We sometimes lose neighbours, friends and colleague; are we in any way better than them? This should really get us thinking of our own end. What do we want the Angels of death to meet us doing ; good or bad ? What do we want to be remembered for? Our steadfastedness to the Deen of Islam, thefear and love of Allaah and the obedience of the teachings of the Rasul (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? Do we want to perform good deeds with sincere intentions that would count for us on the day of judgement? Do we want to perform our Salaah regularly and properly so that at the time we die we do not have outstanding salaah? Do we want to be kind to everyone and always hold the ties of kinship firm? We should always be good to our parents.
Allaah says: "And lower to them the wing of submission and humility through mercy , and say: My lord! Bestow on them your mercy as they did bring me up when I was young (Soorah 17 (Al-Isra'):24) It is important for us to always make sure we tie all loose ends like settling our debts, informing someone close to us of those who are indebted to us, settling our quarrels and disputes and most importantly putting our relationship with Allaah on the right track. Remember that the Rasul (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us to always live each moment like we would not be around to see the next.
As the happy-turned-sober `Eid drew to an end, I remembered the khutbah(sermon) of the Imam at the `Eid earlier that day; he charged all of us present to be thankful to Allaah no matter the circumstances we found ourselves. He reminded us especially that some who fasted the month of Ramadan and heard that the moon has been sighted did not witness the `Eid while some who witnessed the `Eid would not see the end of that day.
At that time, I accepted his statement as one of the realities of life. As I thought of it later that night, it brought bitter tears to my eyes. This was a harsh reality that had hit too close for comfort; a pill rather bitter to swallow. "Which of the favours of our lord do we deny?.. Soorah Ar-Rahman(55)
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited