Realities And Rules Of Death - Qiyamat

All Glory and Praise is for Allah and Peace and Salutations be
upon the Holy Prophet & .
Allah has declared in the Qur'aan:
"Every soul shall have a taste of death."
This verse reminds man of his ultimate end to this earthly existence and the inevitable beginning of the real life of the
hereafter.
The Ahadith also exhort us to constantly remember death, the
shatterer of all worldly pleasures, desires, goals and ambitions.
In reality it is the repeated rememberance of Death that instils the
tendency to incline towards the life after death and detaches one
from the influences of worldly matters.
Arhamdolillah, the respected Author has mentioned the realities
of death and related issues in a most profound and comprehensive
manner, basing his facts on authentic references.
I pray most sincerely that this contribution creates an awareness
in all of us about the real object of our earthly existence, and
assists us in fulfilling same.
May Allah accept this publication and make it a means of
guidance for the entire Ummah. Aameen!
MOULANA HAROON ABBASOOMAR
(Secretary : Jamiatul Ulama Natal)
379 Pine Street
DURBAN
Natal, South Africa.
INTRODUCTION
.......................,. ....................................... i to iv
DEATH, DEFINITION AND BEGINNING OF DEATH ....................... 1
ANGEL OF DEATH AND HELPERS OF IZRAEEL ............................. 2
CONDITIONS & PANGS OF DEATH ..............................................3
WHAT SHOULD BE RECITED AT THE TIME OF DEATH ................. 4
UNIQUE ANALYSIS THROUGH THE SENSE OF SMELL
BY THE ANGELS AT THE TIME OF DEATH ...................................5
RECORDED INCIDENT
...............................................................5
CHILDREN, RELATIVES & FRIENDS WELCOME
THE DECEASED ......................................................................... 6
THE HOME OR RESTING PLACE OF THE SOULS ........................... 6
AA'LAME BARZAKH
...................................................................8
ACTIONS WHICH WOULD SAFEGUARD ONE FROM THE
8
PUNISHMENT IN THE GRAVE .....................................................
MISCELLANEOUS MASAILS PERTAINING TO DEATH,
DYING & THE DECEASED ......................................................... 11
COMMENTARY .SURA AL ZILZAAL ........................................ 16
....................................................................38
MAJOR SIGNS OF QIAMAT .........................................................38
MINOR SIGNS OF QIAMAT ........................................................
48
THE DWELLERS OF JANNAH ..................................................... 51
TWO MAJOR SINS ..................................................................... 57
USURY (INTEREST) ...................................................................57
ZINA (ADULTERY) .................................................................... 58
CONCLUSION ........................................................................... 6 1
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF HELL ................................................. 65
SIGNS OF QIAMAT
Islam, being a complete Code of Life, encompasses every facet of
one's existence. Allah has guided mankind through the agency of
His beloved Nabi & so that mankind could lead that life which
generates the Pleasure of Allah.
Our Nabi 4% has taught us how to develop hope and create the
love for Allah; and side by side, the fear of Allah has also been instilled in us. The hope and love urges one to fulfill the commandments of Allah and follow the Sunnah of our beloved Nabi &' ,
whilst the fear becomes the deterrent against sin and transgression.
Some people disapprove the idea of our Ulama discussing subjects
which deal witfi the fear of Allah and any condemnation to Hell
fire. Instead, they favour talks which stimulate 'hope' in Allah's
pardon. However, such an attitude is inconsistent to the admonatory references in the Qur'aan and Ahadith where Allah and
His Rasool & warn us about the punishments of the Hereafter.
If the topics concerning such warnings are out of place, then why
has Allah included in the Qur'aan the different punishments
meted out to the wrongdoers amongst the contemporaries of
former Prophets (A.S.)?
Allah has declared in the Qur'aan:
"And Allah would not punish
them whilst you (Muhammad) are with them."
(Al-Anfaal : 33)
Yet, in spite of this assurance, why was it that our Nabi & used
to become so perturbed, turning pale, that he immediately
resorted to salaah and du'aas during an eclipse or whenever
violent winds erupted bringing dense clouds?
This state of affairs led me to grasp the urgency and importance
of including in the Madrasah Syllabi some such course which
would help to create and promote the FEAR of Allah so that
through such fear our younger generation could be protected
from committing major sins. So, with this thought in mind, I proceeded to record my Jumuah lectures on Surah A1 Zilzaal with the
idea of compiling a book which would be quite appropriate in the
Madrasah because, in my opinion, Surah A1 Zilzaal is not only
adequate to create the fear of Allah, but it is also short and
therefore ideal even for Hifz (memorising).
This is but a clear example of the fear of Allah which our beloved
Nabi .& inculcated in the Ummah. Therefore it is important
that, together with the love for Allah, Muslims also learn to fear
Allah as well. However this type of fear is not the same as one
would have for some unjust ruler, because Allah is Most Just and
Fair.
The purpose of this treatise which I have entitled, "Death" is to
instil the fear of Allah into the mind of the reader and through it,
constantly discourage the commission of sins.
I have always been wondering about the paradoxical outcome of
today's Islamic Education:
Although the Islamic Education imparted to our
children, in the present era, is of a superior
grade taught by highly qualified personnel
yet the quality of the product is one of
degeneration: the spirit of Islam is lacking.
Muslim parents are paying the price of exposing their children to
the filth of westernisation in un-Islamic environments. Subtle indoctrinations have reached such alarming proportions that many
of our children are not just dressing or talking like non-Muslims
but their very thinking and mentality have become a threat to
Islam itself!
One of the reasons for the setback amongst the children is that
"modern" parents are overlooking and disregarding the golden
rule adopted by our forbears that the child must have only such
friends who are good and pious.
Forgetting this, we are flinging our offspring into such evil surroundings which snatch from the hearts all the love and veneration for Allah and His Rasool &
$ , and a dangerous inferiority
complex developed within them, dispels all respect for religion,
making it extremely awkward and difficult for the younger
generation to practise Islam. Shameless nudity, where girls lay
bare their hands, legs and hair, are no longer considered sinful
and they openly venture into more explicit and indecent exploits
of the West.
I
1
I
In the commentary of Al-Zilzaal, I have included a chapter on
DEATH and the signs of Qiamat. The material for death I have
drawn solely from the poem of Allamah Suyuti (A.R.), "MANZOOMATUL QUBOOR" and its commentary, "SHARHUL
GAFOOR" by Moulana Idris Kandhalwi (A.R.). I did not consider it necessary to verify the references because both these learned and pious scholars are eminent authorities on Deen.
I have concluded the booklet with three brief chapters and a conclusion, the first of which deals with the signs of Qiamat, the second with the rewards for the pious through the love and fear of
Allah, whilst the final section warn us against the two common
sins, viz. Usury and Adultery. In the second chapter, in order to
impress upon the reader Allah's love and mercy for his creation,
several Ahadith are also narrated which describe the virtues of
helping one another, thereby pleasing Allah and earning tremendous rewards. However, I must emphasise that, together with the
mutual assistance, the fulfilment of all other Islamic responsibilites is also obligatory.
I humbly appeal to all parents to ensure that a copy of this kitaab
is acquired and studied regularly in their homes. For maximum
benefit the reading of this book should be completed at least three
times annually in order to refresh and keep alive the fear of Allah
in our hearts.
(iii)
In conclusion, I would be failing in my duty if I do not express my
sincere appreciation to all those who assisted to make this compilation a reality, especially my friend Haji Adam Omarjee who
helped to edit and type the manuscripts.
MAY ALLAH BLESS THIS KITAAB WITH T H E HONOUR
OF ACCEPTANCE AND MAKE I T A MEANS OF SALVATION FOR ME, MY FAMILY, PARENTS AND THE UMMAH A T LARGE! (AAMEEN)
Compiled by : E.M.H. SALEJEE
(Estcourt, Natal)
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SICK PERSON
1.
It is necessary for the sick to accept the Will of Allah happily.
(MUSLIM)
2.
The sick should cultivate both FEAR and HOPE : Fear when
pondering over their sins, and Hope in the Mercy of Allah.
(MUSLIM)
3.
The sick should never hope or pray for Death.
4.
The sick should settle all their outstanding debts or make provision
in their wills for settlement of these debts.
(BuKHARI)
5.
The Bequest (Wasiyyat) can only be made in favour of those who
(QUR'AAN)
will not inherit from the estate.
6.
A Bequest must be made quickly (without delay).
7.
One cannot bequeath more than a third of one's estate. (BUKHARI)
8.
A Bequest must be witnessed by at least 2 good Muslims and if
they are not available then reliable non-Muslims would be
acceptable.
(QUR'AAN)
9.
It is incorrect to make such a Bequest which would totally deprive
or reduce the share of any of the rightful Beneficiaries. (QUR'AAN)
(BUKHARI)
(BUKHARI)
10. The Wasiyyat should include instructions to prevent all unIslamic practices at the time of the funeral.
(AL - AZKAAR)
DEEDS WHICH ARE PROHIBITED FOR RELATIVES OF
THE DECEASED
1.
To wail for the Deceased.
2.
To strike one's face and tear one's clothers.
(MUSLIM)
(a)
(BUKHARI)
3.
To shave the head.
4.
To dishevel the hair.
5.
To stop trimming or tidying the beard even for a few days.
(BUKHARI)
To die from the sickness of 'SILL' (ulceration of the lungs and
(MAJMAUZ - ZWAAID)
high fever).
11.
To die whilst protecting one's wealth and possessions.
12.
To die whilst defending one's Religion, honour and chastity.
(ABU DAWOOD)
(BUKHARI)
(NASAI)
THE PERMISSIBLE METHOD OF ANNOUNCING THE
FUNERAL
1.
10.
(ABU DAWOOD)
Announcing a funeral is permissible as long as it is simple and free
of all the (un-Islamic) customs and ways of the Days Ignorance.
13.
Death occurring while waiting for Jehaad.
(MUSLIM)
14.
Death whilst performing any virtuous deed.
(AHMAD)
15.
Being killed by a tyrant ruler merely for having proclaimed the
Truth before him and given him advice.
(AL MUSTADRAK - HAKIM)
(BUKHARI)
2.
It is better that the one making the announcement also requests for
(AHMAD)
Du'aas for the deceased.
SIGNS OF A GOOD ENDING
EXPRESSING OPINION OF THE DECEASED
Just before departing from the world, the deceased recites the
Kalimah: "LAA ELAA HA IL LUL LAW HU MU HUM MA
DUR RAW SU - LOEL LAWH"
(MUSTADRAK HAAKIM)
At the time of death the forehead perspires.
(AHMAD)
Passing away on FRIDAY (night or day).
(TIRMIZI)
The testimony of at least two pious Muslims confirming that the
deceased was a good person,-makes Jannah obligatory for him, and
similarly, their testifying to his being an evil person makes Jahannarn
obligatory for him.
(MUSLIM)
DEATH AT THE TIME OF ECLIPSE
Passing away on a Battlefield.
(QUR'AAN)
Passing away as a victim of plague.
(BUKHARI)
I
The occurrence of an eclipse has no significance upon death. So a
person's dying at the time of either solar or lunar eclipse is no indication
(BUKHARI)
of his being good or evil.
WASHING THE DECEASED (GHUSL)
Passing away due to a stomach ailment.
(MUSLIM)
Passing away as a result of drowning.
(MUSLIM)
Passing away during or after the delivery of a child.
To die of burns.
1.
When any person dies then some people should make immediate
preparations for giving Ghusl.
(MUSLIM)
(AHMAD)
2.
Ghusl should be given three times or more.
(BUKHARI)
(MUWATTA - M A L I K )
3.
Ghusl should be given an odd number of times.
(BUKHARI)
(c>
Whilst giving the deceased ghusl to use soap or 'Ber' leaves at
least once.
(BUKHARI)
The shroud (kafn) should be preferably white in colour.
To mix some perfume, like camphor, in the final washing of the
(BUKHARI)
deceased.
The Shroud should not be expensive.
To comb the deceased's hair after giving him ghusl.
(BUKHXRI)
(ABU DAWOOD)
(BUKHARI)
ACCOMPANYING THE BIER
Accompanying the funeral is the Right of the Deceased.
A lady's plaits must be washed thoroughly.
(IBID)
To commence the Ghusl from the right side beginning with the
(IBID)
limbs and parts that are washed during wudhu.
To cover the deceased with a sheet before starting the ghusl.
(ABU IIAWOOD)
Ghusl should be given by someone knowledgeable in the etiquettes
of ghusl.
(IBN MAJAH)
There is great reward for the person bathing the deceased. According
to one narration Allah shall forgive that person 40 times.
(BUKHARI)
By "accompanying the Bier" is meant either of the following two
deeds, both of which were practised by Rasulullah & :
a). To accompany the funeral till the completion of Janaazah
Salaah.
b). To accompany the funeral till the burial is over.
(MUSTADRAK HAKIM)
To accompany the bier until after the burial is nobler and more
rewarding than accompanying till the Janaazah Salaah. Rasulullah
& has said that the reward for the latter is in proportion to one
large mountain and-for the former it is two large mountains.
(MUSTADRAK HAKIM)
It is preferable for the one who is bathing the deceased to also take
a bath thereafter.
(ABU DAWOOD'I
(BUKHARI)
the funeral applies to males only
The rewards for accompanying
-.
because Rasulullah & has prohibited the females. (BUKHARI)
-
A Martyr should not be given a bath.
(AHMAD)
SHROUDING OF THE DECEASED
After ghusl it is essential to shroud the deceased.
Rasulullah 4% has prevented and prohibited with funerals the
accompaniment of wailing and fire (smoke, e.g. lobaan /incense).
(ABU DAWOOD)
(MIJSL~IM)
The cost of the shroud shall be paid from the deceased's estate even
though he may not possess any other wealth.
(BUKHARI)
The shroud should be large enough to cover the entire body.
(MUSLIM)
Those accompanying the funeral should not raise their voices
(AL AZKAAR)
while making Zikr (remembrance of Allah).
The funeral procession should be conducted briskly.
(BuKHARI)
When accompanying the funeral procession (cortege) it is
permissible to walk in the front, along the sides or in the rear.
(ABU DAWOOD)
(dl
(e)
9.
It is however, preferable to walk behind the funeral.
10.
The mounted (i.e. those using some mode of transport) should
remain in the rear.
(ABU DAWOOD)
11.
It is preferable for those who carry the 'rnayyit' (deceased) to make
wudhu.
(ABU DAWOOD)
(BUKHARI)
It is preferable to arrange at least three 'SAFFS' (lines) for the
Janaazah Salaah and, according to Imam Showkanee, the minimum
number of worshippers in each row could be 2 (two).
The Ameer or his deputy are most entitled to lead the Janaazah
(MUSTADRAK HAAKIM)
Salaah.
If they are not available then the one who knows the Qur'aan the
(MUSLIM)
most should lead the Janaazah Salaah.
THE JANAAZAH SALAAH
1.
To perform Janaazah Salaah is Waajib.
(MUWA'ITA MALIK)
Janaazah Salaah should also be performed for the following:
a) Child
(ABU DAWOOD)
b) Martyr
(TAHAAWE)
c) The condemned Muslims killed in accordance to the Shariah,
e.g., murderer or married adulterer, etc.
(MUSLIM)
d) An open sinner, as long as he was a Believer. However the
Ulama and the Pious should not participate in the Janaazah Salaah
so that it can serve as a lesson to others.
(AHMAD)
Similarly the Janaazah Salaah of one overwhelmed with debts
should preferably not be made by the Ulama and the Pious.
(BUKHARI)
3.
It is not permissible to perform Janaazah Salaah for the NonBelievers and the Hypocrites.
(QUR'AAN - SURAH TOWBAH)
4.
The Janaazah Salaah, like the five times Daily Salaah, should be
performed in congregation. This is obligatory.
(AHKAAMUL - JANAAIZ - ALBAANEE)
5.
The more people in the Janaazah Salaah congregation, the better
for the Deceased as Rasulullah & has said that if 100 Muslims
intercede for him then Allah shall forgive him. Also in another
narration, Rasulullah & has been reported to have said that if 40
people who do not commit shirk intercede for the deceased then
Allah shall accept their intercession.
(MUSLIM)
I
I
If there are several funerals at any one time, then the Janaazah
Salaah shall be performed once for all of them, with the females'
(NASAI)
Biers being kept furthest from the Imam.
It is also permissible to perform Janaazah Salaah for each one
separately if there are mbre than one funeral.
(TAHAAWE)
I
It is permissible to perform the Janaazah Salaah in the Musjid.
(MUSLIM -- TIRMIZI)
However, it is preferable to perform it out of the Musjid -- at a
(BUKHARI)
specially'fixed place for the Janaazah Prayers.
It is not permissible to perform the Janaazah Salaah by keeping the
Bier in front of or between the graves.
(MUSNAD ANAS BIN MALIK)
In Janaazah Salaah the hands should be raised only once when
reciting the first "ALLAW-HU-AKBAR, i.e. the hands should
not be raised when reciting the remaining three takbeers.
At the end of the Janaazah Salaah, salaam must be made on both
(SUNAN BAIHAQEE)
sides as in the five Daily Salaah.
To make salaam only on one side is also allowed.
(DAR QUTNEE)
It is incorrect to perform the Janaazah Salaah during any of the
three forbidden times unnecessarily.
(MUSLIM)
In the grave the deceased should be made to lie on his right side
such that he faces the Qiblah.
(AL MUHALLAH IBN HAZM)
BURIAL
It is 'WAJIB' - obligatory - to bury the deceased, Believers and
(BUKHARI)
non-Believers.
Those lowering the deceased into the grave should recite :
(In the name of Allah and complying to the 'millat' (Deen) of
Rasulullah & )
(ABU DAWOOD)
Believers and Non-Believers must not be buried jointly in one
(AL MUSTADRAK HAAKIM)
grave.
It is Sunnah to bury the deceased in the Graveyard.
After lowering the deceased, the people around should put three
handfuls of earth into the grave.
(IBN MAJAH)
(IBID)
I
A Martyr, however, shall be buried in the Battlefield.
(MUSNAD AHMAD)
1
The grave should be raised slightly in proportion to one span so
that it can be recognised 2 .z grave and not desecrated.
(BAIHAQI)
One can bury at night out of necessity even if one has to make
lighting arrangements for the duration of the burial. (IBN MAJAH)
1
The grave should be deep and spacious.
1
(NASAI)
The grave should be shaped like a camel's hump.
(BUKHARI)
Some sign should be placed over the grave (on the head side) so
that it can be easily recognised and differentiated.
I
Both the 'LAHAD' and the 'SHIQ' types of graves are allowed.
(ABU DAWOOD)
More than one beliver can be buried in a single grave when this
becomes necessary. However, the more virtuous shall be given
preference (i.e be buried first).
(NASA])
~
(ABU DAWOOD)
I
(*** NOTE : Tombs and tomb-stones are prohibited.)
One should not make 'talqeen' at the graveside; rather one should
seek forgiveness for the deceased and also make du'aa for
steadfastness and request others to do likewise. The narration in
favour of 'talqeen' is weak.
(ABU DAWOOD)
The shrouded bodies of the deceased, whether male or female,
shall all be lowered into the graves by males only. The proof for
this comes from the example set by Rasulullah & . Moreover if
the ladies begin the lowering into graves, the& bodies would
become exposed in the presence of strangers which is absolutely
prohibited.
(AHKAAMUL - JANAAIZ - ALBAANEE)
NOTE :- 'TALQEEN' - i.e. Prompting the interned with the
answers to the questions of 'MUNKAR' and 'NAKIR' the 2
angels who question in the grave.
The close relatives are the most entitled to lower the deceased into
the graves
(MUSTADRAK H A K I M )
It is incorrect to prepare one's grave in one's lifetime as no one
knows where death would occur, and furthermore, neither did
Rasulullah & nor the Sahabah (R.A.) dig their graves in
advance during their lifetime. The best preparation that one can
make for death is good actions.
The 'mayyit' (deceased) should be lowered into thegrave from the
leg side.
(MUSANNAF IBN ABI S H A I B A H )
(ALIKHTIYAARAAT of IBN TAYMIAH)
(i)
'-
20.
To sympathise with the bereaved is a Religious Command.
(NASAI)
THIS WORLD SERVES AS T H E TEMPORARY LIVING
QUARTERS FOR T H E MORTALS T H A T WE ARE, WHILST
T H E HEREAFTER IS F O R T H E E T E R N A L A N D
EVERLASTING EXISTENCE T H A T IS TO FOLLOW.
Rasulullah ;& has said that whosoever sympathises with his
Muslim brother in his difficulty then Allah shall make him wear
clothes of Jannah which others shall envy.
(TAARIKHE BAGHDAD)
2 1.
When consoling the bereaved appropriate words should be used
so as to lessen their grief e.g., "0Allah! forgive the deceased, raise
his status amongst the guided, become the Guardian of the
bereaved; 0 Sustainer of the Universe! forgive us and him, make
his grave spacious and fill it with 'noor' (light)."
22.
The Mayyit is inforped in the grave about those visiting him and
he is pleased by it.
(AR-ROOH - IBN QAYYIM)
23.
The souls of the living and the dead can meet in dreams and are also
able to discuss and ask questions.
(IBID)
24.
The soul is returned into the body of the deceased in the grave for
questioning.
(IBID)
THESE ADDITIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM SHAIK
AL BANEE'S AHKAAMOEL JANAAIZ AND
ALLAAMAH IBNE QAYYIM'S AL-ROOH.
I
Concerning this, Hazrat Eisa (A.S.) has said, "This world is a
bridge : cross it but do not build on it."
In other words, it is the existence in the Hereafter which is the actual REALITY and objective for which this world acts as the
bridge or means to transport one from the cradle to the inevitable
grave where one is bound to spend some time. Therefore it
becomes imperative to study and gain enough knowledge about
the conditions prevailing in the grave so that adequate preparations could be made and when one reaches the moment of truth
one will not feel lonely, deserted or confused.
DEFINITION O F DEATH
Shaikh Jalaluddeen Suyuti (A.R.) has recorded the verdict of the
Ulama that death is not mere extinction or annihilation but a type
of metamorphosis where the soul (Rooh) is separated from the
body like the movement or relocation from one dwelling to
another. (Sharhus-sudoor). A believer's death has been explained
analogously by some Ulama as the transference from a world of
hardships to that of peace and luxury. (May Allah grant us such a
death! Aameen).
BEGINNING O F DEATH
In Kitaab-ul-Zuhd, Imam Ahmad has included the narration of
Hazrat Hasan Basri that when Allah created Hazrat Aadam
(A.S.) and his progeny the angels expressed much concern about
the world being insufficient to accommodate all of them but Allah
assured them by declaring, "I shall create Death!"
Hearing this, the angels became disconcerted and when they
remarked that death would instil fear and remove the pleasure of
life, Allah explained, "I shall create Hope and Ambitions."
According to Hazrat Mujahid (A.R.), when Hazrat Aadam (A.S.)
was dispatched t o earth, His Sustainer said: "0Aadam! construct
buildings destined for destruction and ruination; and procreate to
invite death."
A poet has expressed this quite beautifully:-
I
I
I
I
meaning:
0 dweller of lofty mansions, very soon you will be buried in the
sand (a lowly station). .....
Allah has an angel calling daily: Procreate but for death and erect
buildings for devastation.
ANGEL OF DEATH
Malakul Maut is the Angel appointed by Allah for the extractions
tions of souls. This is confirmed in the Qur'aan:
'Say the Angel of Death put in charge of you will take your souls;
then you shall be brought back to your sustainer'
(S.32 V .1 1 )
\
The name of the Angel of Death is Izraeel whose one foot is in the
east and the other in the west. He regards the entire world as a
saucer of grains from which he picks up whichever grain has been
selected. According to another narration, the whole world is in
the sight of Izraeel and whichever soul he summons, it comes to
him.
1
I
I
W h e n death comes to one of you, our ANGELS take his soul and
they never fail in their duty.
(S.6 V . 6 1 )
According to Hazrat Rabei Ibn Anas (R.A.), Hazrat Izraeel (A.S.)
is the leader of all the other angels participating in the process of
all fatal terminations. The angels are divided into two groups,
one of which conveys MERCY whilst the other carries PUNISHMENT. A pious Muslim's soul is handled by an angel of Mercy.
(May Allah grant each and everyone of us this favour. Aameen!)
An interesting fact in some Ahadith concerns martyrs who drown
in the sea. It is stated that the angels are not entrusted with the
task of extracting their souls because this responsibility is accepted by Allah Himself.
(SHARHUS-SUDOOR)
CONDITIONS & PANGS OF DEATH
Imaam Ghazzali (A.R.) has written that the soul is removed from
the body in stages (as mentioned in the Quran): it is first taken
out from the feet followed by the shin and the thighs after which
the chest is affected and at that point the power of speech is lost.
When the Rooh is taken from the throat, the faculties of sight and
hearing disappear.
(i) 'Yes, when the soul reaches the collar bone (in its exit)'.
(S.75 V.26)
(ii) Then why do you not (intervene) when (the soul of the dying
man) reaches the throat. (S.56 V.83).
HELPERS OF IZRAEEL
The severity of death has been mentioned in numerous Ahadith
some of which are:
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A.) has explained that the word,
"Rusuluna" which appears in the following verse refers to angels
who assist Hazrat Izraeel (A.S.) at the times when souls have to
be removed:-
1. Hazrat Anas Ibn Malik (R.A.) has reported that Rasulullah
& had mentioned that the seizure or grasp of Malakul
Maut is more severe than one thousand hacks with a sword.
-2-
(Sharhus-Sudoor)
2. There is a narration about Hazrat Moosa (A.S.) who was
questioned by Allah after death about how he had undergone
the experience of dying and he replied that it could be described as the case of a live bird being immersed into a hot boiling
pot of bubbling oil.
3. On another occasion, Hazrat Moosa (A.S.) is reported to have
replied that the experience was like that of a goat being skinn(Sharhus-Sudoor & Ihya).
ed alive by a butcher.
4. It is narrated from Shaddaad Ibne Aus (R.A.) that there is not
as much pain or torture in being split by a saw, or shredded by
a scissors or scalded by fiercely boiling water, as that experienced in death.
Hazrat Abu Qatadah (R.A.) reports that Rasulullah & said that
all a martyr's distress, vexation and agony at the time of death
can be likened to that of an ant-bite.
WHAT SHOULD BE RECITED AT T H E TIME OF DEATH?
Friends and relatives of one who is in the throes of death, are required to recite Surah Yaa Seen, for this practice as well as indulging in the Sunnah of making miswaak, eases the pangs of death
according to Ahaadith.
We learn also from the Ahadith that a person whose last ut'terance, before passing away, is LAA ILAIiA ILLALLAH then
this indicates that he will enter Jannah.
When the time approaches for a believer to breathe his last, then,
according to the Ahaadith, a group df angels visit him and converse with him and sometimes those standing around also hear
this.
An incident has been mentioned by Hafiz Ibn Qayyim (A.R.) concerning a very pious lady who called for her nephew at the time of
her demise and enquired about what should be said at the moment when the soul is presented before Allah Ta'ala. The nephew
who happened to be 'an eminent Aalim advised that the etiquette
at such a time is to recite:
Allahumma antas-salaamu waminkas-salaamu tabaarakta yaa
zaljalaali wal-ikraam
-4-
UNIQUE ANALYSIS THROUGH T H E SENSE O F SMELL
BY T H E ANGELS AT T H E TIME OF DEATH
Abu Nakeen (R.A.) narrates that when one is close to death, the
angels are ordered to smell one's head and report their diagnosis.
Through this means they discover the presence of the Qur'aan in
the head. Similarly they find the roza (fast) in the heart, and the
feet convey the signs of standing up for worship at night (in Tahajjud). Following this, the angels remark that this person has wellnurtured his nafs (soul), so may Allah protect him.
(SHARHUS-SUDOOR)
RECORDED INCIDENT:
1
I
1
Once Abu Qalaba (A.R.) visited his nephew who was in the lqst
stages of his life. That night he noticed two very dark complexioned figures by his nephew's bedside. Soon two angels also
descended from the roof. Abu Qalaba (A.R.) narrates that he
overheard the one angel request the other to check the sick person
for any virtues. The angel commenced his investigation and
thereafter reported saying, "I smelt his head but foundno Quraan
and his stomach has no roza whilst his feet show no signs of ever
standing up during even a single night."
The other angel then re-checked the whole process and was then
heard to remark that' it is surprising that this person, being a
follower of Rasulullah & and yet does not seem to possess any
good qualities. Finally, he opened the dying man's mouth and examined his tongue, squeezing the tip. hent the angel was heard to
say that this person had taken part in the Battle of Antakia during
which he had recited takbeer once with sincerity and as a result of
that I can smell the fragrance of musk.
The angels then removed his soul and told the two dark, ugly
figures to return empty-handed.
(Narrated by Hakim Tirmizi in his Nawadirul Usool)
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (R.A.) that when punishment is
being inflicted upon a person in the grave then his recitation of
the Qur'aan is personified to offer him protection.
Besides, according to one's spiritual advancement a soul could
gain a high stage of Jannah whilst others may be in the care of
Hazrat Aadam (A.S.). Similarly, Hazrat Ibraheem (A.S. ) takes
charge of one group. There are also others who are placed within
the bodies of green birds to remain on the move in the hereafter.
As for the evil-doers, they will suffer either in the fire, rivers of
blood or some such place of torture and punishment.
Similar is another report where it is mentioned that salaah
defends one from the left whilst the tortures in other directions
are warded off by one's charity, one's walking towards the Musjid and other good actions performed by the feet.
CHILDREN, RELATIVES & FRIENDS
WELCOME THE DECEASED
Nabi Muhammad & has explained that when a Believer's soul is
transported to the skies, then the souls of other previouslydeceased Believer's meet it and enquire about their friends and
relatives on earth; and, if about some person they are informed
that he is no more on earth, having passed away long ago, they
exclaim, ...... but he has not come to us!"
Although each soul would be based at different points, they
would be ethereally connected to their mortal remains and the exact means of this contact or link is known to Allah alone.
However, for the purpose of understanding- this phenomenon one
may ponder over the position of a sleeping
whose soul is
also linked but the exact nature cannot be comprehended.
'6
(Imaam Suyuti (A.R.) has confirmed this as a sound Hadith.) ITTIHAAF
Another account in the Hadith tell about how the souls of
Believers rush and crowd around a new arrival, questioning it
about conditions on earth and about their friends, kith and kin.
Seeing this, the angels intervene by exhorting them to have mercy
on him for he has just endured immense difficulties and hardships
(meaning death). So after a while they again continue with their
quest for information about their living friends and relatives.
