Are you prepared...?

It so happens, an incident or even a tiny accident stirs your memory and makes you think. When I went to see off my aunt at the airport it struck me- how well prepared are we for a temporary journey, all decked up with our belongings carefully packed. And then I thought- have we wondered about the Final Journey? Have we made sure that our Deeds are deftly put on the right hand side of our life long luggage?

How well prepared are we for that once-in-a-lifetime Journey, literally?

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you 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) - Al-Imran: 185

Meaning, this life is just a passing phase- albeit a bit long. One doesn’t know for sure when his Call would come. It could be now as you’re reading this or later when you’re fast asleep. Did you take some time out today to praise your Lord? Even a few words would suffice:

“So know that there is no god but Allah, and ask forgiveness for your sin, and for the believing men and women, Allah knows your movements and your resting-place”- Muhammad: 19

One who takes time out of his ‘busy life’ and ponders upon the life in Hereafter does himself good. It’s just not about doing good deeds and earning the reward, the remembrance of the Last Day matters as well. A constant reminder is what we all need, and this is what we all should do. 'Abdullah bin 'Umar said, "Allah's Apostle took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler." [Bukhari: No.425, Volume 8, Book 76]

Because we live in a world so full of temptations, it’s only a matter of time before we let our guard slip. As no one’s immune to these enticements, we should be extra careful before we perform matters big or small. Intentions shouldn’t be the only yardstick to measure one’s goodness but you should also remain steadfast on your Emaan and practice patience. Prophet said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah's is the most regular and constant even though it were little." [Bukhari: No. 471, Volume 8, Book 76]

Thus, when you have a lighter conscience knowing you’ve carried out your religious as well as worldly duties, and you pray to The Almighty for mercy, forgiveness and guidance just before you retire to bed- you’re all set to take off the Ultimate Journey of your lifetime.

Bon Voyage!

“How can you disbelieve in Allah? Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return.” –Al-Baqarah: 28.

Hidden treasure

A beautiful poem by a sister...

Hidden treasure

A diamond buried in a mine
A diamond in the rough, on the edge of a line
A flesh in the body, if corrupt, you shall be corrupt
For my heart is raised from the dirt
The heart, around it lies an orbit, like the planets
My deeds, a light was lit
The sun illuminates the planets
As my ways reflect the light or darkness of a pit
The diamond, rough layered
Polished and shined, its like the light of one who strayed
My life; my hereafter
Lit from my deeds and actions, of the matter through sorrow and laughter
Dug from under a mine
Shaped and polished -guided to shine
Take a hold of you reflection
Through these struggles, reach perfection

~ AliaS ~