction towards the angel of death, “…it becomes terrified, and clings to the body; but he extracts it (by force), like a skewer is pulled from wet wool, causing the veins and nerves to burst...” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud and others)

You tried your utmost to cling to this world; yet the angel of death is an obedient slave of Allah, hence he does not leave until he has seized your soul. At that moment the earth, with all its joys and treasures, closed its doors to you forever. You have no choice, you must vacate your presence in this world as your test is over and others have been assigned your space. Your destination awaits you and there is no turning back. The words of th e Almighty (subhanahu wa ta’la) have surely proven to be true,

{And the agony of death comes, in truth; that is what you wished to avoid.} [50:19]

The soul is now traversing the realms above and its destination is towards the Lord of the Worlds. On the other hand, your body has now started its journey towards the loneliness and darkness of the grave.

The word ‘body’ does not accurately describe your state.

You are now a corpse upon whom the process of decomposition has been levied.

*Download the complete PDF (Preparing The Muslimah For The Grave (PDF)) by following the link.

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HELL FIRE EXISTS:

When Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) created Universe, He created Paradise and Hell. They will never come to an end or cease to exist. Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) created Paradise and Hell before the rest of creation, and He created inhabitants for each of them.

Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says in Quran:

About Paradise: “...for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for al-Muttaqun” (3:133)

About Hell-fire: “And fear the fire, which is prepared for the disbelievers” (3:131)

The Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: “When Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) created Paradise and Hell, He sent Jibreel to Paradise, saying “Go and look at it and at what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants”. So he went and looked at it and at what Allah had prepared therein for its inhabitants.... then He sent him to Hellfire saying, “Go and look at it and what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants”, so he looked at it and saw that it was in layers, one above the other....” [Muslim, Abu Dawood]

Allah’s Apostle (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) also said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

WHEN PEOPLE DIE THEY KNOW WHERE THEY ARE GOING:

Messenger of Allah (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you dies, he will be shown his position morning and evening. If he is one of the people of Paradise then he will be one of the people of Paradise, and if he is one of the people of Hell, then he will be one of the people of Hell, and he will be told, “This is your position, until Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) resurrects you on the Day of Resurrection”. [Sahih Muslim, al-Bukhari]

* Everyone has a position in Hell and a position in Paradise. In the grave, the angels tell a person going to Paradise, ‘This had been your abode, had you done evil but look at your right side,’ and the person will see a window opening to Paradise. Opposite is true for a disbeliever.

That’s why, the Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: "No one dies except that he knows whether he is going to be in Hell or Heaven."

HOW DOES A PERSON KNOW THAT?

Some scholars say that you already know that because of your deeds.

Other scholars say that the Angel of Death tells you where you are going.

RASOOL-ALLAH SAW HELL-FIRE IN HIS LIFE:

No one among the common people has ever seen Hell-fire. The Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) was shown it in Isra’ wa al-Mi'raaj. Other proof of Prophet seeing Hell-fire (and Paradise) is several, including this Hadith that Prophet said after prayer: “Paradise and Hell were shown to me. Paradise was brought close to me, so that I tried to take fruit from it but I could not reach it. Hell was shown to me, and was brought so close that I stepped back for fear that it would touch me.” (Sahih al-Jaami’)

DESCRIPTION OF HELL-FIRE:

In Isra’ wa al-Mi'raaj, the Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem and from Jerusalem to the Heavens. Over there he saw Paradise and Hell along with meeting earlier Prophets of Allah (peace be upon them).

THE GUARDIANS OF HELL-FIRE:

The guardians of the Hell-fire are 19 angels. Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says: “Soon I will cast him into Hellfire. And what will explain to you what Hellfire is? Naught does it permit to endure, and naught does it leave alone! Darkening and changing the color of man! Over it are nineteen [angels as guardians and keepers of Hell]” (74:26-30)

The number was mentioned only to create test for the disbelievers who thought that they could easily overcome such a small number. They thought they would be able to fight them and kill them and then run away from Hell-fire. However, we know that angels are not like human beings. Disbelievers of Mecca underestimated the abilities of the angels. Jibril has six hundred wings and one angel can flip the Earth on its one wing (by the will of Allah) as we know from the story of the Prophet Lut (’alayhis salaam). Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says: “And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their numbers [19] only as a trial for the disbelievers..” (74:31)

Maalik is the name of the angel who is the in charge of Hell-fire.

THE ENORMITY OF HELL-FIRE:

In basic terms, the area of Hell-fire to torture just one disbeliever will be equivalent to a couple of football fields!
Hell-fire is huge!

1- Some companions were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) and they heard the sound of something falling. The Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, “Do you know what that was?” We said, “Allah and His Messenger know best”.
He said, “That was a stone that was thrown into Hell seventy years ago and it was falling through Hell until now”. (Muslim)

*Here we should remember that 70 years of Allah are equivalent to approximately 70,000 of our calendar.

2- Those who will enter Hell will be many, and one of them will be so huge that his molars will be as big as Mount Uhud, and the distance between his shoulders will be equivalent to three days walking. Nevertheless, Hell will accommodate the huge number of evildoers who have existed throughout history, in spite of their huge size, and there will still be room for more, as Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says in the Quran:

“On the Day when We will say to Hell: “Are you filled?” It will say: “Are there any more to come?” (50:30)

3- The Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, “Hell will be brought forth that Day by means of seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be held by seventy thousand angels.” (Muslim)

We can only image the vastness of this terrifying creation that requires such a huge number of strong and powerful angels whose strength is known only to  Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala)!

4- The sun and the moon will be like tiny stones in Hell-fire. The Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said:

“The sun and moon will be two rolled-up bulls in Hell on the Day of Resurrection” (Bayhiqi: Sheikh Naasir ud-Deen al-Albaani narrated this hadeeth in Silsilah al-ahadeeth as-Sahihah)

THE LEVELS OF HELL:

While the levels of Paradise are called darjaat, the levels of Hell-fire are called darkaat.

The hypocrites will be in the lowest depth which will be the worst abode and greater in the intensity of heat. Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says in the Quran: “Verily the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths [grade] of the Fire"(4:145)

Abu Talib will be in the highest level (which will be the lowest in punishment) of Hell-fire: The Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said about him, “He is in a shallow fire, if it had not been for me he would have been in the bottom of the (Hell) Fire.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

However, this will be not satisfying either because the Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: “The person who will have the least punishment from amongst the Hell Fire people on the Day of Resurrection, will be a man under whose arch of the feet a smoldering ember will be placed so that his brain will boil because of it.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

THE DOORS OF HELL-FIRE:

The Hell-fire has 7 doors and Paradise has 8 doors. Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says “And surely, Hell is the promised place for them all. It has seven doors, for each of these doors is a [special] class [of sinners] assigned”. (15:43-44)

FUEL OF HELL FIRE:

There is always something that is needed to keep the fire going. The fire is destructive in its nature, so it needs to consume something to keep itself going. The fuel of the Hell-fire will be Kuffaar as Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says: “… then fear the Fire [hell] whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers” (2:24)

The Kuffaar, their idols and the stones will keep fire going. The fire will consume the skin and flesh of its inhabitants, but with the Will of Allah, their skin and flesh will 

The disbelievers in the Hell-fire will be dragged on their faces in humiliation. Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says in Quran: “On the day when they are dragged into the Fire upon their faces; taste the touch of Fire. Surely, We have created everything according to a measure” [Surah Al-Qamar: 48]

The Face is a very honorable part of human body. If it is hurt and insulted, it is worse than others parts of the body. Therefore, this would be a great disgrace for those who rejected the signs of Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) in this life.