Hazrat Sabit Bunanee (R.A.) narrates that when a person dies
then his relatives who had pre-deceased him rejoice exceedingly
and their happiness is similar to that household which is welcoming a member who is returning after a long journey. They then
surround him (and enquire about the affairs of the world from
(ITTIHAAF)
which he has just departed).
THE HOME OR "RESTING PLACE" OF THE SOULS
There are numerous narrations indicating the different areas
where the 'Rooh' or Soul can be confined to after death.
Hafiz Ibn Qayyim (A.R.) has explained that it is quite difficult to
conclusively state where a particular soul has reached because the
righteous ones would be grouped separately from the evil ones.
i
(SHARHUS-SUDOOR)
I
( 1 ..
(2) .
(3) .
desirous to drive large, shiny cars,
REMEMBER: You will be driven one day
as a horizontal passenger.
wild and crazy over expensive clothes,
REMEMBER: You will end up in' jtst a 'KAFN'.
recklessly sacrificing everything to construct
beautiful homes and palatial mansions,
REMEMBER: the graveyard 'PIT' - one's real
( 4 ) ... greedily devouring tasty dishes and all types
of extravagant delicacies,
REMEMBER: one day YOU will be the meal for
ants, worms and other insects.
(5).
aspiring for fame, fortune and bright lights,
REMEMBER: the awaiting darkness and
AA'LAME
- BARZAKH
Thereafter he must sincerely repent and plead for Allah's pardon and forgiveness for all sins committed with the firm intention not to repeat any wrong actions. Furthermore he
should resolve that if Allah Paak spare his life for another
day, he would not commit any sin whatsoever, and whilst
reciting, "Astaghfirullah", he should go off to sleep. *"
The Dictionary defines "Barzakh" as that which separates two
things and in shariat BARZAKH is the term referred to the period
which intervenes between death and Resurrection as mentioned
in the following verse of the Quraan:
". ... and before them is Barzakh (barrier) until the
If the person passes away that night he would be gone with
TAUBAH and if he is granted life he could start a new day
with new zeal for good actions.
When man goes off to sleep, the angels fold up his scroll or
page of deeds. Therefore it is recommended that one's last action before sleep should be taubah (i.e. repenting and asking
Allah's forgiveness) and upon waking he should commence
the day by hymning the praises of Allah so that both his
sleeping and waking occurs with the remembrance of Allah.
Russerrection Day. " (Q.23: 1 03)
Aa'lame-Barzakh is also referred to as "Aalame-Qabr" and QABR
here is not to be considered as some pit prepared underneath the
ground.
It is immaterial whether a corpse is disposed of in land, water, fire
or consumed by any creature for the Qabr (grave) is really a confinement where the dead are assigned to till the time when the
Bugle will be sounded for the second time.
It is here that they become aware of all the things about which we
were informed by the Qur'aan and Ahaadith.
In the Aa'lame Barzakh, the attachment to the world is not
altogether terminated because any rewards and sawaabs remitted
by the living on earth are allowed to reach and benefit the dead.
Unlike in the world where the body is in control of all affairs, in
the "Barzakh", the soul is quite free from such domination and
the institution of nikah (marriage) is also absent. However, in the
Hereafter when both the body and soul will once again co-exist,
marriages will take place.
ACTIONS WHICH WOULD SAFEGUARD O N E FROM
T H E PUNISHMENT IN T H E GRAVE
1. Allamah Safaarinee (A.R.) has stated that the most effective
method of preparing to ward off the punishment of the grave
is to practice daily meditation wherein one has to take full
stock of how that particular day had been spent. Before
sleeping, one should ponder, contemplate and reflect for a
little while upon all the good or evil one has indulged in from
t h e morning till bed-time.
2.
The Recitation of Surah Mulk:
It is recorded in the ahadith that whosoever recites Surah
Mulk (29th Parah) will be saved from the punishment of the
grave.
3. Surah 'Alif Laam Meem Sajdah':
It has been reported from a Tabi'ee, Khalid Bin Ma'daan
(R.A.) that a narration has reached him from his
predecessors that Surah 'Alif Laam Sajdah' (21st Parah)
would argue in the grave on behalf of its reciter, saying, "O!
Allah, if I am a Surah of your kitaab then accept my intercession on his behalf otherwise delete me from the Qur'aan."
According to Hazrat Jabir (R.A.), our Nabi & would not
sleep without first having recited these two surahs (i.e. Surah
Mulk and Alif Laam Meem Sajdah).
* * * FOOTNOTE:
Together with "Astaghfirullah", ( I seek Allah's forgiveness), he should also recite the
other masnoon dua'aas and surahs mentioned in the Ahadith, for details refer to 'SUNNATS' by E.M.H. Salejee.
4. THE VIRTUES OF O N E HUNDRED DAILY RECITALS
OF:
Hazrat Ali (R.A.) has narrated the saying of Rasulullah & that
whoever recites 'Laa ilaha illal-lahul malikul haq-qul mobeen' one
hundred times will be protected against poverty and financial difficulties; and further, it would become a means of providing
solace and comfort in the darkness of the grave; and finally, the
doors of Jannah (Paradise) will be opened for him.
5. THE REWARDS OF KEEPING ROZA DURING INTENSE
HEAT AND PERFORMING A MINIMUM OF 2 RAKAATS
SALAAT IN THE DARKNESS OF NIGHT
It has been reported that our Nabi & once remarked to Hazrat
Abu Zar (R.A.) that before embarking upon some journey in the
world some preparation has to be made for the trip, so, what
about preparation for the journey of the Hereafter? and, shall I
not show you what would would benefit you on that Day?
Hazrat Abu Zar (R.A.) replied: "My parents be sacrificed for
you! please tell me."
Then our Nabi & explained that the fasting during an extremely
hot day would benefit one on the Day of Resurrection and the
performance of 2 rakaats nafl salaat in the darkness of the night
would help to overcome the loneliness of the grave.
6. LIGHTING UP A N D PERFUMING THE MUSJID
Hazrat Umar (R.A.) has reported that our Nabi & has said that
Allah will illuminate the grave of whosoever undertakes to arrange or provide lighting for the Musjid and, if anyone places in
the Musjid aromatic scent (approved non-alcoholic fragrance),
Allah will Bless him with the sweeter smells of Jannat in his grave.
7. THE HOLY QUR'AAN
From Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A.) it has been reported that
a Believer will be given the Qur'aan to read in the grave.
In another Hadith it has been mentioned that our Nabi & told
that anyone who passes away whilst learning to memorise the
Qur'aan and before its completion, Allah will depute an angel to
teach him the Qur'aan in his grave.
8. DEENI KNOWLEDGE
Imaam Dailami (A.R.) has narrated on the authority of Hazrat
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A.) that our Nabi &
has said that
when an Aalim (scholar of Deen) passes away then Allah will personify his knowledge so that it would become a companion for
that Aalim in the grave to defend and protect him against worms
and insects.
9. PASSING AWAY WITH T H E KALEMA
When Allah intends good towards any person, He giants that
person the ability to perform righteous deeds and places within
the heart a distaste for sin and evil practices. Such a person is
distracted from worldly pursuits and his attention is focussed
towards the Hereafter to such an extent that death occurs
together with the reciting of the kalema,
LAA ILAHA ILLAL LAHU MUHAMMADUR
RASULULLAH, SALLALAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM
NOTE: This type of good death can only be attained through
the sincere following of Allah's Commandments and the
Sunnah of our beloved Nabi Muhammad & .
As for a disgraceful death, the Ulama have written that laziness
and apathy towards salaah, disobedience of parents and hurting
other Muslims are quite often the causes for a dishonourable and
bad death.
1MISCELLANEOUS MASAAILS
pertaining to death, the dying and the deceased.
1. Questioning in the grave is an absolute REALITY.
Certain people disbelieve in the occurrence of torments in the
grave and substantiate their stance by stating that when a
grave is opened the corpse is found to be motionless without
any signs of either pleasure or punishment.
- 11 -
However, a simple explanation against such an attitude is that
all vision and the ability to notice things are under the control
of Allah and only what He wishes becomes visible. This is
why, when Nabi & departed from his home in Makkah
whilst being completely surrounded by enemies who were
after his life, nobody could see him leave. Similarly, during the
battle of Badr, the angels sent by Allah to assist the Muslims
were visible to Shaitaan yet the polytheists of Makkah failed
to notice anything. This point can be further elucidated
through the concept of nightmares and dreams where the
dreamer is the only person who is aware of what is occurring
and anyone close to him has no inkling of the dream until informed later. Therefore it is inconclusive to deduce that there
is no questioning in the grave merely by opening a grave and
failing to notice any such thing therein.
It is obligatory and essential to maintain faith and belief in the
trials and questionings of the grave because of the numerous
ahaadith on this subject.
2. Rewards o r punishments in the grave is applicable to both the
body and the soul.
3. Nabi Muhammad & has told that we must learn the answers
for the questions that would be asked in the grave. It has been
reported that the Ansaar used to teach this to their children as
soon as they reached the age of understanding and also when
any of them were in the throes of death. A poet has composed
beautifully the answers to the 3 questions of the grave, viz.:
(1)Who is your Sustainer?, (2)What is your religion? and (3)
What do you say about this man (i.e.) Hazrat Muhammad
& , in the following verse:
-
Allah is my Rabb (Sustainer); My Deen, Islam.
Muhammad is my Nabi, and Imam.
NOTE: After burial it is an innovation to prompt rhe answers
to the questions in the grave for the deceased.
4. The questioning in the grave will take place for everyone
regardless of how a person had died i.e. whether by drowning,
burning or even by having been eaten by some animal. Allah
will recreate and revive all bodies which have been destroyed
before the questioning. This process is invisible to our
physical senses as it occurs in the Aalame-Barzakh (Hereafter)
which forms part of a Muslim's belief.
5. From the Ahadith we learn that the following persons will be
exempted from the questioning of the grave:a ) A Martyr.
b) The Muslim soldier who loses his life whilst guarding the
Muslim boundaries.
c) Anyone fatally stricken by plague.
d ) A Siddique i.e. someone who is totally honest both internally and externally and there is no trace of any falsehood
in him.
e) The Prophets.
f) The Angels.
g) Immature children (not according t o Bazzaz (A.R.))
h) One passing away on Friday (night or day).
i) One who recites Sura Mulk (29th Para) every night.
6. After burial, when the people have departed, the corpse is
revived to face the ordeal of questioning by Munkar and
Nakir, the two angels appointed for this purpose.
7. These 2 angels which then appear in the grave have been
described in the Hadith as extremely black in colour with
twisted hair, so long that it touches the ground; and having
dark blue eyes, voice sounding like thunder claps, with their
eyes shining like lightning and elongated teeth which reach the
ground.
CAUTION: Those things which man has seen is quite limited
whilst the things he has yet to see are
UNLIMITED and if he denies the things which
he has not seen then his IGNORANCE becomes
UNLIMITED.
8. During the questioning by the Angels in the grave, which is
conducted in the most harsh and terrifying manner, Shaitaan
also appears and prompts thus: "Say, 'I am your Rabb'."
Therefore it has been reported in the Ahadith that Nabi &
used to beseech after burial:
--
""O!Allah save him from Shaitaan".
16. From the ahadith we learn that the dead meet one another in
their shrouds (kafn). Therefore good shrouds should be
selected for them i.e. white and clean but not something expensive.
17. The Hadith teaches us that when anyone visits his brother's
grave and greets him then the inhabitant of the grave replies
and if the visitor is someone who he had known in the world
then he also recognises the person. The response to the
greeting and the recognition are not restricted to any specific
day but is applicable everyday.
9. The questioning of the grave is restricted to one's BELIEFS
and not one's deeds.
10. According to certain Ulama, Munkar and Nakir are 2
specific angels entrusted with the duties of questioning the
dead in the grave, but other Ulama are of the opinion that
Munkar and Nakir refer to a GROUP of angels that perform
the same tasks.
11. The questioning in the grave is done in Arabic although some
Ulama mention the possibility that each person may be questioned in his own mother tongue.
12. Nabi & has mentioned that when the angels arrive to take
the life of a pious Muslim, they first convey to him Allah's
salaams which should be replied in the following manner:
13. The R O O H (soul) of a good Muslim is enshrouded in
of
after conveying
heavenly silk by the ~ n ~ e l - Death
- to the
dead
the glad tidings of Allah's happiness.
14. It is understood from the Ahadith that the deceased becomes
fully aware of and recognises those who give him ghusl, enshroud him and lower him in his grave.
15. The grave welcomes a pious Muslim and fondly embraces
him.
Ibn A1 Hasan (A.R.) once remarked: "I am grieving for forty
years over a sin committed by me." Someone enquired., "What
sin is that which has caused such great concern and grief in you?"
He replied, "Once I was visited by a friend and in order to entertain him, I bought fish which we subsequently ate. After the meal,
I scraped some sand from my neighbour's wall without his permission, to wash my hands. I am still crying over that sin."
The questioner expressed surprise over the fact that such a small
fault has created so much of anguish and concern. So Ibn A1
Hasan explained that according to Nabi & ), the biggest sin
before Allah is that little slip or error which man regards as trifle
and unimportant and therefore thinks it unnecessary to seek
forgiveness. O n the other hand, if he acknowledges his wrongs
considering them to be quite serious, he would certainly feel guilty and ashamed of his actions and this would induce him to repent, seek.Allah's forgiveness through which he receives pardon
and in this way obliterates all trace of the sin.
I have selected a very short surah of the Quraan-e-Majeed known
as "A1 Zilzaal", meaning THE EARTHQUAKE. This surah was
revealed in Madinah and is therefore classed amongst those referred to as the Madani Surahs.
Although A1 Zilzaal is one of the short surahs of the Quraan, its
spiritual benefits ?re so extensive that if one has to place only this
surah before him as a guide for the journey of life, it would
transform one into a better Muslim. Our Nabi & has mentioned
about Surah A1 Zilzaal, brief as it is, that it conforms to a quarter
of the Qur'aan, meaning thereby that if someone recites the surah
four times he would accumulate the rewards and sawaab
equivalent to having read the whole Qur'aan.
The commentators of Hadith have attributed the high value of
the surah to its subject matter. It deals with matters relating to the
Hereafter and is therefore a quarter of the FOUR main topics into
which the Quraan can be divided. These topics are as follows:-
ALL PRAISE IS DUE T O ALLAH, THE MASTER OF THE
WORLDS. PEACE A N D SALUTATIONS BE UPON OUR
BELOVED NAB1 ( & .) I N GREAT ABUNDANCE FOR
EVER A N D EVER, ETERNALLY.
1. TOHEED - which refers to the UNITY of Allah, and His unique Nature as the One and only Creator who has no
associates or partners. For man's success on earth, in his grave
and in the Hereafter, it is essential to believe in the ONENESS
of Allah in His Nature and Being, as He is, with all His Attributes and Qualities, without any partners. He alone is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. There is none besides
Allah who has the knowledge of all things eternally or to be
aware of and see everything simultaneously and unceasingly.
2. PROPHETHOOD - This is the next topic about which the
Quraan clearly states that we must believe in Muhammad &
as the final Messenger of Allah. It is obligatory and essential
to accept whatever Nabi & has brought.
3. CRITERIA OF RIGHT & WRONG - This topic concerns the
DO'S and DON'TS of this world such as what is permissible
to eat and what is not to gain the pleasure of Allah. Similarly
which deeds are prohibited and which not, to gain Allah's
pleasure.
