بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Why Are Our Duaas Not Accepted?
Introduction
We witness today the subject of many a discussion as to why our Duaas are not being accepted in the court of Allah Ta’ala. Many of us have ventured into offering our opinions but undoubtedly, the experiences of our pious elders have clearly assisted us in recognising the gravity of the issue at hand. We are compelled presently to acknowledge that we are totally dependant on the mercy of Allah Ta’ala to respond to our pleas whilst at the same time endeavouring to make a concerted effort in finding out the reason for our deprivation.
Hazrat Abu Ishaaq, lbraheem bin Adham رحمه الله was once passing through a bazaar in Basrah and it was asked of him: “0h Abu Ishaaq, why is it that we make Duaa and Allah Ta’ala does not accept it?” He responded that: “Surely your hearts have become dead due to the following reasons:
- You have known who Allah Ta’ala is, yet you have not fulfilled the duties due unto him.
- You have recited the Quran, yet you have not practiced upon it.
- You have proclaimed love for Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم yet you have not practiced upon his Sunnah.
- You have announced that Shaitaan is your enemy, yet you have stood with him.
- You have pronounced your desire for Jannah, yet you have done nothing to acquire it.
- You have pronounced your fear of Jahannum, yet you have done nothing to escape it.
- You have proclaimed that there is surely no escape from death, yet you do not prepare for it.
- You have indulged in seeking the faults of others, yet you have forgotten to search for your own faults.
- You have enjoyed all the blessings and bounties of Allah Ta’ala, yet you do not express gratitude unto Him.
- You have buried your dead but you have taken no admonition. How then will your Duaas be accepted?”
Contemplate The Sheer Power Of Allah Ta’ala
We have to contemplate over the manifestations of Allah Ta’ala’s Qudrat (power) which reveals itself perpetually every moment in His creation. Some are born whilst others die; some are poor whilst others are wealthy. Man is therefore required to derive lessons from these objects of creation and contemplate on Allah Ta’ala’s attributes of beauty, splendour and excellence. Such contemplation which we are commanded to observe will lead man towards his Khaaliq (Creator). Furthermore, we should reflect on obedience and sin — an act of obedience will earn a particular reward whereas a sin will result in a certain degree of punishment.
Contemplation is like a lamp for the heart; a heart devoid of contemplation resembles a dark room in which there is no lamp.
One does not know what lurks in the dark room as nothing is visible. This is the calamity of sin whereby the effects of transgression clouds one’s perception and subsequently causes one to fall into deviation. When man contemplates, the illuminating effect of this fikr (concern) will result in the opening of his spiritual eyes and propel him to understand the glory, splendour, power and wrath of Allah Ta’ala. The perishable nature of this world will become apparent and with this, man now becomes aware of his hidden defects and the treacherous schemes of his nafs (base desires).
We have fallen prey to the deceptions of the false glitter of this world because of our lack of contemplation. Love of the world is the root of spiritual corruption. Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم mentions in a Mubarak Hadith Shareef:
.قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم : حب الدنيا رأس كل خطيئة. رواه ابن ابي الدنيا
It is narrated from Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه that Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Love of the world is the root of every sin.” (Dhammud Dunya #9)
Deeni knowledge coupled with the corresponding actions and frequenting the gatherings of the Ahlullah act as great aids in contemplating the Majesty of Allah Ta’ala and developing courage. Another way of increasing one’s fikr is to read about the lives and strivings of the pious and to follow their advices regarding spiritual rectification.
The Quran — A Faithful Friend
The virtues of reciting the Kalaamullah, the Quran Shareef are too numerous to mention. The recital of the Quran Majeed is incomparable with any other type of recital. There is a tenfold reward for every letter recited (Tirmizi #2910). By reciting the Holy Quran, Allah Ta’ala elevates one’s status and dignity in this world and in the Aakhirah (Muslim #817). The most effective manner in gaining proximity to Allah Ta’ala is the recitation of the Quran Kareem (Targheeb Wa Tarheeb 2/302) which will appear as Noor (light) for the believer in this world and an unquantifiable treasure for the Aakhirah. This reward is for one who has recited a single Aayat where the virtue perpetually multiplies. Subhaanallah; such is the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala and the value attached by Him to the reciter!