Allah says in Surah Al-Waqiyyah: 41-45:  "The Companions of the Left Hand-what will be the Companions of the Left Hand? (They will be) in the midst of a fierce Blast of Fire and in Boiling Water. And in the shades of Black Smoke: Nothing (will there be) to refresh nor to please: For that they were wont to be indulged before that in wealth (and luxury)."

The Hell-fire is 70 times hotter than present fire (in the world). Therefore, we cannot even imagine its devastating ability.

The intensely hot winds blow in the hell-fire and are called Samoom.

The super-heated (boiling) water is available in hell-fire to drink and is called Hameem.

The Hell-fire will have shade of smoke and is called Yahmoom.

Ad-Daree' is a thorny plant, which will be the food of the people of Hell and will be of no benefit whatsoever to them, and they will not enjoy it in the least; this is one of the forms of punishment that they will suffer.

Az-Zaqqoom: Allah says: “Verily the tree of Zaqqum will be the food of the sinful, like molten brass, it will boil in their insides, like the boiling of scalding water.” (44:43-46). The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: “If one drop from Az-Zaqqum were to land on this world, the people of earth and all their means of sustenance would be destroyed. So how must it be for the one who must eat it?” [Tirmidhi]

Al-Ghasleen and al-Ghassaaq [festering pus that oozes out of the skin of the people of Hell]. Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says: “So no friend has he here this Day, Nor has he any food except corruption [or filth] from the washing of wounds [al-Ghasleen], which none do eat but those in sin”. (69:35-37)

Al-Muhl: Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: “It (al-Muhl) is like boiling oil, and when it is brought near a person’s face, the skin of the face falls off into it.” [Tirmidhi]

The garments of melted copper tar: Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says in the Quran: “And you will see the sinners that Day bound together in fetters. Their garments of liquid pitch and their faces covered with Fire”. (14:49-50)

For disbelievers, most torment will be on their faces because that would cause them most humiliation.

People will be chained to add to their agony.

“The molar of the kaafir or the eye-tooth of the kaafir, will be like Uhud, and the thickness of his skin will be like a journey of three (days)”. (Muslim)

“The kaafir’s skin will be forty-two cubits thick and his molar will be like Uhud and the space he occupies will be as wide as the distance between Makkah and Madinah.” (Tirmidhi)

Hell-fire keeps consuming itself because of its destructive nature.

Every time the temperature goes down Allah adds more fire to it.

The effect of Hell-fire is Summer and Winter. The Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: “Hell complained to its Rabb, saying “O my Rabb, some parts of me have consumed others.” So He allowed it to exhale twice, once in the winter and once in the summer. That is why you find extreme heat (in the summer) and extreme cold (in the winter)”. [Sahih Bukhari]

Hell-fire sees and speaks. As mentioned in the Quran, it asks for more dwellers. It makes a whizzing sound; Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says: “When it sees them from a place far off they will hear its fury and its roaring.” (25:12)

CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE IN HELL-FIRE:

The Disbelievers will not be able to escape from the punishment of Hell-fire.

"Shaytaan will be in the Hell-fire: “He [Shaytaan} only invites his adherents that they may become Companions of the blazing Fire” (35:6)

Among those who are mentioned by name (in authentic traditions) to be in hell are Abu Lahab, ‘Amr Ibn Luhai al-Khuza’i, Fir’aun and others.

The hypocrites will be in the lowest depth as mentioned in Quran.

Confirmation of hell that is based on description includes every unbeliever, polytheist, or hypocrite. Allah (subhanu wa ta’ala) says in the Quran: “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him and he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.” (3:85). These people will abide in hell-fire forever.

People of Hell-fire will also be the Leaders who lead people astray.

The Arrogant: Hell said, “The arrogant and proud will enter me.” [Sahih Muslim] The worst of arrogants are disbelievers whose pride keeps them from accepting the message of Allah, such as in the case of Abu Jahl.

The Muslims whose sins outweigh their good deeds (but the Muslims, if they were sincere, will be able to get out of the Fire by the Mercy of Allah or through the intercessions of the Prophet Mohammad (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam)).

The punishment of the mushrikeen, tyrants and picture-makers will be severe. Imam Ahmad reports that the Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said: “On the Day of Resurrection a neck will stretch forth from Hell; it will have two eyes to see, two ears to hear, and a tongue to speak. It will say, “I have been appointed to take care of three types of people: every arrogant tyrant, every person who called on some deity other than Allah and those who made pictures”

IMPORTANT!!!

A person should never point at someone and say he/she is “doomed to Hell-fire”. This is a matter only in Allah’s hand. We are not supposed to judge who is going to Paradise and who is going to Hell-fire.

The only thing we can say about someone like a tyrant kafir is something like, “If this person continues to spread wickedness and dies on it, he will go to Hell-fire.” And this is only because of Allah’s statement in the Quran that anyone who dies on kufr the curse of Allah, His angels and of the People is on him (as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqrah).

THE LAST ONE AMONG THE PEOPLE OF HELL-FIRE TO ENTER JANNAH:

Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet (salAllahu `alaihi wa sallam) said:
"Some of the people will stay in Hell (be destroyed) because of their (evil) deeds, and some will be cut or torn by the hooks (and fall into Hell) and some will be punished and then relieved. When Allah has finished His Judgments among the people, He will take whomever He will out of Hell through His Mercy.

He will then order the angels to take out of the Fire all those who used to worship none but Allah from among those whom Allah wanted to be merciful to and those who testified (in the world) that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah. The angels will recognize them in the Fire by the marks of prostration (on their foreheads), for the Fire will eat up all the human body except the mark caused by prostration as Allah has forbidden the Fire to eat the mark of prostration. They will come out of the (Hell) Fire, completely burnt and then the water of life will be poured over them and they will grow under it as does a seed that comes in the mud of the torrent.

Then Allah will finish the judgments among the people, and there will remain one man facing the (Hell) Fire and he will be the last person among the people of Hell to enter Paradise."

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Category: The Paradise of Delights

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The one who combines obedience to her Lord, doing the obligatory duties that are enjoined upon her, and avoiding the haraam things that she is forbidden to do, with obedience to her husband, has glad tidings from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that she will be highly honored when she enters Paradise.

According to the hadeeth: "If a woman prays her five (daily prayers), fasts her month (Ramadaan), guards her chastity and obeys her husband, it will be said to her: Enter Paradise by whichever of the gates of Paradise you wish." (Narrated by Ahmad (1664) and others; classed as hasan by al-Albaani because of another report in Saheeh al-Targheeb, as stated by al-Arna'oot in Takhreej al-Musnad.)

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Ibn al-Qayyim said, in regards to the description of the Paradise and the delights that it contains:

"And if you ask about its ground and its soil, then it is of musk and saffron.

And if you ask about its roof, then it is the Throne of the Most Merciful.

And if you ask about its rocks, then they are pearls and jewels.

And if you ask about its buildings, then they are made of bricks of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its trees, then it does not contain a single tree except that its trunk is made of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its fruits, then they are softer than butter and sweeter than honey.

And if you ask about its leaves, then they are softer than the softest cloth.

And if you ask about its rivers, then there are rivers of milk who's taste does not change, and rivers of wine that is delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of honey that is pure, and rivers of water that is fresh.

And if you ask about their food, then it is fruits from whatever they will choose, and the meat of whatever birds they desire.

And if you ask about their drink, then it is Tasneem, ginger, and Kaafoor.

And if you ask about their drinking cups, then they are crystal-clear and made of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its shade, then a fast rider would ride in the shade of one of its trees for a hundred years and not escape it.