After all, the existence and objective of man on earth is to
generate the pleasure of Allah and attain success in the
Hereafter by entry into Jannah where also the greatest gift that
a man would receive will be the Ultimate Pleasure of Allah.
Amongst the DO'S and DON'TS which is of extreme importance but is being neglected irresponsibly is one which is the
cause of havoc in society : resulting in family feuds, broken
homes, bloodshed amongst brothers and fighting between
mothers and their own children. The reference here is the total
disregard of the Islamic Inheritance System which controls the
distribution of wealth upon one's death.
Quite often, a father - in all good faith - prepares his Will with
the intention of assisting his offspring, but as it turns out to be
against Islamic Laws, he harms and spoils his own future of
the Hereafter. This reminds us of the statement that many a
person steals even after being buried; and upon inquiry as to
how was this possible, it was explained that this occurs when
a man orders through his Will to distribu'te his wealth contrary to Islamic teachings, depriving others of their rightful
shares and thus becoming the means of robbery.
There are specific laws in the Quraan and Ahadith relating to
Inheritance and the distribution of wealth. Neither does Islam
encourage capitalism nor does it condone- communism or
socialism for the emphasis of Islam lies upon the equal
distribution of wealth. Therefore, at the moment of death, a
person loses all claims and rights over his estate with the exception of bona fide expenses such as the cost of his funeral,
debts incurred by him and any wasiyyat he has made. By
wasiyyat is meant the desires and wishes of the deceased
which would accrue reward for him eg. contributions towards
the construction of Musjid, madressa, public rpads and
facilities or for the printing of useful kitaabs; and also for offering grants to some persons who are not the heirs of the
estate provided that such distribution is within the prescribed
third proportion of the whole estate.
The balance of the wealth MUST then be shared strictly in accordance to the laws of the Quraan and the manner shown by
our Nabi & . Failure to arrange the proper distribution of
the estate will be sinful and liable to suffer severe penalties in
the hereafter. Therefore it is necessary that everyone use the
pre-printed and approved will drawn by the Jamiatul Ulama,
Natal, and Insha-Allah, this would prevent their heirs from
fighting and indulging in haraam after one's demise.
4. CONDITIONS AFTER DEATH - This is the fourth topic of
the Quraan and has been referred t o in Surah A1 Zilzaal which
discusses life after death, Qiamat and the conditions of
Qiamat. Being one fourth of the different topics, Surah A1
Ziizaal, if recited 4 times, carries the same value in rewards as
for completing the Qur'aan.
According to another narration Nabi & has equated the value of
sawaab for this surah to half of that for completing the Quraan.
This is applicable when the Quraan is divided into only two
topics where the first part discusses worldly matters including
Toheed, Prophethood and the Criteria of Right and Wrong, and
the second part discusses all conditions of the life in the
Hereafter.
Once, when a Sahabi requested Rasulullah & to teach him
something of the Quraan, our Nabi & appointed Hazrat Ali
(R.A.) for this task, and he began to teach him Surah A1 Zilzaal.
When the Sahaabi learnt this Surah, Hazrat Ali ventured to teach
him more but was stopped by the Sahaabi who said:
(Enough, Enough! I am not bothered $ I do not hear any further
as this surah is sufficient for me).
Hazrat Ali (R.A.) then complained to Rasulullah & about the
man's reluctance of further studies. Hearing this, Nabi &
replied: "leave him, he is an intelligent man." This was so because
if anybody grasps and adheres to A1 Zilzaal sincerely, then this
surah causes a reformation within him, because at every point in
time he would become conscious of the teachings of the surah and
this awareness will prevent him from committing sins.
,
The foregoing anecdote about the tuition of a Sahaabi by Hazrat
Ali (R.A.) brings forth another important example for us i.e. the
system of imparting knowledge during the time of our Nabi & .
Alhamdulillah! in our times we make elaborate arrangements and
preparations to educate our children. This of course is a necessity
and I do not advocate that such methods be dispensed with
because from infancy the process of learning must commence so
that the child is always equipped with the proper knowledge
when it is needed: By the time salaah becomes Fard, he has
already learnt all the particulars and details concerning salaat;
similarly, before embarking upon other ventures like commerce,
industry or even agriculture sufficient knowledge is acquired for
success in leading one's life.
However, the incident concerning Hazrat Ali (R.A.) highlights
the even greater need for ADULT EDUCATION. Unfortunately
this one aspect is being sorely neglected in our societies and very
few of us have any concern for it. How many of us are bothered
about whether our own Quraar-reading is correct? How many of
us worry about checking and rectifying our own salaah? Not to
mention the higher branches of Islamic learning like Tafseer,
Hadith and Fiqh.
We are reminded about the Hadith wherein Nabi & had said
that there are so many people who recite the Quraan but their
recitation is flung back at them or at that the Quraan curses them.
According to one interpretation, this and other similar ahadith
mean that when the Quraan is not recited correctly or the salaat
not performed properly then these actions are rejected and flung
back upon the persons concerned.
Therefore a humble plea is made to everyone to heed this warning
seriously and take stock of our knowledge and practices and not
to assume that whatever we have learnt during childhood we still
remember correctly; and even if we do remember well we should
attend the Adult Education Classes as a refresher course.
After all, there is really no end to studies for one is always learning, from the cradle to the grave. One should set aside at least 2
hours every week to study Deen in addition to our normal Islamic
duties.
Surah A1 Zilzaal is the answer to those people who deny Qiamat
and do not believe in the Final Hour.
Consider the EARTHQUAKE when the whole i o G d will be
violently shaken!
Can you imagine the plight of those inside a building which
crumbles as a result of underground movement of the earth? ....
and what if the earth tremor affects not just one building but a
complete block in a locality? Think about the magnitude of
destruction if the whole town is engulfed by some violent
upheaval. Imagine what turmoil, confusion and bewilderment
would prevail. But here Allah is informing us that on that Day it
will not be an eathquake affecting just a street, a town or a country but the convulsion will cover the entire world and by this
means everything will be completely annihilated.
In another verse of the Quraan Allah Paak tells us:
O! People, fear your Rabb. verily the earthquake of the Hour is a
great and dreadful event.
In this verse Allah refers to Qiamat as 'THE HOUR' because
everything happens in time and numerous events occur in time
but of all occurrences, THE event of all time will be Qiamat
which Allah refers to as 'THE HOUR'. Furthermore, the word,
"RABBAKUM" (Your Sustainer) has been used and not the word,
"ALLAH". Whilst "RABBAKUM" is a specific quality of our
Creator, "ALLAH" encompasses all the Attributes to perfection.
As we are being warned in the verse about Qiamat, the feeling
could have crept into man that perhaps, Allah is a zaalim (wa
naoozubillah), an oppressor who does not have any mercy for His
creation.
-21 -
I
However, by the use of the word, RABBAKUM, we are being
reminded that Allah is our Rabb and Sustainer who cared for our
needs in the mothers' womb, and looked after us out of the womb
through the mother's pure milk; because 'RABB' is the name given
to that Sustainer who nourishes according to one's needs at any
given moment. Therefore this word (RABB) is reminding us that
Allah cares for us in the womb as well as outside where H e has
created and placed all the means for man to nurture himself and
advance towards a life which would please Allah.
O n that Day you will see it, every breast-feeding mother, (human
or animal), forget (to feed) its babe.
Can you imagine a mother forgetting to feed her child?
The Quraan further declares:
And on that Day every pregnant mother will drop her burden
Fear, anxiety and tension would be so great that the mother, out
of extreme shock, will abort.
And man will seem to be in a stupor, a drunken and intoxicated
state but they would not be drunk but would appear so because of
the severity of Allah's punishment.
These verses should be sufficient to create revolution in all our
hearts once we realise that every person - rich or poor, black or
white - can experience the horrors of such a Day.
The earth will offload its burden
When the earth will eject its 'dead' men from within its bowels,
when the earth will throw up molten lava, when the earth will
have volcanic .eruptions, it would also discard gold and silver
from its stomach. All other treasures would be collected and cast
And man will say what is happening to this earth
(that it is behaving so abnormally)
{
According to some commentators of the Quraan, the 'laam' in the
word, "laha" stands for benefit expressing that whatever the earth
is discarding has no benefit for us: The gold, silver and precious
stones being piled in front of us and after which we were hankering in this world is lying now useless without any benefit for
anybody. ; / /
And on that Day (this very earth which is behaving abnormally:
by its huge convulsion and earthquake when everything is
disintegrating and crumbling upon man and the treasures from
beneath are being cast out), this same earth will relate her stories
(and give evideme against man) according to what Allah has
revealed to it.
The earth will report all the facts in detail about the behaviour of
so and so whilst perched upon its back, indulged in sinning, and
certain man killed so and so, and someone or the other robbed,
committed adultery, spoke ill, carried tales, etc. etc. Thus every
action of man will be revealed by the earth. It would become
necessary for the earth to testify because when man receives his
Book of Deeds he will be alarmed at the number of ill-deeds
recorded against him and he would exclaim: 'O! Allah, this Book
has such actions to my account which I never committed. This is
an error on the part of your Malaaikah."
ALLAH PAAK WILL THEN SUMMON THE EARTH TO
TESTIFY: AND, ACCORDING T O ANOTHER VERSE,
MAN'S HANDS AND FEET WILL ALSO BE GIVING
EVIDENCE AGAINST HIM:
How would it be possible for it to behave like a man who has life?
The Quraan guides us regarding this question. Allah says in the
Quraan:(And there is not a thing on this earth but that it glorifies Allah)
On that Day, man's mouth will be sealed (unable to speak
through that means) and instead his hands and feet would be giving evidence about what each limb had done (on earth.)
Thus man would be testifying against himself!
We know about the verses wherein we are reminded that the Prophets (A.S.) have passed the message to us and we have been
forewarned about what to expect and how to lead our life. Then
on the Day of Qiamah, our own limbs would be giving evidence
against us, and coupled with that, the ground also would be called upon to bear witness against us. Shaitaan, on the other hand,
is doing his utmost to mislead mankind by creating the thoughts
and impressions that nobody is watching, so there is no one to see
a wrong being done or a sin being committed.
We must never be fooled by such thoughts and instead always be
aware that the ground and our very organs would be speaking out
against us in the Hereafter. Through this awareness we would be
able to check our actions because even though a sin is to be committed in the darkest hour of the night, the earth is still present to
sense what is taking place.
If we have erred in the past, we must hasten to repent and seek
forgiveness. Our Deen and religion is most easy: Our Nabi &
has said that if one seeks forgiveness sincerely, one would be
cleansed of all sin in such a way as if no sin had been committed
at all.
The condition for acquiring the pardon and forgiveness is to repent earnestly and sincerely with the firm intention of never
repeating or indulging in the sin again.
AT THIS POINT, SOME DOUBTS COULD ARISE ABOUT
THE EARTH'S ABILITY T O GIVE ANY EVIDENCE, IT BEING INANIMATE AND LIFELESS.
(AL-QURAN)
I
L
Some commentators of the Quraan have explained that this
glorification is recognisable from the external appearance which
points towards some known form of sacred veneration or meditation. For instance man has a tongue through which he expresses
himself and this is called 'ZABAAN-E-MAQAAL' i.e. the tongue
of speech. There is also a 'ZABAAN-E-HAAL' an outer condition
and appearance indicating the presence .of speech. A simple way
to illustrate (Zabaan-e-haal) is to consider the case of a certain
man who is knocking upon a door. Being in a dirty and dishevelled condition with tattered and torn clothing, he will be immediately recognised as a vagabond even though he has neither
been questioned yet nor has he spoken anything.
It is such outward condition of everything which expresses
glorification of Allah.
If you watch an animal walking on its fours, it is expressing
TASBEEH because it has assumed the position of RUKU.
Similarly trees, by their upright positions, compare with
QIYAAM which is the standing posture in namaaz. In the same
way, crawling creatures are said to be in SAJDAH and glorifying
Allah through the expression of complete humility.
HOWEVER, THIS COMMENTARY IS N O T FULLY SUFFICIENT T O INTERPRET THE ACTUAL MANNER OF
TASBEEH BECAUSE ALLAH CONCLUDES THIS VERSE
WITH THE WORDS:
(But you do not comprehend its tasbeeh)
(AL-QURAN)
So the external expressions can be understood as explained above
but Allah Paak is telling us explicitly that everything makes the
Tasbeeh: the sun, the moon, stars, trees, animals and even rocks
but man does not understand!
The Hadith Indicates also that mere postures are not the actual
tasbeeh although the positions resemble those of salaah. The
fdmous Hadith about the tree trunk which began t o wail and cry
profusely when a new MIMBAR had been built for Nabi & and
had become clear that now it would not be necessary any longer
for R;lsulullah & t o lean against that tree trunk as he had been
accustomed t o d o before the construction of the MIMBAR.
The Sahabah (R.A.) report that Nabi & spoke t o the tree trunk
and askcd for the reason for its lamentation. It replied that the
weeping resulted from the realisation of its separation from Nabi
,& who would not be leaning against it any longer. Thereupon
Rasulullah consoled the tree trunk by asking it t o choose to
become a tree of Jannah where it would enjoy eternal life o r t o be
blessed so that people would come from afar t o enjoy its fruits.
This apparently lifeless, senseless and emotionless trunk then
chose the life of the Hereafter. About this decision, Moulana
Rumi (A.R.) has written in one place, addressing man:
O! Negligent One, be not more degraded than a tree ( w o o d )
(. . . . . . . because the tree had the intelligence t o choose eternal life
and, not the TEMPORARY rank, status, position and pleasures
of this world, the things which are making us forget the
hereafter.)
From this incident one learns that even a tree has the power of
speech!
O n another occasion, Abu Jahl - the arch-enemy of our Nabi &
- placed something in the palm of hls hand, closed his fist and approaching Nabi & , taunted thus: "O! Muhammad, you claim
to be bringing messages of Jannah and Jahannam which no one
rlas witnessed. If you are truthful, tell me what I have hidden in
this hand of mine?"
Nabi
replied, "If you wish, I will not only tell you what you
conceal but I can also make what you hide t o speak." This
astonished Abu Jahl who then remarked: "I had asked you for a
com{aratively easy task but you want t o accomplish something
more difficult. Well, let us hear the speech of what lies in my
hand."
- 26 -
Nabi & replied, "This is not difficult for Allah." Thereafter- he
told Abu Jahl that there were six pebbles in his hand, and then ,tddressing the pebbles, he exhorted: "Testify as to who I am!"
The stones immediately began reciting:
( W c t c s t z f ? ~ that thew is none zuorthy of worship besidrs . . l l / ~ h ;
and U:P tc?.stzf~~that Muhammad & is Allah's worshipper L ~ n d
messenger.)
Hearlng t h ~ s ,Abu Jahl flung the stones away 'and retorted: "0
Muhammad! y o u are a magician." (wanaoozub~llahj
1
This hadith clearly shows how inanimate things like stone4 ccln be
made to speak and bear witness t o the prophethood of Xabl
Muhammad & .
'
N O T E : With modern technology, ordinary mortals are able to
record sound and voices upon inanimate discs and tapes
so in comparison, Allah's Qudrat and I'ower is L,imitless
and unquestionable!
In another Hadith Nabi & has said that everything thar heitrs
the Muazzin's voice will testify about his Islam and Imaan on rhe
Day of Judgement. Nabi & has specifically mentioned that
everything dry and green will give evidence in favour of the
Muazzin, regardless of whether they appear to be animate or inanimate.