The home in which the Quran is recited appears illuminated unto the heavens just as the stars appear in the skies to those on earth. The house in which the Quran is recited is certainly blessed with goodness. The Malaa’ikah descend therein (Abu Dawood #1455) and the Shayateen depart. The sincere reciter never gets tired of recitation. Tilaawat (Recitation) purifies the heart (Baihaqi, Shuabul Imaan #2014) and is superior to any other form of Zikr. Reading the Quran strengthens one’s eyesight and saves one from calamities. The Holy Quran will appear as a protector for the inmate of the grave (Fazaaile A’maal, Virtues of The Holy Quran pg.73). The Quran will intercede on behalf of the reciter on the day of Qiyaamah (Targheeb Wa Tarheeb 2/298).
One should therefore reflect and take advantage of this great treasure which has been reserved for the Aakhirah. Effort should be made to secure-the wonderful wealth of the Quran Majeed for our children.
Even if one experiences difficulty, one should never lose hope because recitation with difficulty entails double reward from Allah Ta’ala. In a Hadith, it has been narrated that our Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم has said that one who recites the Quran Shareef well and clearly is equal in rank to the Malaa’ikah who record the deeds of creation. These angels are gracious, honourable and of a lofty rank (Bukhaari #4653, Muslim #798).
Our pitiful situation is that we have distanced ourselves from the Quran which has made us vulnerable to numerous problems and obstacles in our lives. Our noble Nabi صلى الله عليه
وسلم has said in a Mubaarak Hadith:
إن هذه القلوب تصدأ كما يصدأ الحديد إذا أصابه الماء قيل: يا رسول الله و ما جلاؤها قال: كثرة ذكر الموت وتلاوة القرآن. رواه البيهقي في شعب الإيمان
The hearts of people corrode like steel rusts when exposed to moisture. When someone asked: “Oh Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم ! What is the polish of it? Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه
وسلم replied: “Remembering death in abundance and recitation of the Quran.”(Baihaqi, Shuabul Imaan # 4102)
We have allowed the “moisture” of transgression to corrode our spiritual progress. The spiritual strength acquired by reciting the Quran has been lost because of our neglect and negative attitude to the Kalaamullah. What is required is a daily commitment to the Quran to ensure protection from all evil forces just as we require food as nourishment to survive. The Quran is the primary means of survival! Probably, the greatest aspect of recitation is that Allah Ta’ala becomes pleased.
Love For Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم
The Quran states categorically that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم has been sent as a mercy unto mankind. If we examine the sheer care and concern of our beloved Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم with regard to the welfare of his Ummah; we will be overwhelmed at his sheer selflessness and how he had taken care of the hearts of his followers.
This means that on the day of Qiyaamah those who had loved Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم
will be with him. Along with this great fortune, they will be in close proximity to Allah Ta’ala, Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه commented: “After having heard this good news, Muslims became exceedingly happy. After having embraced Islam nothing else (besides their embracing) made them as happy (at this statement of Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم .)” (Bukhari #3688, Muslim #2639)
The glad tidings conveyed in this Hadith are of great significance. Even if one has no great stock of lbaadat, the love for Allah Taala and His Rasool صلى الله عليه وسلم will secure the treasure of Divine Proximity for one in the Aakhirah.
Hazrat Abu Zarr Ghiffaari رضي الله عنه narrated that once Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم
performed Salaatut Tahajjud. The entire night he recited a single aayat until the morning; the aayat is: “0h Allah! If you punish them, they are your servants (i.e. You have all the authority over them). If you forgive them (it is within Your Power), for You are All Powerful and the One of Wisdom.” (Nasaai #0111, lbn Majah #1118)
Sheikh Dehlawi رحمه الله commenting on this Hadith says that the Quranic Aayat which was recited the entire night by Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم is the statement of Hazrat lsaa عليه السلام , which he will make on the Day of Qiyaamah on behalf of his Ummah. Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم presented his Ummah’s case for forgiveness to Allah Ta’ala in the same manner. This loving attitude of Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم bears testimony to his great love for his Ummah. For the sake of love for his Ummah, he sacrificed the comfort of entire nights; petitioning and appealing unto Allah Ta’ala to forgive his Ummah. It will only be a callous and heartless one whose heart is not moved when he hears of the great love which Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم consumed himself with for the Ummah.
Now let us sincerely assess our attitude to Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم . We have to painfully admit that we have actively chosen the path of the enemies of Islam yet we make hollow calls of love! We have decided to imbibe the practices of those whom Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم warned not to imitate. Furthermore, we have out of neglect lost our worth and value in society. It is the sheer Mercy of Allah Ta’ala and undoubtedly the blessings of Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم that we have not been overtaken by divine chastisement due to our arrogance. What is now required from us is a commitment to the blessed practices of Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم . We should not offer meek excuses at our laziness and neglect but rather embrace unquestioningly the noble path of Allah Taala’s Beloved صلى
الله عليه وسلم . Every moment of our lives should be illuminated with the Mubaarak Sunnah and the ways of the disbelievers should be shunned and eliminated. We have to constantly remind ourselves that the yardstick of acceptance in the court of Allah Ta’ala is by us adorning our lives with the Pristine Sunnah.
Recognising The Enemy Shaitaan (The Accursed)
Examine the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala in the Qur’aan. We are instructed that we enter into Islam fully and not to obey Shaitaan for verily he is our open enemy. We have become so feeble that we cannot resist disobedience and we prefer to unhesitaingly fulfill our evil desires at the expense of our safety in the Aakhirah. Remember that man destroys himself by succumbing to the evil desires of the nafs. What is required is that we stay far away from every avenue of sin because if confronted with the choice of virtue against transgression; it becomes indeed very difficult to avert the forces of sin.
What is the agenda of Shaitaan? How does he desire to deviate and destroy us? Shaitaan uses the arrows of temptation and the “swords” of the sweet taste of rebellion to throw us off balance. The vulnerable succumb immediately to the ploys of Shaitaan but there are those who defend themselves against the onslaught. The battle is long and hard fought. The firm ones will no doubt slip and become wounded by the effects of sin but they immediately resort to repentance. The effect of transgression however remains just as an injury, although healed, leaves a permanent mark of imperfection. Our point of action is that we try as much as possible not to get hurt at all (by falling into sin).
Understand that the adverse effects of sin are very damaging in that the regret and remorse will haunt us for those few fleeting moments of disobedience. One accidental moment of dropping our guard sometimes results in a lifetime of remorse. Have we not witnessed so many examples where a few seconds of neglect has led to the total downfall of so many people? Has the time not come that we take lessons and rise up from our slumber of heedlessness?!
Never postpone repentance because even if all our worldly aspirations are fulfilled; the joy will be temporary and lost upon the onset of death. What type of intelligence is it that we do not ponder on the final moments of our lives? Witness the eerie silence of the graves; were these people not with us? They consumed themselves in falling prey to their evil desires and fooled themselves by playing in luxury. Have we considered for just one moment what will happen if punishment follows punishment. Friendship with Shaitaan will utterly destroy us and the sooner we realise where our success lies, the better!
Desirous Of Jannah?
Jannah is the reward for virtues and obedience to Allah Ta’ala’s commands. Sometimes many question the need for good deeds in this world and the subsequent reward in the Aakhirah. Man does not know the time of death; when will Qiyaamah occur; when will our account of deeds be examined and when shall we enter Jannah. It is the wisdom of Allah Ta’ala where only He alone knows with regards to our lives, death, the reward or punishment for our actions but we must understand that we pass through three phases:
First Phase: In this phase of life, each person has the three requirements of eating, drinking and resting. Man is thus involved in arranging the necessities of life.
Second Phase: In this aspect of life, each person is required to fulfil his/her social responsibilities according to the demand of the particular responsibility. The various, different manners of interaction where we participate in states of happiness, grief, providing for subordinates and the fulfilment of the various obligations according to the need of the situation.
Third Phase: In this condition of life, we are obligated to Allah Ta’ala for every moment by being obedient unto Him. There are different commands for various occasions and we find that we are always bound — we are never free. This is the reason why the world is referred to as the abode of action where we are confronted by trials and tribulations.