And if you ask about its vastness, then the lowest of its people would have within his kingdom and walls and palaces and gardens the distance that would be travelled in a thousand years.

And if you ask about its tents and encampments, then one tent is like a concealed pearl that is sixty miles long.

And if you ask about its towers, then they are rooms above rooms in buildings that have rivers running underneath them.

And if you ask about how far it reaches into the sky, then look at the shining star that is visible, as well as those that are far in the heavens that the eyesight cannot possibly reach.

And if you ask about the clothing of its inhabitants, then they are of silk and gold.

And if you ask about its beds, then its blankets are of the finest silk laid out in the highest of its levels.

And if you ask about the faces of its inhabitants and their beauty, then they are like the image of the Moon.

And if you ask about their age, then they are young ones of 33 years in the image of Adam, the father of humanity.

And if you ask about what they will be hearing, then it is the singing of their wives from among the Hoor al-'Ayn, and better than that are the voices of the Angels and the Prophets, and better than that is the Speech of the Lord of the Worlds.

And if you ask about their servants, then they are young boys of everlasting youth who resemble scattered pearls.

And if you ask about their brides and wives, then they are young and have had the liquid of youth flow through their limbs; the Sun runs along the beauty of her face if she shows it, light shines from between her teeth if she smiles; if you meet her love, then say whatever you want regarding the joining of two lights; he sees his face in the roundness of her cheek as if he is looking into a polished mirror, and he sees the brightness from behind her muscles and bones; if she were to be unleashed upon the World, she would fill what is between the Heavens and the Earth with a beautiful wind, and the mouths of the creation would glorifiy, praise, and exclaim greatness, and everything between the East and the West would be adorned for her, and every eye would be shut from everthing but her, and the light of the Sun would be outshone just as the light of the Sun outshines the light of the stars, and everyone on the face of the Earth would believe in the Ever-Living, the One who Sustains and Protects all the exists.

And the covering on her head is better than the World and all that is in it, and she does not increase with age except in beauty; free from an umbilical cord, childbirth and menses, and pure of mucous, saliva, urine and other filthy things; her youth never fades, her clothing is never worn out, no garment can be created that matches her beauty, and no one who is with her can ever become bored; her attention is restricted to her husband, so she desires none but him, just as his attention is restricted to her so she is the sole object of his desire, and he is with her in utmost safety and security, as none has touched her before of either humans or Jinn.

And if you ask about the Day of Increase (in reward) and the visit of the all-Mighty, all-Wise, and the sight of His Face - free from any resemblance or likeness to anything - as you see the Sun in the middle of the day and the full Moon on a cloudless night, then listen on the day that the caller will call: 'O People of Paradise! Your Lord - Blessed and Exalted - requests you to visit Him, so come to visit Him!' So they will say: 'We hear and obey!'

Until, when they finally reach the wide valley where they will all meet - and none of them will turn down the request of the caller - the Lord - Blessed and Exalted - will order His Chair to be brought there. Then, pulpits of light will emerge, as well as pulpits of pearls, gemstone, gold, and silver. The lowest of them in rank will sit on sheets of musk, and will not see what those who are on the chairs above them are given. When they are comfortable where they are sitting and are secure in their places, and the caller calls: 'O People of Paradise! You have an appointment with Allaah in which He wishes to reward you!' So they will say: 'And what is that reward? Has He not already made our faces bright, made our scales heavy, entered us into Paradise, and pushed us away from the Fire?'

And when they are like that, all of a sudden a light shines that encompasses all of Paradise. So, they raise their heads, and, behold: the Compeller - Exalted is He, and Holy are His Names - has come to them from above them and majestified them and said: 'O People of Paradise! Peace be upon you!' So, this greeting will not be responded to with anything better than: 'O Allaah! You are Peace, and from You is Peace! Blessed are You, O possessor of Majesty and Honor!' So the Lord - Blessed and Exalted - will laugh to them and say: 'O People of Paradise! Where are those who used to obey Me without having ever seen Me? This is the Day of Increase!'

So, they will all give the same response: 'We are pleased, so be pleased with us!' So, He will say: 'O People of Paradise! If I were not pleased with you, I would not have made you inhabitants of My Paradise! So, ask of Me!' So, they will all give the same response: 'Show us your Face so that we may look at it!' So, the Lord - Mighty and Majestic - will remove his covering and will majestify them and will cover them with His Light, which, if Allaah - the Exalted - had not Willed not to burn them, would have burned them.

And there will not remain a single person in this gathering except that his Lord - the Exalted - will speak to him and say: 'Do you remember the day that you did this and that?' and He will remind him of some of his bad deeds in the Worldy life, so he will say: 'O Lord! Will you not forgive me?' So, He will say: 'Of course! You have not reached this position of yours (in Paradise) except by my forgiveness.'

So, how sweet is this speech to the ears, and how cooled are the righteous eyes by the glance at His Noble Face in the Afterlife...

{Some faces that Day will be shining and radiant, looking at their Lord...} (al-Qiyaamah:22-3)

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Category: The Paradise of Delights

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Certainly the ultimate goal of every Muslim is Paradise  As with all aspects of the Unseen, it can be only imagined through analogy, yet its realities are far beyond description in any human language. Allah (subhaanahu wa ta`aala) has prepared for His servants, "What no eye has seen and no ear has heard and has never occurred to a human heart." [al-Bukhaari, Muslim and others] This eternal home is not limited to what is described here of material and spiritual enjoyments, for it includes "all the soul has longed for" and finally, the greatest and most complete pleasure beyond all imagination - the presence and nearness of the Creator Himself.

Who are the inheritors of such blessing? Who are the souls worthy of such reward?

It is common belief among Muslims today that anyone who professes "La Ilaha ill-Allah" and "Muhammadun Rasoolullah" will enter Paradise. Yet this testimony is more than a statement of the tongue. It is an oath, a commitment that must be fulfilled. It has conditions and requirements which affect all aspects of life. It concerns authority - what actually governs our behaviour and deeds. The Arabs of Quraish who refused to pronounce this kalimah did so because they fully understood its implications. Yet Muslims repeat it today without a second thought, their actions and lifestyles bearing witness to something totally different. And they expect Paradise!

In the Qur'aan, Allah (Almighty) has warned against complacency in religion like that of the Jews and Christians who mistakenly claim that God has favoured them over others and that Paradise is theirs alone: "It is not by your wishes, nor the wishes of the People of the Scriptures. Whoever does a wrong shall be punished for it, and he will not find other than Allah as a protector or helper."

Yet many of today's Muslims consider themselves a chosen people, while neglecting the commands of their Lord, turning their backs on the Sunnah of their Prophet (peace be upon him) and insisting on a secular life far from the blessings of divine law... perhaps even going so far as to deny certain aspects of that law. Customs and traditions, materialism, man-made social systems, national leaders and even their own inclinations are now sharing the authority which rightfully belongs exclusively to our Creator, Owner of the Day of Judgment.

The reward of Paradise is too great not to have a price. That price is true faith which is proven by obedience to Allah and His Messenger. The Qur'aan states, "And whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while being a believer - those are the ones whose effort is appreciated [by Allah]." [ 17:19 ]

We must return to the Qur'aan, not simply in an emotional or academic manner, but with a sense of instruction for obedience and action. We must find out what kind of people Allah has asked us to be and then become as such.

This is the road to Paradise.

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Describing Paradise, Allaah - the Most High - said: "Indeed Allaah will enter those who believe and do righteous and correct actions into Paradise, beneath which rivers flow. Wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be made of silk." [Soorah al-Hajj 24:23].