This also conclusively proves that EVERYTHING hds life and
they glorify Allah, making His TASBEEH, even though we nlciy
not understand the exact process.
So like everything else, the ground will also testify as mentioned
previously.
O n that Day of Judgement, mankind will come forth, graded and
in groups to be shown their respective deeds.
O n the one hand will be the good people and on the other hand
the evil ones. The evil group will be sorted into different
categories like atheists (kafirs), polytheists and other types of sinners. Each sub-group will have different signs t o identify their
kind, for instance:
the sinners who had broken promises would be recognised
by a flag jutting out from their buttocks;
the rogue will be burdened with all the stolen property tied
around his neck regardless of the amount or size of the stolen
goods;
the proud ones will become deaf and dumb mutes even
though they did not have such defects in the world;
the ones who had failed to fulfil the rights of neighbours
would find their hands and feet chopped off;
those who had been dealing with interest-bearing transactions in the world would be dragged by their feet with their
heads on the ground as the angels pull them.
We have to ask ourselves whether the deed being contemplated
would please Allah or please Shaitaan and earn the wrath and
displeasure of Allah.
\
1
These will be just some of the groups t o be formed.
Even the good people will be placed into separate divisions:
There would be those whose faces would shine like the fourteenth
full moon and others who would glitter like the stars. A group
would be sitting on thrones made of pearls, rubies and emeralds
whilst others would be upon mounds of musk and saffron. Many
would be found beneath the shade of the Throne of Allah. All of
them will be granted deserving positions according t o their
respective deeds in the world.
Thereafter, each individual would be shown his actions of the
world in order t o commence the account taking.
We must remember also that on that Day of Judgement, we will
have t o account for every single deed whether it had been done
openly or covertly.
Surah A1 Zilzaal draws our attention t o and encourages us to
ponder for a moment 5efore commencing any action.
In the Hadith it is recorded that when the Bugle is blown for the
second time, mankind will emerge from the grave and remain
standing for a thousand years and according to one Hadith narrated by Hazrat Ayesha (R.A.), everyone then will be completely
naked.
FOR THE PIOUS AND ALLAH-FEARING PEOPLE THESE
THOUSAND YEARS WOULD SEEM LIKE JUST A MOMENT!
Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) had been concerned and questioned, "Ya
Rasulallah & ;will everybody be naked when they come o u t of
their graves, the good as well as the bad?" When Rasulallah &
replied in the affirmative she began to cry bitterly due to her
modesty and bashfulness and fear that in the hereafter, when man
will have no control over his actions, she would be naked in the
presence of other people.
A case of extreme modesty has also been recorded in the case of
Hazrat Fatimah (R.A.). Before her death, she requested that her
bier be well covered so that nobody would be able to discern the
shape and form of her body.
6
li
1
This request was for an additional cover upon the kafn on her
body; and further, she asked that when she was being lowered into the grave, some material should be used as a screen to cover the
grave.
Alhamdulillah! even these days we notice that when we are about
to bury one of our sisters a t the cemetery there is call for no light
entering the grave. This, in fact, is the Sunnah of Hazrat
Fathimah (R.A.) where purdah is being stressed upon. Unfortunately this importance of purdah is insisted upon for our
mothers and sisters when they have passed away but when our
sisters, daughters and wives are living on the face of this earth
there seems to be no real concern for thi$.
From this we realise that the Sunnah and Faraaidh are being cast
aside when we are walking on the face of the earth: this very earth
which would testify against them and us for denying the Laws of
Allah Paak. They appeared nude on this earth in spite of being
clad.
Many of us are quite aware how the schools and other groups
organise Charity Drives in order to raise funds. Charity, AlHamdulillah, is very good but before participating in such drives,
two things should be considered: Firstly, is this drive being conducted according to the teachings of our Nabi & or not; and,
secondly what is the aim and purpose of this charity? Would it be
against the Deen of Islam or would it assist in the benefit and progress of Muslims?
In these charity drives, some of the methods adopted are quite
good but it is also common knowledge that, most unfortunately,
in the name of charity MODESTY has been flung aside and
Islamic standards thrown overboard to such an extent that Beauty Pageants and Best Legs Contests are being staged at schools
and many parents are not even aware that their own daughters
are featured in these haraam Contests. What are we heading
towards, that at the time of burial of womenfolk who are then
lifeless and unable to attract any admiration, we are stressing so
much on Purdah (which of course is perfectly correct) but what is
of much more importance we are flagrantly neglecting to such an
extent that we are not even aware that our daughters are displaying their bodies for all and sundry to view and admire?
LET US RECTIFY OURSELVES BEFORE IT IS T O O LATE.
The second aspect concerning charity affecting Muslims is the
vital questions of h3w and where would the collected funds be
utilised?
Muslims, Alhamdulillah, throughout the world are very generous
and charitable. However it is important that all charity be guided
in accordance t o the teachings of the Quraan and ahadith.
N o Muslim in his right senses must offer any form of assistance
for the upliftment of any other religions other than ISLAM even if
the deen concerned has been mentioned in the Quraan, like
Judaism and Christianity.
Sometimes a drive for fund; is made for the construction of a
church or temple. One should not be deceived into thinking that
if the temple or church is built the followers would live a better
life because even their scriptures contain some etiquettes of
morality. (In actual fact the church or temple would bind them
forever into shirrk and disbelief). We must always bear in mind
that Allah has clearly stated in the Quraan:
Assist in good and piety and not in sin.
(SURAH : A1 Maidah)
However there is no harm is assisting any person, either Muslim
or non-Muslim, to relieve him of his difficulties. In other words,
to help with provisions such as food, clothing or medicine is permissible and laudable but there should be no assistance towards
the construction of temples and churches or any activities relating
to their religious beliefs (eg. sale of Diwali lamps, fire crackers,
"holy ashes", raakhies, birthday cards, etc.)
O n that Day i.e. the Day of Judgement, Allah will gather and
divide mankind into groups : the Good and the Evil. Thereafter
each of these groups would be subdivided according t o the individual's category.
From the ahadith we learn that both sections, the Good as well as
the Evil, would display different signs to distinguish one from the
other and in this way their deeds would be identified as expressed
in this Surah (Al-Zilzaal). This is how Allah wants to make
manifest to everyone the actions of mankind, and every i,ldividual will be presented with a Book of Deeds, by Allah.
The Book of Deeds of each person is being compiled by two appointed angels, the Kiraman-Katibeen who are constantly recording (in the minutet detail) every action of man:
(. . . . . . and upon them will be their guardians (angels) who are the
honoured nrntt.rr and they knoui u~hateueryon are dolng.)
(A1 - Q L I K A A N )
Allah has made it possible for these angels to sense and become
aware of every action of mankind, but they are invisible to man.
All the good people will receive their Book of Deeds in their
RIGHT hands, as mentioned in the Quraan:
drrd z ~ t h o s o e ~ ~u*rll
e r be given the Book of Deeds in the RlGHT
i'znd, his n.rkontng u ~ ~ ; lbe
d easy and he would return to his
f a m ~ l yhappily.)
The word, "family" here does not only refer to one's kith and kin
but includes all other believers who were successful like him.
Although no Book of Deeds would contain any injustice within its
pages, man will still be asked in the hereafter to state whether he
has found any fault in the recordings. Some people will remark
that, "0 Allah! I notice in my Book of Deeds the inclusion of
numerous virtuous deeds which I had never performed but You
have Blessed me with their rewards."
Allah will then remind him about all the du'aas which he used to
make in the world and were not fulfilled there but instead were
reserved for him as treasures of the Hereafter by Allah. Hearing
this, the man would begin to wish and realise that it would have
been a far better option if all his duaa's of the world had been unfulfilled there and instead reserved for the hereafter.
Another Believer will exclaim: "0 Allah! you have credited iny
records with numerous performance of Haj and Umra, payments
of considerable amounts of Zakaat, observance of extensive
periods of Roza and the qualifications of a large number of
ilalims under my hands whereas I was never an Aalim myself and
had but a short span of life."
Allah I'aak will then remind him that: "In the world you had been
engaged in uplifting the Deen by enjoining good and forbidding
evil, and as a result of your efforts of Dawah, many people saw
the light of righteousness and moved into the Straight Path.
When they changed their lives, they began earnestly t o practise
the Deen correctly by performing Haj and Umra, by paying
Zakaat, keeping Roza and educating their offspring to become
Aalims; and they did not stop at that for they went further and
carried the Dawah t o others who likewise benefitted and upheld
the chain of Islam. As you had been instrumental in initiating all
these resulting efforts, the cumulative rewards and sawaabs have
been written in your account also."
So, respected Readers, as I mentioned earlier, this Surah - A1
Zilzaal - should be placed before us as I constant reminder that
we have to answer for all our deeds, good and evil, because
everyone of them (even as tiny as the minutest atom) has been
recorded and we will have to account for them in the Court of
Allah.
The evil-doers, those who transgressed the Laws of Allah and
those who disbelieved, will be given their Books of Deeds in their
LEFT hands:
And those who would be given their Books in their left hands
would lament: 'O! if only we were not given our Books; if only we
were not informed about our actions, deeds and account-taking;
if only we were completely dead and not revived to see these
books; our wealth is worthless now and the kingdoms and empires have long been destroyed and in this hour of need they are
not available to derive any benefit from.'
Also, such people would be handed their books from behind their
backs:
That those who will be given their Books from the rear (the nonbelievers and transgressors) then they would say, 'if only we had
been dead today' but they would be sent t o ~ a h a n n a m -.
(AL-QURAAN)
At that time they will be given their respective Books to study the
contents, as mentioned in the Quraan.
- 33 -
The commentators of Hadith explain that the very occupations
which these 3 people were involved in are even today preventing
Muslims from performing their salaah on time i.e. having a
kingdom, being a minister or a businessman.
Allah will ask them to read through the Kitaab and check if
anything has been entered incorrectly. That is when the
disbelievers would be crying out: 'It would have been better if we
remained dead to-day and never seen these.'
In a Hadith we read that on one occassion, Nabi & enquired
from his Sahabah (R.A.) whether they knew who a real PAUPER
was. When they replied in the negative, Rasulullah & explained
that a pauper is that person who appears before Allah Ta'aala
with a tremendous amount of good deeds including Zakaat, Haj,
Saum (fasting), Salaah, Dawaah and Tabligh. However, inspite
of having all these virtues, he would have also trampled on the
rights of others by having spoken ill of someone, criticised
another wrongly, back-bitten or insultingly sworn somebody or
robbed another, etc.
His good deeds will now be used to compensate for all the evils
committed by him until all his rewards and sawaab would be
eliminated. Therefore the sins of those whom he had wronged
would be transferred upon his shoulders and thus, as a real
PAUPER, he will be cast into Jahannam. (May Allah save us all
from such a plight!)
The account-taking will only begin after the intercession of Nabi
& when Allah Paak will commence with the reckoning.
(Allah will command! Stop them for they are the one's to be questioned)
There wil be several stages or stations for questioning and the
first of these will deal with SALAAH; tbe same salaah about
which Nabi & declared that it was the Mairaaj of the Believers,
the same salaah which Nabi & called the 'coolness' of his eyes,
the very same salaah concerning which Nabi & said:
(Whosoever neglects his salaah will be with Firaun, Haamaan
and Ubai-bin-Khalf..)
Firaun was a tyrant ruler who used to boast: (I am your Rabb, the
most high). Hamaan was a king's minister whilst Ubai-bin-Khalf
was a notorious trader who lived during the time of Nabi & .
.
Therefore whoever neglects his salaat for similar reasons would
also meet the same fate as the three mentioned.
According to another Hadith Nabi & has said that there are 10
types of people for whom there is especially severe torments and
amongst them are those who neglect their salaat. Jannah will proclaim to such people: "For you there is no place in me." Meanwhile Jahannam will exclaim: "Come, Come to me", and the
angels would bind them and smite them on their faces and backs.
In another narration Nabi & has disclosed that in Jahannam
there is an exclusive valley infested with serpents whose width
resembles the size of a camel's neck and the length is equivalent to
a month's journey, and their sole task is to torment, persecute and
punish those people who had neglected their salaat.
Ubai-bin-Khalf was the person who had selected a horse about
which he used to boast proudly to Rasulullah & that, "I am
rearing and looking after this horse solely to mount it for the purpose of killing you (Allah forbid!)." Firaun on the other hand
claimed to be the GOD and RABB.
So one can imagine how severe the punishment would be for these
people who had been so much steeped in kufr; and yet, we are
warned that a similar fate awaits those who neglect their salaat
and this warning has been given by none other than our beloved
Prophet Muhammad & whose truthfulness was never questioned even by his enemies!
(The TRUTH emanating from our Prophet & was so glaring
and distinguishing that he was given the title, "A1 Ameen".)
In spite of the warning, we still find Muslims missing their salaat
one after the other. Azaan is being heard distinctly but the Imaan,
has become so weak that not only is the call to salaah ignored but
unfortunately, at that moment, one indulges in some idle pursuit
or the other.
Whilst the correct procedure to adopt is to join the congregation
for namaaz at the Musjid, one's Imaan can be so weak that this is
not being done, so the least that one should do is perform the
namaaz, even individually, but within the prescribed time
without it becoming QADHA i.e. delaying it so long that Asr has
to be read at Maghrib time.
In one Hadith Rasulullah & has said that the person who misses
his salaat and makes up for it later through qadha, (NOTE: this
hadith is not discussing about those who neglect salaat
altogether), he will be punished in hell for the period of one 'Huqub'.
A 'Huqub' is calculated as a term of 80 years of which one year
has 360 Days and each single Day (of the hereafter is equivalent
to a thousand years (of this world) which we reckon.
So respected readers, having accepted the admonitions of our
Nabi & as the absolute TRUTH, and having full belief and faith
in his words, we cannot afford the risk of remaining apathetic
and sinful any longer. Therefore let us resolve sincerely to strive
towards rectifying our faults and remain steadfast in the performance of salaat regularly and timeously. Henceforth we shall
endeavour never to miss any salaat for the Qur'aan clearly informs us that the 'correct' salaah will protect us from indulging in
sin.
Now, in the final verses of Sura A1 Zilzaal, Allah Paak says:
(Whoever performs a good deed, even an atom's weight will see it
then . .. ...)
(And whoever does an evil deed, even an atom's weight will see it
then.)
Even if one has to overlook or forget all the commentary of this
Surah discussed thus far, and only grasps and remembers these
last two verses, it would be quite sufficient to change one's life
and create a revolution in the heart because of the realisation that
every little deed would earn sawaab whilst every evil, even the
tiniest, would be revealed. This must urge us all to begin practising on the Sunnah of our beloved Nabi
and continue to
fulfil the commandments of Allah.
May Allah Paak grant each and everyone of us the ability of
recalling this Surah and its vital messages at every juncture of our
lives so that we become better Muslims and thereby gain the
Pleasure of Allah. Ameen!
1. Man is aware about his inevitable death, yet he indulges in laughter and merriment.
2. Knowing that this world will come to an end, man
still hankers after it.
3. Man knows that everything has been predistined yet
he laments over the loss of something.
4. Man has been warned and has the full knowledge
about the Fire of Hell but he continues to sin.
5 . Man believes in the Reckoning of the Hereafter but
still he persists in amassing wealth.
6. Declaring his belief in the Unity and oneness of Allah,
yet man remembers others besides Allah.
7. Man believes in Jannah but still finds pleasure in the
idle pursuits of this fleeting world.
