News & Islam From the Imam’s desk... Preparing for the Hereafter: Seven Paths to Allah’s Shade By Imam Syed Anisul Haque | 02 Aug 2024 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم The ticking clock of life reminds us of an inevitable truth: our journey in this world is temporary. With every breath, we draw closer to the moment when we will pass from this life and enter the next. In this week’s sermon, I reminded the congregation about death – what Allah calls “The Certainty” – and the Day of Judgment. As Muslims, our ultimate destination is the Hereafter. The belief in the Hereafter is a foundational belief – Aqeedah – one that should shape our daily life and the choices we make. The relation between the dunya and the akhirah is powerfully presented in a famous scene from the Hereafter reported in Sahih Muslim: On the Day of Resurrection, a person who had lived the most luxurious life in this world will be dipped in the Hellfire and then asked: ‘O son of Adam, did you ever experience any comfort or luxury?’ He will reply, ‘No, by Allah, my Lord.’Then, a person who had experienced the most misery in this world will be dipped in Paradise and then asked: ‘O son of Adam, did you ever experience any misery or hardship?’ He will reply, ‘No, by Allah, my Lord, I never experienced any misery or hardship.’ This famous hadith is a stark reminder that the pleasures and hardships of this world are insignificant compared to what awaits us in the Hereafter. As believers, we should always keep this reality in mind as we face the challenges and joys of this world. I reminded the congregation about the different stages we will all pass through after death: the questioning in the grave, where we will be asked about our Lord, our religion, and the Prophet ﷺ who was sent among us. Following this, we will face the greatest challenge of our existence: the Day of Judgement. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an of the intensity of that Day: That Day shall a man flee from his brother, and from his mother and his father, and from his wife and his children. Every man that Day will have enough to make him careless of others. [Surah Abasa, 80:34–37]On this Day, the sun will be brought closer to mankind, and people will be submerged in their sweat according to their deeds. However, even in the face of this terrifying scene, Allah, in His infinite mercy, will offer hope to the believers. He Who never breaks His promise pledged that seven categories of people will be shaded by Him on that Day when there is no shade but the shade of Allah. These are: A just ruler. A young person who grew up in the worship of Allah. A person whose heart is attached to the mosques. Two people who love each other for Allah’s sake. A man who is tempted by a beautiful woman of high status but rejects her, saying, “I fear Allah!” A person who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given. A person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes become tearful. Each of these categories offers valuable lessons for us to implement in our daily lives. For those in positions of authority, whether in government, business, or community leadership, the importance of justice cannot be overstated. As the great compiler and exegete of hadith, Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (died in 1449 CE) commented, this applies to anyone given authority over any matter concerning the believers. The sermon emphasised the importance for our youth to dedicate their prime years to the worship of Allah. The temptations of the world are perhaps strongest during our youth, but those who sacrifice worldly pleasures for the sake of Allah will find shade on the Day of Judgement. On the topic of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam, I reminded the congregation about the importance of forming relationships for the sake of Allah. As we approach the summer holidays, many will be going on trips and outings. The advice was to renew intentions, making these social gatherings a means of strengthening bonds for Allah’s sake. Addressing the challenge of controlling our desires, particularly in today’s hypersexualised world, it is paramount that we fear Allah and prioritise our faith over fleeting pleasures. We must draw lessons from the story of Barsisa, the pious monk who was highly regarded for his devotion and righteousness. Through a series of small compromises, Barsisa fell into temptation and was ultimately led astray by Satan. In concluding the sermon, it was emphasised that the best safeguard for the Day of Judgement lies in acts of worship and righteousness. I urge you, just as I urged the congregation, to aspire to be among those fortunate souls who will be granted shelter under Allah’s shade when no other shelter will exist. May Allah allow us all to draw closer to Him through our worship, may He never deprive us of His mercy, and may He grant us shade on the Day when there is no shade but His. Ameen. Help us complete our Phase 3 expansion for the new prayer halls! Please select a donation amount (required) £1,000 Commemorated in an Outer Tile – donate £1,000 in one payment (or select ‘Regular’ to pay in instalments). £365 Towards the new Mihrab and Mimbar £300 Towards a Musalla (prayer space) Other Set up a regular payment Donate Manage Cookie Preferences