"Indeed the pious and obedient ones will be in Paradise, amongst gardens and water-springs. It will be said to them: Enter! In peace and safety. And We shall remove from their hearts any ill-feeling, so that they will be like brothers, facing each other on thrones. No sense of hardship will touch them, and they will be of those who never leave." [Soorah al-Hijr 15:45-46].

Paradise: that precious sanctity to which, throughout the ages, the Believers run towards.

Paradise: a burning fame that was in the hearts of our Salafus-Salih (Pious Predecessors), a flame that spurred them to aim for the highest examples of valour in jihaad and sacrifice.

Paradise: that noble goal which aspiring eyes are fixed towards and which yearning souls long for, in all times and in all places. They find worldly afflictions agreeable to them for the sake of achieving Paradise. Indeed, to enter into it and remain in it is considered the greatest goal for the Believers, and it is a hope which is kept in view throughout life's journey. How often has Paradise been the incentive and a motivation for goodness and truth, despite the dangers, afflictions and thorns that lie along the path - even if it involves certain death.

This was the case in the days of the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam), as Anas (radhiallahu 'anhu) related: Once Allaah's Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers of Makkah. When the disbelievers arrived Allaah's Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "None of you shall proceed ahead of me in anything." The disbelievers then advanced towards us and Allaah's Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "Rise-up to enter Paradise, whose width is equal to the heavens and the earth."

'Umayr ibn al-Humaam al-Ansaaree (radiallahu 'anhu) said: "O Messenger of Allah! Is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth?" He said: "Yes!" `Umayr then exclaimed words of astonishment and excitement, so Allaah's Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) asked him: "What made you say these words of astonishment and excitement?" He replied, "O Messenger of Allaah! Nothing but the desire to be amongst its inhabitants." Allaah's Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) then said: "Indeed, you are surely from amongst its inhabitants." So `Umayr then took some dates from his bag and began to eat them. Then he said:

"If I were to live until I have eaten all the dates, then indeed this life would be too long. He threw away the remaining dates which were with him and he fought until he was killed." [Related by Muslim (no. 1901)]

This was also the stance taken in later times:

Abu Moosaa al-Ash'aree (radiallahu'anhu), whilst in the presence of his enemy, narrated: Allaah's Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "Indeed, the gates of Paradise are beneath the shade of swords." A man who was in a shabby condition got up and said: "Abu Moosaa! Did you hear this from the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam)?" So he said: "Yes!" He returned to his friend and said:

"I bid you salaam (a farewell greeting of peace)."

Then he broke the sheath of his sword, threw it away, then rushed it into the thick of the enemy and fought them until he was slain. [Muslim (no. 1902) and at-Tirmidhee (no. 1659)] (From the book: Jannah (pp.5-6) of Shaykh `Alee Hasan)

Imaam ash-Shaafi`ee (d.204H) - rahimahullaah - said:

"O my soul! It is not, except a few days of patience;

As if the extent were but a few dreams.

O my soul! Pass quickly on through this world;

And leave it, for indeed life lies ahead of it."

[Related by Ibn Rajab in Fadl `Ilmus-Salaf (p.63)]

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Allah has said in the Quran (translation of meaning): “And give good news (O Muhammad) to those who believe and do good deeds, that they will have gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow....” (Quran 2:25)

Allah has also said (interpretation): “Race one with another for forgiveness from your Lord and for Paradise, whose width is as the width of the heavens and the earth, which has been prepared for those who believe in God and His messengers....” (Quran 57:21)

Allah has said in the Quran (translation of meaning): “But those who believe and do good deeds, We will admit them to gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow, lasting in them forever....” (Quran 4:57)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us that the lowest in rank among the dwellers of Paradise will have ten times the like of this world, and he or she will have whatever he or she desires and ten times like it. Also, the Prophet Muhammad said: "A space in Paradise equivalent to the size of a foot would be better than the world and what is in it." He also said: "In Paradise there are things which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has thought of." He also said: "The most miserable man in the world of those meant for Paradise will be dipped once in Paradise. Then he will be asked, “Son of Adam, did you ever face any misery? Did you ever experience any hardship?” So he will say, “No, by God, O Lord! I never faced any misery, and I never experienced any hardship.”"

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that a caller will call out in Paradise when people enter it: “Indeed may you be healthy and never be sick again, may you live and never die again, may you be young and never grow feeble again, may you enjoy, and never feel sorrow and regret again.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Allah says (interpretation of meaning): “They will not hear therein ill speech or commission of sin. But only the saying of: Peace! Peace!” (Quran 56:25-26)

There will be no enmity between people nor ill-feelings: “And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world).” (Quran 7:43)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There will be no hatred or resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify God, morning and evening.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

People will have the best of companions in the Hereafter, who were also the best people in the world: “And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger – those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor – of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions!” (Quran 4:69)

“Say: Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is (far) better for him who fears Allah.” (Quran 4:77)

As for Paradise, people will live forever. Allah says (translation of meaning): “...its provision is eternal and so is its shade…” (Quran 13:35)

“What is with you must vanish, and what is with Allah will endure …” (Quran 16:96)

“(It will be said to them): This is Our Provision, which will never finish” (Quran 38:54)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The space of the bow of any one of you in Paradise is better than all that the sun rises upon” (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh 3/85, no. 5615)

The wine of Paradise, as described by its Creator, is: “Crystal-white, delicious to those who drink (thereof), free from intoxication, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom” (Quran 37:46-47)

The water of Paradise does not become brackish, and its milk never changes in flavor: “... rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes ...” (Quran 47:15)

The women of Paradise are pure and free from menstruation, postnatal bleeding and all the other impurities suffered by women in this world, and all are free from stool and feces. Allah says (interpretation of meaning): “... and they shall have therein purified mates having no menses, urine, stools, etc.” (Quran 2:25)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) answered a person when they asked how the people of Paradise will relieve themselves: “They relieve themselves by perspiring through their skins, and its fragrance will be that of musk, and all stomachs will have become lean.” (Ibn Hibbaan)

What we have mentioned has been a mere comparison in order to understand the nature of Paradise, but as Allah said, its delights are truly hidden: “No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do.” (The Quran, 32:17)

Paradise: There is Nothing Like It

The delights of Paradise surpass the imagination and defy description. They are like nothing known to the people of this world; no matter how advanced we may become, what we achieve is as nothing in comparison with the joys of the Hereafter. As is mentioned in several reports, there is nothing like Paradise: “It is sparkling light, aromatic plants, a lofty palace, a flowing river, ripe fruit, a beautiful wife and abundant clothing, in an eternal abode of radiant joy, in beautiful soundly-constructed high houses”. (Ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibbaan)

The Sahabah asked the Prophet about the buildings of Paradise and he replied with a wonderful description: “Bricks of gold and silver, and mortar of fragrant musk, pebbles of pearl and sapphire, and soil of saffron. Whoever enters it is filled with joy and will never feel miserable; he will live there forever and never die; their clothes will never wear out and their youth will never fade.” (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, ad-Daarimee)

Allah says (explanation of meaning): “And when you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a great dominion” (Quran 76:20)

The Prophet said that Allah said: “I have prepared for My slaves what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human heart can imagine.” Recite if you wish:

“No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” (Quran 32:17)

In another report:

“Never mind what Allah has told you; what He has not told you is even greater.” (Saheeh Muslim)

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Who Are the People of Paradise?