Our Beloved Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم informed us that when the inmates of Jannah will take their respective places, a caller will make the following proclamation:
a) 0h inmates of Jannah! You will always remain hale and hearty and never fall ill.
b) You are immortal and shall never meet death.
c) You shall remain eternally young and never grow old.
d) It is ordained that you will always live-in peace and comfort; never suffering any distress or hardship.(Muslim #2837)
Innumerable bounties await us in Jannah provided we utilise the precious few moments afforded to us by Allah Ta’ala in making the necessary efforts in the recognition and obedience of our Sustainer. What a profound point has been shared by Hazrat Dr. Abdul Hayy Saheb رحمه الله ! Hazrat advises that in worldly terms, we are not content with less and we will consume ourselves in efforts to aspire for the highest levels of wealth and comforts.
If we can relate to the world by involving ourselves in much toiling to achieve our aims; why should we then be content with the lower levels of Jannah by inactivity and laxity when we can attain high stages by being cautious and involving ourselves in exerting ourselves to please our Creator. Jannah cannot be acquired by wishful thinking!
Do We Really Fear Jahannum?
Our Beloved Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم has said that the lightest punishment would be inflicted on that sinner whose boots and straps will be filled with fire; it will cause his brain to boil miserably. The sinner will take this punishment to be the severest whereas it is the very first stage of the tortures of Janannum. (Muslim #213)
In Surah Mulk, it is stated that those who denied the existence of Allah Ta’ala will be tormented and that Jahannum is such a fearful place that it’s inmates will hear a roaring voice. Jahannum shall be raging with such intensity that it will appear to be bursting with fury. The moment Jahannum beholds the transgressors from a far; it will yell furiously. The sinners will be shackled and flung into narrow cells. The disobedient will then bitterly yearn for death. The circumstances of Jahannum are not to be read casually and forgotten just as we confine our books to the shelves. It is the duty of everyone to familiarise themselves repeatedly with the terrors of Jahannum. If we are careful in taking an account of our sins; it will become easy for even a hard-hearted man to change the course of his life. We should remind and convince ourselves of the fate of the disobedient so that we can dedicate ourselves to the performance of good deeds.
Understand the net result of transgression is punishment. The pious servants of Allah Ta’ala keep on taking account of their lives and seek the protection of Allah Ta’ala. How can it be that as possessors of Imaan, we acknowledge that the fate of the sinners will be Jahannum and we still waste our lives in the pursuit of worldly pleasures?
It is narrated that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم has said: “Jahannum has been concealed in the pleasures of this world and Jannah lies hidden in the hardships of life.” (Bukhaari #6487, Muslim #2822)
The underlying message is those who hanker after worldly pleasures are really treading the path of Jahannum and those who suffer hardships but remain steadfast on virtuous deeds shall indeed attain Jannah.
Only those who make provisions for the eternal life can be referred to as intelligent. They save themselves from Jahannum by not falling into the snares of temporary wealth, status, leadership and worldly privileges. To be indifferent to seeking the bliss of Jannah and negligent in gaining salvation from Jahannum (which is the abode of unparalleled tortures) is the height of ignorance. We thus are required to strive as best we can in attaining Jannah and being diligent in our endeavours so that we save ourselves from the torments of Jahannum—May Allah Ta’ala protect & guide us in utilising every moment of our lives in His obedience. Aameen!
The Certainty Of Death
We witness regularly many incidents where a family member has fallen ill and he is in a critical state; skilled doctors and expert physicians are sought to treat the sick person but none of them can offer any hope of survival. All is lost.
The sick person is imparting farewell advices. Suddenly, his tongue starts swelling and he no longer recognises anyone. His breathing becomes heavy and the signs of leaving the world become apparent to all. The family stand around and weep as each member comes forward to witness the last moments of his life. The immediate members of his family who entertained distant hopes, stare at the horrifying spectacle while his soul slowly departs to Allah Ta’ala.
When he departs from this world, the family make the funeral arrangements. The crying and wailing of the relatives cease and they now become calm. The enemies are rejoicing. The relatives are busy dividing the estate. As for the dead man; he is trapped by his deeds. Indeed, this is the reality of life. Death is extremely severe but we have become negligent in recognising the gravity of the situation. We are so consumed by our daily affairs that we seldom give a thought to death. Even if death is discussed, it is casually brought in as a part of our general discussions. This attitude is indeed dangerous. We have to clear the congestion of the glitter of the world in our hearts and contemplate death as if it is staring us in the face. Reflect on how many family members have passed away. So many plans were conceived during the day but little did they know that they would be lying in the grave in the night! Our situation is like that of a traveller who is awaiting the arrival of the train at the station. It would be to his advantage that he cares for all his belongings, ensuring that he has enough provisions for the journey so that he can arrive safely at his destination. If, on the other hand, the traveller wastes his short and precious time by getting involved in acts of futility whilst his goods lie scattered about; such as dusting the waiting room and adorning it with furniture, he not only wastes his time but his provisions for home will also be compromised. This is our pitiful state where we are involved in activities that have little or no bearing on the Aakhirah. We waste our efforts in chasing the false glitter of the world and deprive ourselves of the reality of departing from this world.
When our friends and family were put into their graves, the earth had disfigured their faces and their bodies disintegrated into pieces. They left their children as orphans, their wives as widows and their relatives mourning. All their possessions were left behind. Those that now lie in their graves would laugh heartily in the company of friends but now lie in the dust today. Death was hovering above giving us distinct reminders like the appearance of white hair, being beset with various illnesses, becoming grandparents; but we chose to ignore them. How sad that we make provisions for generations unaware that we are to depart to the mercy of Allah Ta’ala in the next minute!
The need therefore is that we contemplate on the certainty of death as part of our schedule. How apt the advice of our Shafeequl Ummat, Moulana Muhammad Farouq Sahib رحمه الله where he said that there is absolute certainty of death but no guarantee on life. Intelligence demands that we proceed with caution and ensure that our Aakhirah is never compromised.
Search For Our Faults!
We learn a great principle from our Akaabir that when Allah Ta’ala is pleased with anyone, He makes him aware of his faults.
When Allah Ta’ala is displeased, He makes him unaware of his faults. To do any reprehensible and sinful deed, thinking it to be Deen, is one of ways of the deception of Shaitaan.
A stage is reached where a person believes his faults to be virtues. It is absolutely essential that we continually check our faults with a view to rectifying them.
Our plight today is that we are painstakingly aware of the faults of others but choose to remain deliberately unaware of the evil that is lurking within us. If only we sincerely take stock of our filthy hearts will we realise how contaminated we are. Previously, when we were given the taufeeq to make Zikrullah, our hearts would quiver at the effect of the blessedness and power of Allah Ta’ala’s great name but because of the excesses of sin, our inner purity has been snatched away. We have to sadly admit that we have become the barriers resulting in the lack of effect of Zikrullah. The reason is that we have “no time” to ponder over our faults but we can create time to pinpoint the deficiencies of others! Remember that to examine the faults of others will not benefit us. An illness which is fatal and not recognised as such will result in the rapid deterioration of health. Similarly, if we do not focus on ridding ourselves of spiritual impurities; this filth will spread and become compounded to such an extent where we will develop and sustain evil habits which will eventually result in our spiritual destruction.
Realise carefully that our contemplating over our faults signifies friendship with Allah Ta’ala. For us to dwell on the faults of others is the habit of the fussaaq (transgressors). To guide others towards virtue is easy but to become good is difficult. Another principle is that if we do not become Saalih (pious); our admonition to others will have little or no effect.
A lady came to Imaam Abu Haneefa رحمه الله complaining that her son is eating ghaur (jaggery) and requesting that Imaam Sahib رحمه الله admonish him not to eat it as it harmful to his health. Imaam Saheb رحمه الله requests that she return after a few days. When she returns with her son, Imaam Saheb رحمه الله advises the youngster against eating ghaur. The lady remarked that Imaam Saheb رحمه الله could have admonished the youngster in the first meeting; why did he call him later? Imaam Saheb responded that he too was in the habit of eating ghaur but immediately decided to stop upon the request of the lady to advise her son to do the same. The reason being is that when one is practicing and then imparts the advice, it will have a greater effect. A wonderful principle is learnt: our elders first practiced then preached.