SIGNS OF QIAMAT
All the Prophets who came into this world foretold the occurrence
of the Last Day, which would be also the Day of Resurrection and
their prophecies have included several signs which would precede
and indicate the approach of that Final Hour. Our Prophet
Muhammad &$ ), being the seal and the last in the chain of prophets, detailed even more signs, events and calamities that would
come to pass and signal the imminence of the Day of Qiamat.
It was necessary for mankind to be informed about these signs so
that precautions can be taken against disasters and one's Imaan
may be preserved.
The following predictions have been collated from the Ahadith
and presented here, consecutively, according to each one's expected occurrence:
1.
Before Qiamat such major events would occur that would induce
people to enquire: "has your Nabi & mentioned anything about
this?"
( HAKIM )
Thirty great liars would make their appearance and the last from
(HAKIM)
among them would be the one-eyed Dajjal.
3.
Till the descension of Hazrdt Eesa (A.S.) a righteous group from
the ummah will remain steadfastly on the correct and true path
wittiout wavering or being bothered about their opposition.
(IBN-ASAKIR; MUSLIM)
4.
The final Ameer to lead this group would be Imam Mahdi.
(MUSLIM)
3.
Imam Mahdi would be a pious Muslim from the family of Nabi
& and, the descent of f-Iazrat Eesa (A.S.) will occur during his
lifetime.
(IBN MAJAH; ABU NA'EEM)
A Muslim army comprising Allah's beloved people would wage
war against India and become victorious. Upon their return to
Syria they would find Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) (already descended).
(NASXI: K 4 W Z )
7.
The Romans would declare war against the Muslims. The
Muslim Army will then be despatched from Madinah to defend
Islam and protect the Muslims. When the two armies face each
other, the Romans would demand the return of their prisoners.
When the Muslims refuse, figthing will commer~ceand in the ensuing battle, a third from the Muslims will flee and their repentance (towbah) will not be accepted; another third would be
made shaheed, becoming the best of the martyrs. The remainder
of the Muslims would gain victory and thereby also gain protection against all future trials.
(MUSLIM)
8.
Following the defeat of the Romans, the Muslim army will conquer Constantia (Constantinople).
(MUSLIM)
9.
This group will depart hastily after hearing the false rumour
about the coming out of Dajjal. However, by the time they reach
Shaam (Syria), Dajjal would really emerge,
(MUSLIM)
10.
Prior to the emergence of Daijal there would be three different occasions when people would become dreadfully alarmed and terrified.
(AHMAD)
11.
At the time of Dajjal's appearance there would be very dew pious
(HAKJM)
people but disputes and differences would be rife.
12.
The followers of Dajjal would comprise mainly women and also
Jews who would be about 70,000 in number.
(AHMAD)
13.
Dajjal will appear to be young with curly hair and having pigmentation like that of wheat. His both eyes would be defective with
the left one completely blind and the right one popping out. Upon
3
his forehead would be inscribed
(KAFIR) and
every Believer, even though illiterate, will be able to read it.
(AHMAD; HAKIM)
14.
He will be mounted upon an ass and would be able to move
rapidly like the clouds and wind. Very swiftly he would travel
around the world carrying mischief and devastation. Makkah,
Madinah and Baitul Muqaddas (Jerusalem) will be safe.
(MUSLIM; AHMAD)
15.
At that time Madinah will have seven roads leading to it, and
both Makkah and Madinah would be guarded by angels.
(AHMAD; IBN MAJAH)
16.
Dajjal will encamp on the outskirts of Madinah at Zareebe
Ahmar. During that period three earth tremors will occur in
Madinah and this will persuade all the hypocrites, males and
(IBNMAJAH)
females to defect, and take refuge with Dajjal.
Women would be the first to support and follow Dajjal.
(MAJMA-UZ-ZAWAID)
18.
The fitnah and pillage of Dajjal would be of the worst kind ever
to afflict mankind. Hence every Nabi (A.S.) has warned his nation about it.
(IBNMAJAH)
19.
In the beginning Dajjal will claim to be a Prophet but would later
proclaimDivinity and he will have with him a mountain of provi(AHMAD)
sions (foodstuffs and water).
20.
The hidden treasures of the earth would follow his orders and
come out into the open. Dajjal will also be able to cure those who
had been blind since birth.
(FATHUL BARI)
21.
Dajjal will be accompanied by two shaitaans who would converse
(HAKIM)
with man.
22.
On either side of Dajjal would be two angels who will materialise
and take the form and shape of two Prophets of former ummats.
Turning towards them, Dajjal will question: "Am I not your
Rabb and God? Do I not give life and cause death?" One of the
angels will respond by exclaiming: "YOIJ ARE LYING!" unfortunately this reply would be audible only to Dajjal and the other
angel and no other person will hear it. The second angel will then
tell his partner: "YOU have spoken the truth!" However, this
answer will be heard by everyone who will assume that this is the
reply to Dajjal's questions.
(This confusion would be a further test for mankind.)
(AHMAD)
23.
Whosoever accepts and believes in Dajjal would become a Kafir
and all his good deeds of the past would be reduced to nought;
and those who reject and defy Dajjal would gain forgiveness for
all sins.
(HAKIM)
24.
All those following Dajjal will enjoy great comforts, luxuries and
abundance (provided by Dajjal) whilst those who reject him will
undergo many difficulties.
(MUSLIM;AHMAD)
25.
No one will have the power and ability to destroy Dajjal besides
Hazrat Eesa (A.S).
(ABU DAWOOD)
26.
Whosoever recites upon Dajjal the first ten verses of Surah Kahf,
he will be protected from the fitnah and trials of Dajjal to such an
extent that even if Dajjal flings him into the fire, it would become
(MUSLIM)
cool for him.
declare war. That night would turn out to be very dark and at the
time of Fajr, Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) would descend with his hands on
the shoulders of two angels. (HAKIM:MUAMMAR: AHMAD: MUSLIM)
27.
T o strike belief into a youth, Dajjal will first severe his body into
two with a sword and thereafter, through the Will of Allah,
restore him back to life. He will then ask the lad, "Who is your
Rabb?" The youngster will reply: "My Rabb is Allah. You are
Dajjal, the enemy of Allah and today my belief in Allah has
(MUSLIM;IBNMAJAH)
become stronger ."
34.
Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will resemble the famous Sahabie, Urwah Ibn
Masood (R.A.) and his colour would be reddish-white and he
would be of average height. His shoulder-length hair would be
shining and straight.
(IBNJAREER: ABU DAWOOD)
28.
With the exception of the one youth, Dajjal will not have the
(AHMAD)
ability or power to revive anyone else after killing.
29.
Dajjal's fitnah will last for forty days, one day of which will be
equal to a year, another day would equal a month and a third day
will equal one week. The remaining days will be normal.
(MUSLIM)
30.
The Believers will be assembled on 'Jabal-ud-Dukhan' and Dajjal
(AHMAD; IBNMAJAH)
will be by the gate of 'Lud'.
31.
Dajjal will besiege a group of Muslims. This siege will create
enormous problems, difficulties, poverty and famine for the
Muslims.
(HAKIM)
32.
Finally Dajjal will appear in Jordan. At that time all the Believers
(in Allah and the Hereafter) will be in the Valley of Jordan. Dajjal
will kill one-third of the Muslims and again defeat another third.
Thus only a third of the Muslims would survive.
(HAKIM)
33.
When this siege of the Valley of Jordan becomes very long and arduous, the Ameer of the Muslims (Imaam Mahdi (A.R.) will
He would be clad in an armour.
(MUAMMAR)
36.
The descension of Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will occur in the midst of a
very pious group of people comprising 800 men and 400 women.
When requested, Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) would introduce himself.
(DAILAMI : MUAMMAR)
At that moment, Iman Mahdi (A.R.) would have already stepped
forward to lead the congregation in salaah. H e would immediately step back to allow Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) to take over the lead but
Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will bid him to continue.
(IBN MAJAH; MUSLIM)
38.
After Fajr Salaah, Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will order to open the door
behind which Dajjal would be stationed with his army. Then
Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will indicate with his hands that the path
should be cleared leaving nobody between him and Dajjal. At the
sight of Hazrat Eesa (A.S.), Dajjal will begin to melt.
(HAKIM; MUSLIM)
39.
The breath of Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) would have such force and
vigour that it would travel even as far as the line of sight, and all
those from amongst the disbelievers who are affected by this
'spray' of his breath, would die.
(HAKIM)
40.
A full scale war will begin and during the battle, Dajjal will attempt to escape. Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will pursue and kill him at
the gate of 'Lud' which is in Israeli-occupied Palestine.
46.
Allah Paak will then accept the du'aa of Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) and
destroy Yajooj and Majooj by infesting their necks with worms
which would cause their bodies to burst.
(MUSLIM)
There will be no protection whatsoever for the Jews siding Dajjal
because even the trees and rocks behind which they would attempt to hide, will call out: "Behind me is a Jew .... come and kill
him!"
(IBNMAJAH)
47.
After further du'aas by Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) and the Muslims,
Allah will depute gigantic birds to pick up the bodies of Yajooj
Majooj and cast them in the sea. This would be followed by
heavy rains that would cleanse the ground.
(MUSLIM)
41.
Eesa (A.S.) and the Muslims will break the CROSS and destroy
(MUSLIM)
the PIG. (i.e. annihilate Christianity).
48.
After his descension, Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) would be the khalifa of
our Nabi & and therefore, would practise upon the Qur'aan
and Sunnah and also exhort others to do likewise.
42.
Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will proceed for Haj and visit Madina where
he will offer greetings to our Nabi Muhammad & who will
(HAKIM)
reply.
(Durr-e-Manthiir; AHMAD)
43.
Mankind will be living in peace and comfort when suddenly, 'Yajooj Majooj' will break the wall behind which they are presently
fortified.
(HAKIM)
44.
Allah will order Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) to take the Muslims and seek
refuge upon Mount Tbr because there would be none capable of
fighting against Yajooj Majooj who would be in great numbers,
wreaking havoc wherever they go. They would empty all the
rivers in their path drinking all the water until they would say to
themselves: 'We have overpowered the inhabitants of the earth,
(MUSLIM;HAKIM)
so let us turn to the sky.'
45.
Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will remain trapped with his companions
r
they would be facing acute shortages due
upon Mount ~ u where
to the siege.
(MUSLIM)
49.
Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) will live for forty years after his descension.
(ABU DAWOOD)
50.
All those who support and follow Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) in order to
safeguard their Deen, would become Allah's beloved and would
be protected from the Fire.
(NASAI;KANZ)
51.
There being no more Kafirs or other religions, only ISLAM
would prevail. There would be so much of wealth and riches that
Zakaat and Sadqah would become unnecessary and no more collected.
(IBN MAJAH; MUSLIM)
52.
The entire world would be satiated with PEACE and there shall
be total absence of enmity between any two persons for seven
years! Everyone's heart would be free of hatred, jealousy, malice,
enmity, etc.
(IBN MAJAH; MUSLIM)
53.
Nobody would die or fall sick for a full term of 40 years.
(HAKIM)
54.
Children would be playing freely with wild animals and snakes as
(AHMAD; IBNMAJAH)
they would be harmless.
64.
A fire will break out in Yemen and drive the people to Syria where
the Believers would be assembled.
(MUSLIM;NASAI)
55.
During the reign of Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) it would be a period of
(KANZ)
great abundance and plenty of Peace.
6.5.
After the death of Muqad, the Khalifa of Hazrat Eesa (A.S.), and
within a period of 30 years, the Qur'aan will be removed from the
hearts of the people, and even the printed copies would disappear.
(AL ISHAA'AT)
56.
Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) would marry and have children. After marriage he would live for only 19 years.
57.
His passing away would be a natural death and he would be
buried in Madinah near the grave of our Nabi & .
A pleasant breeze will blow and take away the lives of all the
Believers.
(MUSLIM)
58.
After the death of Hazrat Eesa (A.S.) and according to his wish,
the people would appoint Muqdd, from the Banu Tamim tribe, as
the next Khalifa.
(AL ISHAAAT)
59.
( IBID)
Muqad will also pass away.
60.
There would be three earthquakes, one in the east, one in the
(MUSLIM)
west and one in Arabia.
61.
A uall of smoke will arise and make the Believers experience cold
whilst the heads of the disbelievers would undergo roasting.
Only the evil-doers will now remain on earth, living sinfully
without any shame, and upon them Qiarnat will occur.
(TAFSEER-IBN-JAREER)
62.
One day the sun will rise from the West instead of the East. Seeing this, the non-Muslims would want to accept Islam and the
sinful Muslims would prepare to repent, but it would be too late
(MUSLIM)
as nothing would NOW be accepted.
63.
A strange beast will appear with the ability to talk to man.
(MUSLIM)
(MUSLIM)
"I have neither deprived him of his sustenance (rozi)
for he had consumed completely all his food and
livelihood allotted to him, nor have I curtailed his
age for he had completed fully his term on earth. I
have to come back again to'this house and my visits
would be recurring until I have captured everyone's
Hazrat Hasan Basri (A.R.) has mentioned further that if
the dwellers and residents of that house were to see and
hear the Angel of Death then, By Allah! they would forget
their dead and instead begin to worry about themselves.
SOME MINOR SIGNS OF QIYAMAT
1.
WAQF Property would be regarded as one's personal belonging
and assets of Public Trusts would be misappropriated.
2.
Zakaat would be considered as a burden of TAX.
3.
Obedience to wife and disobedience of parents would be the
order of the times. The husband would pusillanimously (most
timidly) submit to the un-Islamic whims and dictates of his wife.
4.
Whilst mothers would be disobeyed and fathers treated like
strangers, preferance would be given to friends who would be
entertained with warm receptions and generous hospitality.
5.
Acquisition of Islamic Knowledge would be solely for monetary
gain and not for the pleasure of Allah.
6.
The reigns of political power would be vested in undeserving people having low morality and wicked character.
7.
Tyrants would be praised and honoured in order to escape their
persecution.
8.
Alcohol and other intoxicating beverages would be publicly consumed and labelled as "soft drinks".
9.
There will be prevalence of music with newly-invented musical
instruments as well as dancing and singing women who will appear in great abundance.
10.
Usury and Interest would be regarded as trade whilst bribery
would be taken as gifts.
- 48 -
11.
The incidence of divorces would be on the increase.
12.
Shame and modesty would disappear from the general public
whilst adultery and fornication would become commonplace.
13.
Besides food and drink, women will also be provided and offered
for the entertainment of guests at parties.
14.
Men would compete with one another in the construction of high
rise buildings.
15.
The Islamic greeting would be reserved for only one's acquaintances.
16.
The rate of natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, etc. would
increase.
17.
The sanctity of Musjids would be defiled by noise and worldly
discussions.
18.
Businesses would expand to such an extent that womenfolk will
stand alongside men in shops and other commercial enterprises.
19.
Sudden death will become a common occurrence.
20.
Women would appear naked in spite of their dressing which
would be either scanty and transparent or tight-fitting and revealing.
21.
Breach of trust would become a common malady of society.
- 49 -
Illegitimate children would abound profusely.
23.
Females would greatly increase in number over males such that
there would be nearly 50 females for each male.
24.
Some people would arise with sayings of the Prophet & which
nobody had heard before.
25.
Arabia will be turned into artificial meadows and rivers.
26.
The people will not follow the companions of the Prophet &
holding them in light estimation.
27.
The river Euphrates will disclose enormous quantity of gold for
which 99 % of the people present there would be killed in mutual
fights.