We could go on and on, for the ahadeeth are vast in numbers, about the Prophet's descriptions of Paradise. But a place that has houses built with gold and silver bricks: where its dirt is made of rubies and sapphires and its inhabitants wear only the finest silk garments, sounds like a pretty exclusive neighborhood to me. Who are these people who will be allowed to live in this enchanting place? The Jews say the Jews. The Christians say the Christians. But Allah says, "And they say: 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' Those are their (vain) desires. Say, 'Produce your proof if you are truthful.' [2:111]

He also says, "(Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), 'Peace be on you, enter you the Garden, because of (the good) which you did (in the world)." [16:32]

Always in the Qur'an when Allah mentions those who will attain Paradise, He mentions the believers, not the Muslims. He, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says, "Indeed the Muttaqoon will be amongst the Gardens and water-springs." [15:45]

He also says, "Verily, the Muttaqoon will be in a place of security, among Gardens and Springs, dressed in fine silk and (also) in thick silk, facing each other. This is how it shall be, and We shall marry them to Houris with wide, lovely eyes. They will request therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security." [44:51-55]

So who are the believers and how do we become one of them? Allah says, "They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good." [3:114]

He, subhanahu wa ta'ala, also says of the believers, "But the Apostle and those who believe with him strive hard with their property and their persons; and these it is who shall have the good things and these it is who shall be successful." [9:88]

He goes on to say, "Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain, which you have concluded: that is the achievement supreme." [9:111]

Of the believers, He also says, "But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (forever)." [2:82]

O slaves of Allah! Know that being among this illustrious group of people who will live in this place of tranquillity and bliss is not something easily attained. Allah says, "Or do you think that you shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Apostle and those of faith who were with him cried, 'When (will come) the help of Allah?' Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!" [2:214]

What Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, convey to us is that the people of Paradise are the God-conscious, and the God-fearing. Not everyone, who says, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just as not everyone who professes the Shahadah, will enter Paradise.

Only those who fear Allah as He ought to be feared, and are motivated by that fear to do acts of righteousness will attain success. The one who is conscious of His Lord, in every aspect of his life, and turns to Him in true submission, will have purchased for himself safety and security on a day when there will be none, except with Allah. He does not cause a soul to suffer fear twice, the fear of Him in this world, and the fear on The Day of Judgment. About this, the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Allah says, 'I do not combine for my servants two states of fear, or two states of safety. So if he feels safe from Me in this world I will cause him to fear on The Day of Judgment, and if he fears Me in the world, I will cause him to be safe on The Day of Judgment.'" (Sahih al-Jami)

It is important, therefore, that Muslims know the characters of those who will be the inheritors of Paradise. But it is unfortunate that many of today's Muslims understand that it is enough for one to pronounce the Shahadah by his tongue for him to be entitled to enter Paradise regardless of whether he lived according to Islam or not! But the Shahadah means and requires more than the mere utterance of it. Actually this fact is one of the most mentioned aspects of Islam in the Qur'an and Sunnah. The essence of Eman is deed. Deeds of the heart and deeds of the tongue and other body parts. Deeds that are to be continued till one leaves this world. That was the reason why the Arabs of Makkah refused to pronounce it. They fully appreciated its implication. They knew it concerned authority and understood that they had to govern their deeds and lives with it. Yet many of those who repeat it today lead life styles that do not resemble those described in the Qur'an and practiced by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and his companions. The Qur'an warns us that deeds are the basis on which we are to be judged, not only the utterance of the Shahadah, "It is not by your wishes nor the wishes of the People of the Book: whoever does wrong shall be punished for it, and he will find none other than Allah as a protector or helper." [4:123]

So entering Paradise requires that we live as believers and die as Muslims. That takes knowledge, dedication and determination to see it through to its completion. The fist step is belief in Allah and His Messenger, and the flip side to that is leaving all acts of shirk; this means directing all acts of ibadah to none but Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, whether it be wearing talismans, supplicating to others than Allah or simply showing off. The next step is obeying Allah and His Messenger, avoiding bid'ah and innovations, and carrying out all compulsory acts of worship that He has prescribed. Once we are steadfast and regular in what we must do, we can then proceed to the next level of eman and worship, by doing the things that we have been encouraged to do. By increasing out acts of worship, and remembrance of Allah we will leave off sin and help safeguard ourselves from a Fire, the fuel of which is men and stones.

We Should Also Strive to:

• Protect our minds from thoughts, which are evil, because evil actions begin with evil thoughts.
• Protect our eyes by lowering our gazes and not looking at forbidden things.
• Protect our ears from lewd or evil speech where there is sin. We should also avoid listening to lies, gossip, music, slander, or blasphemy.
• Protect our tongues by saying always what is correct and true, and keeping it moist with the remembrance of Allah, and keeping away from backbiting and other evil speech.
• Protect our stomachs by eating the halal and keeping away from the haram. We should beware of eating usury, carrion, and swine or drinking intoxicants or taking drugs.
• Protect our hands from taking what does not belong to us, or from doing harm to another Muslim.
• Protect our legs from taking us to evil and corruption and an ultimate doom.
• Protect our private parts from unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Protect our wealth by not squandering it or holding on to it too tightly.
• Protect our oaths, witnesses and trusts by not breaching or breaking a contract or pledge knowingly. We should not exceed our agreements, testify to falsehood or break our trusts.
• Protect our families and children by keeping them away from the things that may be harmful and that may corrupt their minds and their souls.

Now, it is true that only Allah knows who the believers are, but that should not stop us from striving to be among their numbers. For the believers will have eternal bliss and complete success, because of the things that they did in this life. Allah says,

"So no soul knows the delight of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [32:17]

We now stand at the start of the race, so let us run forward quickly to the finish line, where the gates of Paradise will be open for those who strive as they should. The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, who said, "Paradise is surrounded by hardship and the Hellfire is surround by wishes and desires," has described the road to eternal bliss. (Sahih al-Jami)

Despite this, Allah and His Messenger have left breadcrumbs along the path, for us to follow to make our journey easier. All roads may lead to Rome, but not all paths lead to Allah and His Paradise. We must plan our journey by using only the road map given to us by Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam.

Ways That Lead To Paradise:

Belief and Righteous Deeds are two of the best routes to Jannah (Paradise). The door of righteous deeds is wide and the ways of obtaining rewards are vast, as Allah says, "And those who believe and do good deeds they are the inhabitants of Paradise, in it they shall abide." [2:82]

Taqwa is the fear of the Most Merciful, and acting in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. That is, hoping for the reward of Allah and avoiding disobedience of His Guidance and fearing His Punishment. For Allah says, "Surely those of taqwa shall be in the midst of Gardens and fountains." [15:45]

The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, also said, "The most common thing which leads people to Paradise is taqwa of Allah and good conduct, and the most common thing which leads people to the Hell Fire is the mouth and the private parts." (Tirmidhi)

Obedience of Allah and His Messenger is a sure way to Paradise. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says, "And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will cause him to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and whoever turns back, He will chastise him with a painful chastisement." [48:17]

Allah's Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, also said, "All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse?" He said, "He who obeys me enters Paradise and he who disobeys me has refused." (Bukhari)

Fighting in the Path of Allah with one's goods and soul. For Allah says, "O you who believe, shall I lead you to a merchandise which may deliver you from a painful chastisement? You shall believe in Allah and His Messenger, and struggle hard in Allah's Cause with your property and your lives; that is better for you, if you but knew! He will forgive you your sins and cause you to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and goodly dwellings in Gardens of perpetuity; that is the mighty achievement." [61:10-12]

Repentance erases what came before it as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "The one who repents form sin is like the one who never sinned." (Sahih Al-Jami) And Allah says, "Except such as repent and believe and do good, these shall enter the Garden, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly in any way." [19:60]