Our Mashaaikh have further advised that we should expose our true selves as we rightfully are (i.e. with all our imperfections) or else become pious. The following are a few prescriptions on how to recognise our faults:
a) Establish contact with a Sheikhe Kaamil: Inform the Sheikh of our evil traits and ensure we act upon the advices. Stay in his company and learn good habits whilst reforming evil ones. Never think that informing the Sheikh of our impediments will result in us being dishonoured. The hearts of these pure souls will offer prescriptions in rectifying the spiritual maladies. Whilst the disciple is asleep, the Sheikh is imploring Allah Ta’ala for his guidance.
A true Sheikh is never silent and his gaze will always be on the reformation of those linked to him. There are different methods; some will be rectified in public, others in privacy, some with firmness and others with softness.
b) Ask pious friends to point out your faults: Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه said that he will make dua for forgiveness of the individual who points out his faults to him.
Good friends are indeed a tremendous boon. The Sahabah رضي الله عنهم bore testimony to this as they admonished one another solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
c) Find out the opinions of our enemies: We find enemies waiting to pounce on our faults and weaknesses. We do not realise that Allah Ta’ala keeps us in check because of their opposition. Hazrat Gangohi رحمه الله became blind towards the latter part of his life but asked that the letters of his enemies be read out to him. The disciples questioned the wisdom of this to which Hazrat رحمه الله responded that perhaps some points may be true and worth rectifying.
d) Take a lesson from others’ mistakes: If we witness anyone else committing any sins, let us ensure that we do not make the same mistakes. Hazrat Luqmaan عليه السلام was asked how he attained wisdom to which he replied that he learnt from other’s folly; i.e. the foolishness displayed made him aware that he must refrain from such behaviour.
How Grateful Are We Unto Allah Ta’ala?
The Quraan is very clear on being grateful unto Allah Ta’ala:
“If you are grateful I will increase for you (My bounties) and if you are ungrateful, verily my punishment is severe.” (S.14 V.7)
We thus understand that the nature of being grateful consists of three factors:
a) We accept that all benefit is from the True Benefactor (Mun’ime Haqeeqi); we are happy with our Benefactor and will always be obedient to Him.
b) After being happy with our Benefactor; we will, with eagerness obey whatever has been prescribed and abstain from all prohibitions.
c) We will thereafter always contemplate that every conceivable good condition and benefit as: 1) being a bounty of Allah Ta’ala and 2) the abundance of these bounties being much more than we deserve due to our imperfections and transgressions.
A simple prescription in understanding the concept of shukr is by looking at people who are desirous of bounties but at the same time are deprived through the order of Allah Ta’ala. Our behaviour is indeed astonishing that we utilise the innumerable favours of Allah Ta’ala in His disobedience. To identify with this point, consider the example of an employer who dismisses an employee (after many years of service) because even after all the bounties and favours lavished upon the employee, instructions were not followed although various warnings were given. The employer will then enumerate the favours upon the employee:
1) Extra monies were given to him as a favour.
4) The children’s school fees and clothing were paid for.
3) He was allowed to tend to his wife when she was ill. The medical bills were also paid by the employer.
The employer in exasperation will remark that even after so many favours; he still does not listen! This cannot be tolerated.
Hazrat Moulana Maseehullah Saheb رحمه الله has advised that we contemplate on the sheer tolerance of Allah Ta’ala that after all our evils, our ingratitude, our laxity & our disobedience — HE STILL LOOKS AT US WITH A MERCIFUL GAZE! We should furthermore thank Allah Ta’ala profusely that He does not apply the same yardsticks as the employer.
Gratitude is to desist from sinning. Practical shukr demands that we utilise the great favours of Allah Ta’ala within the limits He has prescribed, express our gratitude verbally and that we shun everything He has prohibited.
Have We Taken Lessons After Burying Our Dead?