A fire will break out in Hejaz and spread far and wide.
MANY OF THE SIGNS LISTED ARE ALREADY VISIBLE,
CLEARLY INDICATING THAT WE SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REPENT, SEEK FORGIVENESS FOR ALL SINS AND
FIRMLY RESOLVE T O LEAD A LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
IN ACCORDANCE T O THE TEACHINGS OF OUR BELOVED NAB1 MUHAMMAD & .
May Allah Guide Us All! (Aameen)
THE DWELLERS OF JANNAH
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) narrates that: "We asked Rasulullah
& , 'Jannah (Paradise) is made of what?' and he replied, 'of
water'. So we further enquired, 'our question was referring to the
buildings (in Jannah)?' T o this, Rasulullah & offered the following explanation:
'One brick is of gold and another of silver; the cement is musk,
the sand saffron and the stones are pearls and emeralds.
Whosoever enters Jannah will not be deprived of anything and
will live there eternally, never to be overcome by death. Neither
will his clothes age and deteriorate nor will he lose his youth.'
A Jannati, according to our Nabi & ,will walk in the shade of a
certain tree in Jannah for a hundred years and still not cover or
walk off from the extent of that shade!
THE GIFTS AND PLEASURES OF JANNAH ARE SO UNIQUE AND INIMITABLE THAT NO EYES HAS YET SEEN
SUCH WONDERS, N O EARS HEARD OF IT, AND N O
HEART EVER CONCEIVED ITS FASCINATING FORMS!
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A.) narrates that Rasulullah &
said that 'LUBAH' is a Hiir (Damsel) of Jannah who is composed
of four elements viz. musk, camphor, amber and saffron, kneaded with water. If she were to spit in the salty oceans, its waters
would turn sweet; and on her forehead is inscribed: 'Whoever
desires me must OBEY the Commandments of Allah.'
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) has narrated that our Nabi & has
informed that unlike on earth where a person ages all the time, in
Jannah the beauty and youth would be enhanced continuously.
In Jannah, a man would assume and maintain the age of 33 and
the height of Hazrat Aadam (A.S.) who was of 60 hands length.
With the exception of head, brows and eyelashes, the Jannati will
have no other hair on the body. His complexion would be white
and would be donned in 70 garments, each of which would be of
a difierent colour.
Allah revealed to a Nabi (A.S.) of His: "O! son of Aadam (A.S.)
(meaning MAN), you are buying HELL at a very high price and
rejecting the purchase of Jannah at a very low and cheap price."
The meaning of this has been explained thus: Sinners and transgressors squander thousands for feeding and providing pleasures
for other sinners and feel no loss for such extravagance and hence
purchase Hell. Yet they find it a great burden and enormous
pressure to spend a mere pittance for feeding the poor and thus
failing to acknowledge the price of Jannah and Paradise.
Islam, being the complete system for perfect existence, encompasses within its fold, codes which guide mankind not just for
worship only but for every facet and aspect of life. These are
teachings which are structured to establish harmonious societies
and communities. Included amongst the remarkable features
which enhance Islamic ideology, is the unique enlightenment to a
Believer to fulfill another's requirements before one's own.
Nobility and excellent character is achieved not just by striving
for personal gains but by true dedication and sacrifice in the quest
for assisting and relieving the plight of other needy people.
This loss of personal comforts and needs whilst assisting others is
held in such high esteem that Allah Paak praises the laudable people in the following verse of the Quraan:
1.
Nabi-e-Kareem 4% has mentioned that anyone who removes a
Muslim's difficulty and hardship in this world will be rewarded in
the hereafter by the removal of his own difficulties by Allah;
whosoever assists the needy in this world will be freed by Allah of
his own needs in this world and the hereafter; whosoever conceals
a Muslim's fault in this world will be protected by Allah who will
not expose him neither in this life nor in the hereafter; and as long
as a man continues to support and assist his Muslim brother,
Allah shall continue to support him.
(AT-TARGHEEB)
2.
Rasulullah & once remarked that Allah has created such people
also who patronise (assist) people in time of need. In reality they
are the people who are safe from the punishment of Allah.
(AT-TARGHEEB)
3.
The Prophet & has said that a Muslim's walking to assist his
fellow brother is more rewarding than' 10 years of Nafil I'tikaaf;
and you should know that a single day's I'tikaaf, performed solely
for the pleasure of Allah, merits that reward where Allah will
separate him from the proximity of Hell in proportion to 3
HUGE trenches one of which measures as long as the distance
between one end of the sky and its other extremity.
(AT-TARGHEEB)
And they giue (them) preference over themselves erlctz though
poverty was {their lot)
There are also numerous Ahaadis of the Prophet & which
describe the admirable status and rank of such worthy people.
Some of the Ahaadith are listed hereunder, primarily to impress
upon the reader that in Islam it is not difficult, rather extremely
easy to gain the pleasure of Allah and save oneself from the tortures of the Hereafter.
4.
In one Hadith Rasulullah & has said that whenever anyone
pledges to do some favour for some person then 70,000 angels
are appointed to invoke Blessings and pray for mercy on his
behalf; and when the deed of favour is fulfilled during the day the
prayer for Mercy is carried out throughout the day, from morning to evening; and if the favour is accomplished at night, the
Angels supplicate till morning. Resides this, every step taken in
the performance of the deed causes one sin to be forgiven and the
promotion of another rank.
(AT-TARGHEEB)
In another narration Rasulullah & has said that whosoever
causes happiness to prevail within any Muslim's home, his entry
into Jannah will become a real pleasure for Allah.
J.
On one occasion the Prophet & explained the position of a certain person in the Hereafter who will emerge from amongst those
condemned t o Hell and approach one of the inmates of Jannah
(Paradise) posing the question and pleading, "Don't you recognise
me as the same person who had once fetched water for your
wudhu?". The Jannathie will then intercede on his behalf and the
intercession will be accepted. Similarly, another person also condemned to Hell will notice someone from the group destined for
Jannah, whilst passing by, and will cry out, "Do you recognise
me? I am that very person who did you a favour once by carrying
out an errand for you." Hearing this the Jannathie will intercede
for him and the intercession will be accepted.
(AT-TARGHEEB)
9.
In another narration Nabi-e-Kareem & has said that whoever
rescues an oppressed person by restoring his rights and granting
him proper due will find that on the Day of Judgement, Allah will
protect him on the 'Pul Siraat' (bridge over hell) by keeping his
feet firm (and prevent them from slipping).
(AT-TARGHEEB)
10.
According to one Hadith the Prophet $ is reported to have said
that, "the doing of a favour by one Muslim to please another
Muslim, also pleases me immensely; and whoever pleases me,
pleases Allah too so Allah will grant him Jannah."
(MISHKAAT)
6.
In another narration it has been recorded that the Prophet & has
informed that for every step taken by a person whilst going
towards or returning from the performance of a favour or
assistance to another, he gains 70 rewards and earns the
forgiveness of 70 sins. Upon the fulfilment of the favour he is
ourified and cleansed of all sins and attains the sinless status of
one newly born; and if he passes away whilst still carrying out the
favour, he will enter Jannah without reckoning (hisaab).
(AT-TARGHEEB)
11.
Rasulullah & also said that whenever a person does a favour by
helping someone in distress or difficulty, Allah showers him with
73 rewards which is written in his Book of Deeds and only one
such reward is sufficient to cover all his requirements of this life
and the balance of 72 rewards will be reserved for him for the
Day of Qiyaamah.
(MISHKAAT)
1 .
Once a group of Sahabah (R.A.) came to Nabi-e-Kareem & and
remarked about the piety of a co-traveller on a journey. They explained that the man was so pious that he was constantly busy
with the recitation of the Quraan during the travel and whenever
the opportunity arose to pause or stop over, he engaged himself in
salaah.
Hearing this, Rasulullah & enquired about who undertook to
look after his goods or arrange fodder for his animal whilst he
was busy in worship. When the Sahabah replied that they had
assisted him in those tasks, the Prophet 4% mentioned that they
were indeed better than the pious one.
- 54 -
I
12.
In a similar narration Rasulullah & explained that, since Allah's
creation could be likened to His family, Allah loves most that person who does good towards Allah's family.
(MISHKAAT)
13.
On one occasion, whilst advising people about good actions, the
Prophet & stressed the following point:
"Listen carefully! for I tell you of something, the reward of which
exceeds even that of salaat and fasting. Listen! whenever there is a
rift through argument between two people, then strive to unite
and reconcile them for the virtues of such action is even superior
than salaah and fasting."
(AT-TARGHEEB)
14.
In one of the traditions of the Prophet & , an episode has been
recorded about a pious 60-year old man who had lived amongst
the Bani Israel. This pious worshippers good deeds had diminished as a result of his having committed adultery and it was feared
that he would become a Jahannami. When he died he had only a
single good deed in his account which he had acquired as a last
resort just before death, by offering to a beggar who had knocked
upon his door, both of the last 2 'rotis' which he had at the time.
When this solitary action was weighed against all his evil deeds it
proved heavier and was therefore forgiven by Allah.
(AT-TARGHEEB)
15.
Apart from favours and assistance offered to fellow humans, acts
of kindness t o animals are also viewed with magnanimity and
consideration by Allah.
Rasulullah & has narrated the actions of a lady who had lived
previously during the time of one of the former Prophets of Allah.
She was a woman of easy virtue and ill repute but despite her immodest nature she was struck by great pity when she noticed a
dog suffering from extreme thirst. Using her shoe and head-scarf
she drew water from a well and quenched the thirst of the dog.
Allah was pleased by this action of hers and forgave her.
16.
Similarly, in another hadith Rasulullah & is reported to have
said that he had seen a person enjoying himself in Jannah; and
this was his reward just for chopping down a tree and removing it
from a pathway because it had been an obstruction and causing
(MISHKAAT)
inconvenience to passer-bys.
O! ALLAH GRANT EVERY MUSLIM T H E ABILITY O F
ASSISTING & HELPING T H E NEEDY & AFFLICTED, N O T
ONLY T O RID T H E M O F THEIR TEMPORARY WORLDLY
PROBLEMS BUT ALSO TO SAVE T H E M FROM T H E
SEVERE TORMENTS & PROBLEMS O F T H E HEREAFTER
BY ENJOINING G O O D AND FORBIDDING EVIL i.e. DOING T H E WORK O F DAWAH AND TABLIGH. (AMEEN)
T W O MAJOR SINS
All sins, whether major or minor, constitute real evil simply
because any transgression (however small) tantamounts to
disobedience which naturally provokes the wrath of Allah.
However, in this chapter only two major sins have been discussed
in the light of the Qur'aan and Ahadith because they have become
very common in this time and age.
USURY (INTEREST)
The practice of involvement in transactions which contain usury
and interest-bearing agreements is a very grave and major sin but
its recognition as a great evil has disappeared from the hearts of
many Muslims.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) has reported the saying of
Rasulullah & that during his ascension of Mairaj, he had noticed a group of h e n whose stomachs were bloated to the size of big
rooms and their wanting to move from their positions was not
possible, they would be crushed in a stampede by the friends of
Fir'aun. Our Nabi & seeing their deplorable condition asked
Hazrat Jibra'eel (A.S.) about their identity and he was informed
that they were people who indulged in dealings of usury and interest.
In another Hadith, Rasulullah & has cursed:
(a) the one who offers the interest;
( b ) the one who receives the interest;
(c) the one who is a witness to an interest-bearing transaction;
and
( d ) the one who records the transaction.
O n one occasion, our Nabi & said that to accept one dirham of
interest intentionally is a worse crime than committing zina
(adultery) 36 times.
According to another hadith the Prophet & has warned that to
consume interest is equivalent to committing seventy sins, the
lightest of which is INCEST with one's own mother.
Hazrat Jibraeel (A.S.) replied that the Hell Fire is pitch black and
extremely dark and so intense that even if a minute fragment
(equal to the eye of a needle) is exposed to this earth, it would
burn in a flash and destroy the whole world and all that it contains. Also, if a garment worn by a dweller of Hell, has to be
suspended between the sky and the earth, then just its stench
would be sufficient to cause the deaths of all the inhabitants of the
world. Similarly if only one of the angels of Jahannam were plated in this world its hideous and revolting features would be so
fearful that any living creature glancing at it would immediately
die of shock. Even the mountains would not be able to bear the
strain if just a single chain of Hell were to be placed upon the earth. Hearing this description, our Nabi & began to cry even
though he is infallible, innocent and free from all types of sin.
Noticing this crying, Hazrat Jibraeel (A.S.) also began to weep so
the Prophet & asked him: "O! Jibraeel, why are YOU crying
when you are an angel who is also a Favoured One?" Hazrat
Jibraeel replied: "If Allah drops me from this high station, then
who is there to prevent it?"
Man's actions are responded to by Allah Paak either as Blessings
or chastisement. Therefore when ZINA becomes widespread,
plagues and dreadful diseases make their appearances. Similarly
rains are withheld owing to the practices of dealing in shortweights and under-measurements. Indulgences in usury leads to a
spate of murders and blood-spillings.
ZINA
(ADULTERY)
Zina is the sin of cohabitation with some member of the opposite
sex with whom nikah (Islamic marriage) has not taken place.
The definition of zina is not confined just to copulation but includes acts of gazing, touching, communicating whether by
speech or writing, for Allah has commanded us in the Qur'aan:
"And d o not go close to zina."
So, to protect man from indulging in zina, the Qur'aan explicitly
orders both males and females to lower their gazes. For women, a
further command requires them to cover themselves with an additional, loose-fitting, outer garment such that their entire bodies
are concealed with the exception of a small suitable opening for
the eyes.
A Sahabie (R.A.) once advised, "Keep away from zina for it contains the following six evils:
(1) An adulterer is deprived of barakah (blessings) in his
sustenance;
(2) He loses all goodness;
(3) He is disliked and accursed by even the common folk;
(4) Allah becomes furious with such a person;
(5) The adulterer's reckoning becomes very strict in the hereafter
(there is no leniency);
(6) He is driven into Hell.
Yes, the adulterer is made to enter Hell ... the very same Hell
about which our Nabi & had questioned Hazrat Jibraeel (A.S.)
and asked him to describe the condition of the FIRE of Jahannam.
- 58 -
If such is the fear which Hazrat Jibraeel (A.S.) and our Nabi $k.
have for Allah, then how much more fear is needed from us
humans who are continuously breaking the commandments of
Allah most wrecklessly?
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The worst type of zina occurs when a man divorces his wife but
continues to live with her because he is reluctant to reveal to
others (about the divorce) due to embarrassment and shyness.
Hazrat Kaab (R.A.) once told Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R.A.)
that when you see plague-type diseases becoming prevalent, then
know that zina is being widely committed.
AIDS, the dreaded scourge of modern society is spreading so fast
that leaders of different nations are greatly concerned over the
calculations that within the next five years, the labour force of
certain countries will have half its number stricken by this killer
d ~sease.
'
CONCLUSION
One does not have to look far for the cause of this plague: it is the
result of man's actions, without any doubts!
I now conclude this treatise with the inclusion of certain relevent
Ahadith and a brief description of Hell.
Therefore we must sincerely repent and beseech Allah's
forgiveness and pardon. Thereafter it must become our DUTY to
serve Deen by enjoining Good and forbidding Evil, and the
simplest way of achieving this is to participate in the programmes
of the Tablighi Jamaat. This would enable our communities to
thrive spiritually, avoid unhealthy situations and lead better
Islamic lives.