There are countless other means, from building a mosque to seeking Islamic knowledge to obeying our husbands and raising righteous children. All it takes is our time and sincere efforts. With all that Allah has described, it may seem daunting to us at time,, that we will ever make it. Eman rises and falls, and with it our good deeds. But we should never lose hope in Allah, for the only one who loses hope in Allah is the one who disbelieves. So even though we may feel that we are at the bottom of the pile, the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, gives us hope. He said, "Mousa, alayhes salam, asked his Lord, 'Who amongst the inhabitants of Paradise will be the lowest in rank?' He, subhanahu wa ta'ala, said, 'He is a man who will come after the people have entered Paradise and it will be said to him: Enter Paradise.' He will say, 'How my Lord? Indeed, the people have settled in their apartments and taken their shares.' It will be asked of him, 'Would you be pleased if there was a kingdom for you like the kingdoms of the earth?' He will say, 'I would be pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'And for you is the like of that, and the like of it, and the like of it.' He will say at the fifth time, 'I am pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'This is for you and ten times like it, and for you is what you desire for yourself and what is pleasurable to your eye.' He will say, "I am pleased my Lord." (Muslim)

This is what Allah has for the least among us. But despite all the glorious castles, the beautiful clothes and mates we will posses, inshaa'Allah, He still has in store for the believers the greatest honor awaiting them in Paradise. Suhaib ibn Sinan narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "When the inmates of Paradise enter Paradise and the inmates of Hellfire will enter Hell, the announcer will say, 'O people of Paradise, verily you have a promise with Allah and He wishes to fulfill His promise to you.' They will ask, 'What is His promise? Has He not made our balances heavy (with good deed), whitened our faces, admitted us into Paradise, and delivered us from the Hellfire?' Then the screen will be removed and they will look towards Him. By Allah He will not give them a thing more beloved to them and more comforting to their eyes, than the gaze of Himself." (Sahih al-Jami)

We were created in Paradise, we came out of it and we will inshaa'Allah go back to it. It is our destination and we shall reach it. But we have to do what Allah has asked us to do, for Paradise is not cheap. The price is true eman that is shown in obedience to Allah according to the sunnah of his Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. The companions understood that. Their efforts were all for the life of the Hereafter and they gave only what was necessary to this worldly life. As Muslims, everything we do, can be, and should be worship of Allah. Whether we're working at the office to provide for our families; cooking a meal; raising our children, or simply resting, through remembrance of Allah and supplication, we can transform these earthly necessities into fruits that will bear for us in the life of the Hereafter.

So let us keep our eyes on the prize, and strive hard for it, for Allah says,

"And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good." [29:69]

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"And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted." [17:19]

Recently I took a trip to see my Dad, who happens to be a non-Muslim, in order for him to meet the latest addition to our family, and in order for me to yet again try to convince him that he should accept Islam. While I was there, however, I found out something about him that I never knew before. My father is a workaholic. This man works seven days a week, sometimes 10-to-12 hours a day. The saddest part being, that his labour is all for nothing, for Allah says, "(These are) they whose labour is lost in this world's life and they think that they are well-versed in skill of the work of hands." [18:104]

Now, even though the situation with my Dad threw me for a loop, it really got me thinking. How many of us, Muslims, are in the very same predicament as my father? How many of us are working hard for the life of this world, at the cost of the Hereafter? How many of us are putting in 40-plus hours a week at our jobs, and other recreational activities, while putting in only the smallest amounts of time when it comes to our Deen? Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says that truly Man shall earn what he strives for. The question now is what are we truly striving and working for?

Maybe it's because at the end of the week, we are rewarded with something tangible for our efforts, a check we can see and touch. The Hereafter, although being equally as real, is at the same time, mystifying and ethereal in its nature. It's a delayed gratification, which makes it harder to earn.

Our wages for our efforts in the deen will not be paid in full until we exit the life of this world. For Allah says, "Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life). For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception." [3:185]

Our final destination is the life of the Hereafter. Where we end up, Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell-fire) depends on what we worked towards in this life. Paradise is the aim and the hope of every Muslim. But like trying to attain any goal, in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful. Allah says, "O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful." [5:35]

To prepare for our journey, we need to find out what our destination is like; who are its people, and most importantly, how to get there.

The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, told us that within Paradise are things that no eyes have ever seen, nor ears have ever heard, and that things in it are beyond our imagination and comprehension, but we all have our own personal ideas of what eternal bliss would probably be like. I remember a few years ago, I overheard my niece and my nephew discussing the landscape, and the privileges of living in Jannah. My nephew was telling my niece that in Jannah, they would be able to eat all the candy that they wanted and that there would be streams of chocolate and trees of ice cream. I always tell people that Paradise for me would be being able to eat all the cheesecake and chocolate that I wanted, without gaining a pound. But what Allah has in store for the believers is so much more than this. He, in His Book, and through His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, has given us a clear picture of our goal, so that we can keep it in front of us at all times. By keeping our eyes on the prize, no matter our hardships in this worldly life, we can strive that much harder to attain it.

Allah says, "And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted." [17:19]

Allah has also described Paradise in many places in the Qur'an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.

Description in the Qur'an of Paradise

"The description of Paradise which the Muttaqoon have been promised is that in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are never changed. Rivers of milk the taste of which will remain unchanged. Rivers of wine that will be delicious to those who drink from it and rivers of clear, pure honey. For them will be every kind of fruit and forgiveness form their Lord." [47:15]

"And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. Reclining on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). The shade will be close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. Vessels of silver and cups of crystal will be passed around amongst them, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure of them according to their wishes. They will be given a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel, and a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them will (serve) boys of perpetual youth. If you see them, you would think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a Great Dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink." [76:12-21]

"And those foremost (In Tawheed and obedience to Allah and His Messenger in this life) will be foremost (in Paradise). They will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (the foremost) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam) and a few of those (the foremost) will be from the later (generations). They will be reclining, face to face, on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. They will be served by immortal boys, with cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, from which they will have neither any headache, nor any intoxication. They will have fruit from which they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire. There will be Houris with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like preserved pearls, a reward for deeds that they used to do. They will hear no vain or sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.) but only the saying of: Salam, Salam, (greetings of peace). And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn-less lote-trees among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another, in long-extended shade, by constantly flowing water, and fruit in plenty, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off. They will be on couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created for them (maidens) of equal age, loving (their husbands only). For those on the Right Hand." [56:10-38]

"Verily, the dwellers of Paradise that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds), and all that they will ask for. (It will be said to them): "Salamun" (Peace be on you), a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful." [36:55-58]}

Can you imagine?

Wearing the finest silk clothing and sitting on chairs made of gold and precious stones? Those who disbelieve in the words of Allah, say that this is all a fairy-tale, made up by a would-be prophet. But we know, that Allah is the Truthful and that His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, spoke only what was revealed to from the Most Truthful. And even though Allah describes Paradise for us in the Qur'an, He still says, "So no soul knows the delights of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [32:17]

Apart from the Qur'anic descriptions of Paradise, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, would often describe Paradise to his companions. His descriptions were often so vivid and moving, that many-a-companion would hurriedly rush towards it. This was the case, as Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and his companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers (of Makkah). When the disbelievers arrived, the Messenger of Allah said, "None of you should step forward ahead of me to do anything." Then the disbelievers advanced (towards us), and the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Rise to enter Paradise whose width is equal to the Heavens and the Earth." Umayr Ibnul Humam al-Ansari asked, "O Messenger of Allah, is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth?" He, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Yes." Umayr said, "Bak'hin! Bak'hin!" (An Arabic word denoting excitement and astonishment) The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, asked him, "What made you say these words: Bak'hin, Bak'hin?" He said, "Messenger of Allah, nothing but the desire to be amongst its residents." He, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "You are surely among its residents." He then took some dates form his bag and began to eat them. Then he said, "If I were to live until I had eaten all of the dates, indeed this life would be too long." Anas then said,

"He threw away the remaining dates he had with him. He then fought (the disbelievers) until he was killed." (Muslim)

What words could have inspired Umair and others like him to long for, and to pay the ultimate price for a place in Paradise? Let's now take a look at what the Messenger of Allah, had to say about Paradise.