Hazrat Sheikhul Hadith Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Saheb رحمه الله has written that our noble Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم was asked as to the indication of Islam having entered the bosom to which He صلى الله عليه و سلم replied: “When disinclination towards the deceptive house (the world) develops, there is an inclination towards the everlasting world (Aakhirah) and there is preparation before the coming of death.”(Remembrance Of Death pg.8)
Hazrat Abu Zarr رضي الله عنه has said that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم advised him: “Visit the graveyard, it will remind you of the Aakhirah. Give ghusl (bath) to the dead, it is a remedy for those bodies devoid of good deeds. From it, a lot of advice is attained. Take part in the Janaaza Salaah, it is possible that it will create some grief and sadness in you, for a person who is concerned about his Aakhirah, is under the Shadow of Allah Ta’ala and he searches for every good.”(Haakim #1395)
In another narration, we learn that we should visit the sick and accompany the Janaazah for this will serve as a reminder for the Aakhirah. (Al-Adabul Mufrad #403)
A pious person was accompanying a Janaazah and he heard people expressing the grief and sorrow for the deceased. He remarked: “It would be much more beneficial if you expressed grief and sorrow over yourselves. This person who has passed away has saved himself from three calamities:
a) In future, he will not have any fear of seeing Malakul Maut (the angel of death);
b) he will not experience the difficulties of death;
c) and he has no fear of an evil end (death). Hence, you should worry since you have to pass through these three stages.” (Remembrance of Death pg.9)
Hazrat Hassan Basri رحمه الله advised that it is very astonishing that those people who have been commanded to prepare for the journey (of the hereafter) and the announcement for their early departure has already been made yet they are still involved in the play of this world. (Remembrance of Death pg.9)
We are compelled to take great admonishment from Hazrat Baraa رضي الله عنه
where he says that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم accompanied a Janaazah and upon reaching the side of the grave, cried so excessively that the ground became wet.
Our Noble Master صلى الله عليه وسلم then said: “Brothers! Prepare (i.e. for going into the grave)”(Ibn Majah #4185)
The companions understood the warnings given by Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم and implemented these lessons into their lives.
Hazrat Uthmaan رضي الله عنه used to stand at the graveside and weep so excessively that his blessed beard would become wet. He was asked why he did not cry as much at the mention of Jannah and Jahannum but became overwhelmed at the mention of the grave. He responded that he had heard Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم saying that the grave is the first stage from the stages of the Aakhirah. Whosoever passes this stage easily, the other stages will also be easy for him and whosoever is afflicted with punishment in this first stage, the other stages will be even more difficult. He further adds that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “I have not seen any scene more severe than the scene of the grave.”(Tirmizi #2308)
Our attitude is baffling despite us having participated in so many funeral processions yet we do not want to realise or ponder over the fact that soon others will be participating in our funeral procession. Even our behaviour is amazing in that we disregard the seriousness of the surroundings keeping ourselves unaware that some inmates of the grave will be in comfort while others experience punishment. We have adopted the habits of the proud and heedless by discussing business propositions whilst burying family members. May Allah Ta’ala guide us — a decision is about to be made whether the grave is going to be a garden of Jannah or a pit of Jahannum. We do not dwell upon these stark realities which we will most certainly have to go through sooner or later. What has deceived us? What has made us forget our servitude to Allah Ta’ala? Why has the pursuit of wealth and luxuries become so embedded in our hearts? Why have we consumed ourselves in hoarding wealth and keeping ourselves barren for the Aakhirah? Why, despite the certainty of death, are we behaving in a manner as if we are to live permanently in this world? What has stopped us from repentance? Why are our lives empty of contentment? Why is there no eagerness to please Allah Ta’ala?
The reality is that we have to abandon distant hopes and utilise every moment in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala. Obedience to Allah Ta’ala is not what we perceive as being virtuous but rather we emulate the yardstick of acceptance; i.e. the lifestyle of Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم — only this type of emulation will result in Allah Ta’ala showering His love and forgiveness upon us.
The issue is serious indeed. We are hopelessly in need of the mercies of Allah Ta’ala. We have to attract the bounties of Allah Ta’ala and the only way is to please Allah Ta’ala in all circumstances. Once His pleasure is attained will the torrents of His mercy envelope us. To attract or repel Allah Ta’ala’s mercies and assistance is solely dependant upon our actions. May Allah Ta’ala cause us to reform our attitude; may Allah Ta’ala bless us with humility and servitude; may Allah Ta’ala instil the proper concept of His fear within us; may Allah Ta’ala grant us all the great fortune of preparing for the Aakhirah; may Allah Ta’ala save us from distant desires and keep us in His divine protection. Aameen!