In a lengthy Hadith, Hazrat Samurah (R.A.) has reported that
one morning, the Holy Prophet & narrated his dream of the
night:
According to our Nabi & , in his vision, he saw two men who
guided him to Masjidul Aqsa in Jerusalem. During this journey,
they witnessed a horrifying sight where a man's head was being
battered by another with a boulder whikh caused the head to be
crushed as it rolled off to some distance. By the time the stone was
recovered and brought back, the crushed head assumed its
original shape and form; but once again the head was crushed
and the punishment proceeded in the same manner incessantly.
MAY ALLAH KEEP ALL MUSLIMS STEADFAST O N THE
CORRECT PATH, THE PATH OF THOSE WHO HE HAS
FAVOURED!
(AAMEEN)
After praising Allah, our Nabi & enquired about the identity of
those people but his companions told him that there were still
other horrors to follow. So they resumed their journey until they
came upon a man tearing another's mouth from one corner to the
nape, and when he began to rip open the other side of his mouth,
the first torn side was restored but not for long because each side
was being ripped open continuously, unceasingly.
In the weekly publication, KHATME NUBUWWAT INTERNATIONAL, the following horrifying incident was
recorded in the issue dated 10 November, 1988:Recently in Sukkhur, Pakistan, death occurred to a
man who was noted for dealing in interest and taking usury. Soon after his passing away, his facial
features began to contort until it resembled that of
a pig: His eyes swelled and came over his cheeks
with the upper lip stretching upwards and the lower
lip falling down; and together with this an
After praising Allah, our Nabi
/
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& enquired about who these peo-
ple were but once again he was told that there was more to be
seen and they had to continue with their journey.
Ahead, our Nabi & noticed a furnace from which emanated
loud screams. When he stopped to investigate he saw many naked
men and women tossed about and burning under huge, leaping
flames that caused them to cry out bitterly. The utterly foul
stench emitted from this oven was unbearable. When our Nabi
& asked about these people, he was told again that there was
still more to be seen, and the journey resumed as before.
FIRST SCENE:
Before long, they reached a stream which appeared red like blood
and inside was a man swimming to and fro from the centre to the
bank and each time he came to the bank, another man standing
alongside a pile of stones shoved a stone into his mouth like a
morsel. This procedure continued non-stop over and over again.
Once more our Nabi & enquired but received the same reply
that there was still more to be seen. Soon they passed a hideouslooking man who was moving around a fire which he had kindled. His identity also was not revealed because our Nabi & was
informed that there was still more to see.
Shortly they came to a very green garden where a number of
children could be seen around a very tall man. The man was so
tall that his head could not be visible and it was someone whom
our Nabi & had not seen before. Receiving the same answer
that there was still more to be seen, our Nabi & continued the
journey with his companions.
After a while they reached a huge garden and our Nabi &
entered the place after having gained permission to do so. The
garden contained the most beautiful city. The fascinating
buildings were constructed with bricks of gold and silver.
However, the inhabitants appeared strangely deformed having
bodies which were partly beautiful as well as ugly. When they approached the visitors, the companions of our Prophet & ordered
them to plunge into a stream flowing nearby. This diving into the
water cleansed the ugliness off their bodies and they were
transformed into beautiful people who were now matching their
lovely surroundings.
The companions then informed our Nabi & that this place was
his abode known as the Garden of Eden. They pointed to a most
beautiful Palace which they said was also his abode. Our Nabi
4% made du'aa and then requested that he be permitted to see the
Palace. However this was not granted immediately but was given
the assurance that he would receive it at the appointed time. Our
Nabi & then requested that his companions explain all the
mysteries experienced during their journey. They acceded by
unravelling the perplexities as follows:- 62 -
The man whose head was being crushed was one who had studied
the Holy Qur'aan but forgotten it (i.e. to either read, remember
or fulfil its commandments). Instead he had whiled away his time
in idle pursuits and even neglected the performance of obligatory
prayers.
SECOND SCENE:
The person whose mouth was being ripped open was being
punished for his habit of speaking lies.
THIRD SCENE:
The group who were being roasted inside a furnace were men and
women who had indulged in adultery.
FOURTH SCENE:
The swimmer in the river of blood who was being fed with
morsels of stones was a person who had indulged in the sin of
usury: giving and taking of interest.
FIFTH SCENE:
The person shown to be kindling a Fire was actually the Guardian
of hell.
SIXTH SCENE:
The tall man surrounded by children was Hazrat Ibraheem (A.S.)
and the children were those who had passed away with the correct Deen.
SEVENTH SCENE
Those who had appeared to be both beautiful and ugly, comprised people who had indulged in good as well as bad actions. So
after being submerged through Allah's Mercy they were absolved
of their sins and liberated.
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Our Nabi & then mentioned that his two companions introduced themselves as Jibrail and Mikail (A.S.)
(BAIHAQI)
In another Hadith, Abdur Rahman Ibn Samura (R.A.) reported
that once Rasulullah & visited him and narrated a strange
dream experienced the previous night. He explained thus:
"I saw the tortures of the grave envelop one of my followers, but
his wudhu (ablution) personified and shielded him from the
punishment. Similarly I witnessed how Salaat came to the aid of a
person from my Ummah who was surrounded by the angels of
torture.
Another one of my disciples was seen to be in a parched state and
panting with thirst. He ran hither and thither to every tank to
quench his thirst but all in vain but his Roza (fast) appeared and
provided the precious water. I then saw a man from my Ummah
approach, in turn, the.groups encircling the different prophets
but wherever he went he was rejected. Then his ghusl of Janaabat
came to his rescue by holding his hand and seating him beside me.
I also noticed another one of my followers being enveloped in
darkness. However his Haj and Umrah soon dispelled the
darkness and brought him into the light.
Another person attempted to speak to the Believers who were giving him the cold shoulder by ignoring him. Just then his compassionate disposition through personification intervened and urged
the Believers to converse with him and forbade them from continuing their deliberate unfriendliness. So they began talking to
him.
Another one of my followers was rescued by his zealous acts of
preaching, Dawah and tableegh from the very clutches of the
Angels
- of Torment and placed in the care of the Guardian Angels.
One man's balancing of the Scale tilted heavily towards the dreaded left side but his Fear of Allah appeared and weighed down the
right side. Similarly another person was saved from the balancing
of the scale through the aid of his children who had died during
infancy.
1 saw one of my followers fall into the Fire of Jahannam. That
tear which he had shed (in the world) due to the Fear of Allah,
assisted him and drew him out of the fire.
- 64 -
Over the bridge of Hell, Pul-Siraat, which is as thin as a hair and
as sharp as a sword, there stood a man who began to tremble but
shortly his Hope in Allah came forward, dispelled his fears and
guided him across the Bridge. Another person who was trying to
cross this bridge, stumbled as he struggled in his attempt of even
crawling and falling. However his acts of transmitting Blessings
and Durood to me assisted him to his feet and he then managed to
cross easily. I saw several men whose lips were being cut off.
Upon enquiry I was told that they were back-biters. Others were
seen to be hanging by their tongues and I was informed that they
were people who used to falsely accuse Muslim men and
women. "
(AT-TARGHEEB)
IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT THE DREAMS OF
PROPHETS ARE A U T H E N T I C AND A MEANS O F
REVELATIONS. Therefore these Ahadith indicate the types of
punishment which can be expected in the Aalam-e-Barzakh
(Hereafter).
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF HELL
Although Muslims quite often mention Hell (Jahannam) in their
talks and conversation, their actions conceal any fear that they
might have for that dreadful place because the subject is treated
like the comments of daily weather conditions. In my opinion,
this is so because of sheer ignorance and lack of knowledge concerning the reality of the different types of tortures and
punishments in Hell. Without such knowledge one is apt to
become careless and often fail to safeguard oneself from the grim
fate.
I make du'aa to Allah sincerely that H e grants the readers of this
Booklet the ability and opportunity to reflect and ponder over the
prevailing conditions of Hell (which is being listed briefly
hereunder) and thereafter protect themselves from indulging in
sins, falling prey to the tricks of Shaitaan and submitting to their
carnal desires.
1 . Hell is so deep that if a stone were to be dropped into it, it
would travel for 70 YEARS before reaching the bottom.
- 65 -
The breadth of each of the four walls around Hell is
equivalent to a distance covered by a walking journey of
FORTY YEARS.
3. Hell has 7 gates.
4. Hell had been lit for one thousand years until its flames
became red. Again it was heated for another thousand years
till its colour became white. Still again it was burnt for a further thousand years and its white coloured flames turned
pitch black.
5. Even the most fierce fire of this world is SEVENTY-FOLD
cooler than the Fire of Hell.
6. The lightest punishment in Hell would be the wearing of
FIERY SHOES which would cause one's brains to boil.
7. Hell is infested with venomous snakes and scorpions of the
size of donkeys and if they were to bite a person he will suffer
pain for 40 YEARS.
8. For food, the dwellers of Hell would be given Zaqqum which
is a prickly tree, so bitter, that even if a single molecule of it
were to spill onto this earth it would make all the foodstuff of
the world bitter and unpalatable.
9. For drinking, the denizen of Hell would be provided with
hot, boiling pus mixed with blood, matter, urine and tears
etc. of the dwellers of Hell. If a bucket of this foul liquid were
to be spilled onto this earth, the entire world would be upset
and disrupted by its most foul stink.
10. Boiling water would be poured over the Jahannami's head
and this will cause their internal organs to melt and leak out
through their feet.
11. The inmates of Hell would be lashed with heavy clubs of
iron. If one such club were to be placed upon this earth, the
combined strength of all the human beings, as well as all the
Jinns, would fail to lift it; and, if a mountain is struck with,
one of these clubs it would cause the whole mountain to
disintegrate.
12. The dwellers of Hell would be burnt daily for seventy thousand times. Every time, after the skin and flesh is burnt, they
would be restored to life so that they can continuously taste
this punishment.
2.
13. A drunkard will be given blood, pus, sweat, filth, etc. to
drink in Hell.
14. All the haughty people will be gathered in the Hereafter and
driven towards Hell but their bodies would be reduced to the
size of ants and they will be given to consume the excretions
of the dwellers of Hell.
15. Some sinners would be made to dimb "SAUD" which is a
mountain of Fire in Hell, and then dropped from its peak
and this process would continue for ever and ever.
16. The dwellers of Hell would be bound in chains which would
be greater in length than the distance between the sky and the
earth.
17. The clothes of sinners in Hell would be highly inflammable.
18. Besides physical torture, the dwellers of Hell would also be
subjected to mental harassment through the taunting by the
Guardians of Hell who will remind them of their mideeds on
earth and remark: 'now taste the Fire, etc.'
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19. The sinners and disbelievers would be humiliated to such an
extent that besides their revolting ugliness and pitch black
faces, their upper lips would be touching their foreheads and
the lower lips dangling around the navel.
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20. The dwellers of Hell would weep so much and shed so much
of tears and blood that furrows would be formed on their
cheeks.
21. The tongues of the Hell-inmates would be so long and protuding from their mouths that others would trample and step
on them.
22. Shaitaan will also rebuke the denizens of Hell.
2 3 . The dwellers of Hell would display their rage and fury on
those who led them astray.
24. The inhabitants of Hell would appeal to the Guardians of
Jahannam to intercede on their behalf in the Court of Allah
but their pleas would be rejected. They would then make
direct supplication to Allah but their prayers would not be
granted.
25. They will then abide forever in Hell, continuously lamenting
and braying like asses.
0 ALLAH! SAVE THE COMPILER, HIS DECEASED
PARENTS AND RELATIVES, AS WELL AS THE READERS
AND THEIR FAMILIES AND DECEASED RELATIVES
FROM T H E PUNISHMENT OF JAHANNAM, AND GRANT
US ALL T H E HIGH STATIONS OF JANNAH (PARADISE)
WITHOUT RECKONING.
(AAMEEN Yaa Rabbal Aalameen)
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I humbly appeal to all readers that this publication be referred to
constantly bearing in mind that every description relating to the
Hereafter mentioned herein, is a translation from the Qur'aan or
Hadith and therefore authentic.
The facts have been presented so that even a habitual sinner
would take heed, realise what lies ahead, sincerely repent and
refrain from committing sins again.
Can any man, who believes Allah to be the Supreme and most
Powerful Creator and Muhammed & as His final messenger,
still deny what has been expounded in this booklet from the
Qur'aan
and Hadith?
On the other hand, if we accept the contents of this exposition,
then the question to be considered is: CAN WE AFFORD T O
W-ASTE OUR LIVES IN FUTILE PURSUITS OF EPHEMERAL
AND SHORT TERM RICHES?
Our Nabi & has warned that "Hell has been concealed in the
pleasures of this world whilst Jannah lies in the difficulties of
life."Hence those who seek the pleasures of this life are, in
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reality, on the same path leading to Hell, and those who patiently
tolerate the sufferings and hardships of life whilst still persevering
in their performance of virtuous deeds are certainly on the road
through which one can attain Jannah.
Insha Allah, the reading of this Booklet should motivate any person ... even those with just a flicker of Imaan ... to muster up sufficient courage and desire to reform, shun transgressions and lead
an active ISLAMIC way of life in preparation for the REALITY
which is going to be everlasting and perpetual.
I suggest therefore, that the reader hasten to adopt and practise
the following simple formula prescribed by Hazrat Moulana
Ashraf-Ali Thanwi (A.R.):
EVERY night, before retiring to bed, two Rakaats of Nafl Salaah
should be performed and thereafter supplicate as hereunder:
(First praise Allah, our Creator and Sustainer and confer Durood
on Rasulullah 4% and then with utmost sincerity and humbleness
make the du'aa)
0 Allah! Forgive and pardon all m y sins: those committed intentionally as well as those done unintentionally. I seek your pardon
from all major sins, every minor sin, those which were committed
either in the light of day or within the darkness of night and even
those transgressions which I did not recognise and consider to be
sins.
0 Most Mercijul of those who show Mercy, forgive every sin of
mine and that of the Ummah of our beloved Nabi & . 0
ALLAH! I HUMBLY BEG YOU TO GRANT M E HIDAAYAH
AND GUIDANCE and save me from disobedience through your
Grace and Mercy!
This du'aa, especially the begging of Hidaayah and Guidance
should be implored at least three times and, then concluded with
the Praise of Allah and recitation of Durood.
DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF SIN
Every sin produces the following outcome:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Allah's wrath and displeasure.
Shaitaan's triumph and delight.
Moving remotely further away from Jannah.
Approaching Jahannam.
Harming one's own soul and self.
Blemishes appear and cover the heart with black spots.
Agonizing and causing injury to the angels who accompany
the individual.
(8) Nabi &
becomes grieved (because the Ummah's actions are presented to him regularly).
(9) The ground upon which the sin had been committed would
testify against the transgressor.
(10) Causing great harm to all creation because through the sin
Allah's Mercy is reduced due to which even the lifeless
creatures are adversely affected.
OBSTACLES IN THE PATH OF KNOWLEDGE
A pious man was once questioned: why is it that, although we
study and hear about Deen, such learning does not affect us
beneficially?
The man replied that you have within you five characteristics
which prevents Islamic Knowledge to motivate you towards
righteousness. They are:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
You fail to express gratitude to Allah for His favours;
You do not seek forgiveness after sinning;
You do not translate your knowledge into practice;
You sit in the company of the Pious but do not follow in
their footsteps;
(5) You take no lesson from the plight of the dead whom you
are burying.