Description of Paradise in the Hadeeth

Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of lofty mansions (i.e. a superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star, far away in the East or in the West of the horizon. This is because of their superiority over one another (in reward)." One of the people asked, "O Allah's Messenger, are these lofty mansions for the Prophets which no one else can reach?" The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, replied, "No! By Allah, in whose Hands is my life, these are for men who believe in Allah and also believe in the Messenger." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Verily, for the believers in Paradise, are tents made of a single hollow pear. The length of which would be sixty miles long from all sides, their wives being therein. The believer will go around them (i.e., visit them) and they will not be able to see each other." (Sahih al-Jami)

Abu Hurairah said that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "There is not a tree in Paradise, except that its trunk is made of gold." (Sahih al-Jami)

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Verily in Paradise there is a market in which (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come to every Friday. The North wind will blow and scatter fragrances on their faces and on their clothes. This will add to their beauty and their attractiveness. They will then go back to their families after having an added luster to their beauty and their attractiveness. Their families will say to them, 'By Allah you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us,' and they will say, 'By Allah you too have increased in beauty and attractiveness after us.'" (Muslim)

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "(I saw in a dream that) I entered Paradise, and behold, there was a palace built of gold. I asked, 'Whose is this palace?' They (the angels) replied, 'For a man from the Quraysh.' So I thought it might be I, so I asked, 'And who is he?' They said, 'Umar Ibnul Khattab.' Nothing stopped me form entering it except your Ghirah (sense of honor)." Umar said, "My Ghirah would never be offended by you, O Messenger of Allah." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Anas ibn Malik said that Allah's Apostle sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "I entered Paradise and found myself by a river, by its edges were tents of pearls. Then I tapped with my hands where the water was running, and there was then a beautiful smell of Musk. I asked, 'What is this O Gabriel?' He said, 'This is Kawthar (river in Paradise) which Allah has given to you.'" (Sahih al-Jami)

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Ten different phrases that are short, easy, and light, but will give you what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and what no mind has imagined.

1 - "Whoever says: 'Glorified is Allah, the Most Great, and praised is He' [Subhan Allah al-'Adhim wa bi-Hamdih] will have a date palm planted for him in Paradise." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #5531]

2 - "Whoever is stricken with sadness, grief, sickness or hardship and says: 'Allah is my Lord, without any partners' [Allahu Rabbi, la sharika lah], then it will be removed from him." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6040]

3 - "Whoever ate something, 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’ [al-Hamdu lillah aladhi at'amani hadha wa Razaqnih bi ghayr hawlin minni wa la quwwa] 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' [al-Hamdu lillah aladhi kasani hadha at-thawb wa Razaqnih bi ghayr hawlin minni wa la quwwa] is forgiven his past and future sins.” ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6086]

4 - "Whoever enters the marketplace and says: 'There is none worthy of worship except Allah who has no partners, for Him is the Dominion, and for Him is all Praise, He brings life and He causes death, and He is Alive and does not die, in His Hand is all good, and He is able to do all things,' [La ilaha ill-Allah, Wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-Mulk, wa lahul-Hamd, yuhyiyy wa yumit, wa Huwa Hayyun la yamut, bi Yadihil-Khayr wa Huwa 'ala kulli shay'in Qadir] then Allah will write one million good deeds for him, and will wipe away one million of his bad deeds, and will raise him one million levels and will build a home for him in Paradise." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6231]

5 - "Whoever controls his anger when he is able to act upon it, then Allah will call him to come in front of all of the Creation so that he would let him choose from the Hur al-'Ayn and marry from them whomever he pleases." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6518]

6 - "Whoever asks Allah for Paradise three times: [Allahumma inni as'aluk al-Jannah], then Paradise will say: "O Allah! Enter him into Paradise!" And whoever seeks protection with Allah from the Fire three times [Allahumma najjini min an-Nar], the Fire will say: "O Allah! Protect him from the Fire!"" [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, and it is authentic]

7 - "Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and the believing women, Allah writes for him - for every believing man and woman - a good deed." [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad, and it is authentic]

8 - ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: "Whoever reads 'al-Mulk' (chapter 67 of the Qur'an) every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah, it is a chapter which - whoever recites it every night - has done very well." ['Sahih at-Targhib wat-Tarhib' #1475]

9 - “Whoever asks Allah sincerely for martyrdom: [Allahumma inni as'aluk ash-shahadah], Allah will cause him to reach the status of the martyrs even if he dies in his bed.” ['Sahih al-Bukhari' #1909]

10 - "No one witnesses that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and that I am Allah's Messenger - truthfully, from his heart - except that Allah makes the Fire of Hell forbidden to touch him." [Reported by Muslim, Ahmad, and al-Bayhaqi]

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Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of lofty mansions (i.e. a superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star far away in the East or in the West of the horizon. This is because of their superiority over one another (in reward).”

One of the people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! Are these lofty mansions for the Prophets which no one else can reach?”

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) replied, “No! By Allah, in whose Hands is my life, these are for men who believe in Allah and also believe in the Messenger.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Musa al-Ash’ari narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “Verily, for the believers in Paradise, are tents made of a single hollow pearl. The length of which would be sixty miles long from all sides, their wives being therein. The believer will go around them (i.e., visit them) and they will not be able to see each other.” [Sahih al-Jami]

Abu Hurairah said that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “There is not a tree in Paradise, except that its trunk is made of gold.” [Sahih al-Jami]

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “Verily in Paradise there is a market in which (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come to every Friday. The North wind will blow and scatter fragrances on their faces and on their clothes. This will add to their beauty and their attractiveness. They will then go back to their families after having an added luster to their beauty and their attractiveness. Their families will say to them, ‘By Allah you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us,’ and they will say, ‘By Allah you too have increased in beauty and attractiveness after us.’” [Muslim]

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “(I saw in a dream that) I entered Paradise and behold, there was a palace built of gold. I asked, ‘Whose is this palace?’ They (the angels) replied, ‘For a man from the Quraysh.’ So I thought it might be I, so I asked, ‘And who is he?’ They said, ‘Umar Ibnul Khattab.’ Nothing stopped me form entering it except your Gheerah (sense of honor).”

Umar said,

“My Gheerah would never be offended by you, O Messenger of Allah!” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said that Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said,“I entered Paradise and found myself by a river, by its edges were tents of pearls. Then I tapped with my hands where the water was running, and there was then a beautiful smell of musk. I asked, ‘What is this O Gabriel?’ He said, ‘This is Kawthar (river in Paradise) which Allah has given to you.’” [Sahih al-Jami]

“The most common thing which leads people to Paradise is taqwa of Allah and good conduct, and the most common thing which leads people to the Hell Fire is the mouth and the private parts.” [Tirmidhi]

Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said,“All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse.” It was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse?” He said, “He who obeys me enters Paradise and he who disobeys me has refused.” [Bukhari]

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) saw Sidrat al-Muntahaa, a tree in Heaven and near it, Paradise, as is mention in al-Bukhaari, and Muslim in the hadith of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him). At the end of this narrative of al-Israa, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “Then Jibreel brought me to Sidrat al-Muntahaa which was veiled in colours indescribable. Then I entered Paradise, and its lights were of pearls and its soil was musk”.

Muslim, Abu Dawud and Imaam Ahmad report from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “When Allaah (Almighty) created Paradise and Hell, He sent Jibreel to Paradise, saying “Go and look at it and at what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants”. So he went and looked at it and at what Allaah had prepared therein for its inhabitants…. then He sent him to Hellfire saying, “Go and look at it and what I have prepared therein for its inhabitants” So he looked at it and saw that it was in layers, one above the other….”

Muslim reports from Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that there was a solar eclipse in the time of the Messenger (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) and he said, “Whilst I was standing here I saw everything that you have been promised, I even saw myself picking some of the fruits of Paradise, when you saw me stepping forward. And I saw Hellfire, parts of it consuming other parts, when you saw me stepping backward”.

Al-Bukhaari and Muslim report from Ibn ‘Abbas the same incident, “I saw Paradise and I tried to take a bunch of its fruit. If I had managed to do so, you would have eaten from it until the end of time. And I saw the Fire of Hell, and I have never seen anything so horrific or terrifying. I saw that the majority of its inhabitants are women.” (Nas’al Allaah al ‘afiyah)

Muslim also reports from Anas that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, if you had seen what I saw, you would laugh little and cry much.” They said, “What did you see, O Messenger of Allaah?”, He said, “I saw Paradise and Hell”.

Al-Bukhaari and Muslim report from Jaabir that the Messenger of Allaah said, “I entered Paradise where I saw ar-Rumaysa, the wife of Abu Talhah. And I heard footsteps and asked, “Who is that?” He (Jibreel) said, “That is Bilaal”. And I saw a palace with women in its courtyard. I asked, “Whose is this?” They said, It is for ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab” (Mishkaat al-Masaabih, 3/226)

Al-Bukhaari and Muslim report that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Jibreel came to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, Khadeejah is coming carrying a container of food. When she comes to you, convey to her greetings of peace from her Rabb and from me, and give her the glad tidings of a house in Paradise made of brocade, in which there is no noise or exhaustion.”” [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/266]

Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ahmad, an-Nasaa’ee, and Ibn Maajah report from Umm Habeebah that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, “Whoever prays twelve extra [supererogatory] rakahs every day, Allaah (Alimghty) will build for him a house in Paradise.” [Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5/316, no. 6234]

The Light of Paradise

Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) in his commentary on the aayah: “And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening. Such is the Paradise, which We shall give as an inheritance to those of Our slave who have been al-Muttaqoon [pious and righteous]” [19:62-63] said,

“This means something approximate to the times of day and night, it does not mean that there will be a day and night there. They will know the passing of time by changes in the light.” [Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/471]

Imaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said,

“There is no sun and moon in Paradise, and no day or night, but they will know morning and evening from a light that shines from the direction of the Throne.” [Majmu’ Fataawa Shaikh al-Islaam, 4/312]

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Every month, the full moon brightly adorns the night sky with a resplendent glow. At first glance, we recall that its fullness signifies the middle of the lunar month. Pondering over the beauty of this creation is one thing, but a slightly longer gaze may also remind us of some ahadeeth of the Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam), wherein esteemed virtues are compared to the full moon.

The Noble Face of the Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam),“Glad tidings to the one who believed in me and saw me, and sevenfold glad tidings to the one who believed in me but did not see me.” (Ahmad)

Reading the descriptions of the Prophet’s (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) appearance is a pleasure to the believers, who missed the age of his physical presence, yet strive to emulate his every word and deed.

The companions, carefully examining his facial expressions at all times, described a state of pleasure to reflect on the face of the Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) like the bright shine of a full moon.

Abu Ishaq narrated that Al-Baraa’ was asked, “Was the face of the Prophet (as bright) as a sword?” He said, “No, but (as bright) as a moon.” (Bukhari)

Jabir ibn Samurah (radhiAllahu anhu) said, “I saw him on one night of the full moon. I looked at him. He was dressed in a reddish garment. I compared him with the moon and found that, for he was better than the moon.” (Mishkat Al-Masabih)

In this blessed month, when good deeds are multiplied, there is a chance to increase implementation of his sunnah in order to properly translate our love for him, (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam). The stronger  we are in adherence to his sunnah, the closer we are to being honored with his companionship in Jannah.

Speaking of Jannah, from the full moon there is a reminder of it, for those whom it’s gates are opened……

The First Group to Enter Paradise

In a month outlined by patience and submission, what is a better reminder than to look up to the sky and find a sign of encouragement towards the reward that awaits the true believers who have exerted themselves in the path of doing good.

Abu Hurairah (radhiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) said, “The first group (of people) to enter Jannah will be shining like the moon on a full-moon night.” (Agreed Upon)

Such a thought would, through Allah’s will, strengthen our resolve to increase in worship for the remainder of the month, perhaps we will be among the ‘first group’.

And Finally………To See your Lord

You have responded to Him, submitted to Him in worship. This month, you gave up desires, otherwise lawful, in response to His command. You may know or not know the wisdom behind what you do in complete submission to Him. But your love for your Creator, Protector and Sustainer has led you to comply with His commands, even though you have not seen Him.

The full moon is a reminder of the ultimate reward that Day for those whom Allah entered into His Garden, when He (subhanahu wata’ala) will permit the believers to see His Face, “[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant, Looking at their Lord.” (al-Qiyamah 75: 22,23).

Jareer ibn ‘Abdullah reported: “We were sitting with the Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam), looking at the moon on the night of the fourteenth (of the month). He said, ‘You will see your Lord with your own eyes just as you are looking at this (moon), without any doubt that you are seeing Him.’” (Agreed upon)

So while you turn your gaze upwards in the white days of the month, allow this wondrous creation to deepen your thoughts in light of these ahadeeth. But do not stand for too long; hasten towards the company of the Messenger (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam), the ‘first group’ and the sight of the One Who created the moon. Seeking Allah’s help, race to fill your days with good, before the once full moon is again a crescent, as the month of forgiveness and mercy reaches its end.

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1. Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]

2. Whoever believes (has emaan) in Allah and His Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam), and establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah. [Bukhari]

3. Whoever builds a masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah. [Bukhari]

4. Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]

5. Whoever goes to the masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the ongregational prayer), Allah will prepare for him an honorable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings. [Bukhari]

6. Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Jannah for him. [Bukhari]

7. Whoever prays 12 rakaat in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. [Muslim]

8. Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. [Bukhari]

9. Whoever repeats after the muadhdhin from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. [Abu Dawud]

10. There is not one of you who perfects his wudu and prays two rakaat setting about them with his heart as well as his face except that Jannah would be mandatory for him [Abu Dawud]

11. Whoever says: “I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawud]

12. Whosoever last words are: laa ilaaha il Allah, will enter Paradise. [Abu Dawud, Saheeh]

13. Whoever says “SubhanAllah al-Adheem wa biHamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise”, a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah. [Tirmidhi]

14. Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi]

15. Whoever raises two girls, he and I will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi]

16. Whoever calls the adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him [Ibn Maajah]

17. Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: “O Allah, enter him into Jannah.” [Tirmidhi]

18. Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah. [Tirmidhi]

19. Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah. [Bukhari]

20. Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah. [Bukhari]

21. O people, spread the salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace. [Tirmidhi]

22. (The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah. [Bukhari]

23. Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]

24. I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims. [Muslim]

25. O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me and I am You servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You. “If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah.” [Bukhari]