Wise Is He Who Remembers Death

Weekly speech at Masjide Amina, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2011

Allah promises in Quran many a bounty and rich rewards in return for Imaan (Faith in God) and good deeds. Heaven and huge graces are promised. It is very essential to set right each activity in life along with Faith in God.
Faith is not of the same standard. There are various levels of Faith.
“Ya ayyuhallajina aamanu aaminu billahi” – “O you who have believed! Believe in Allah”.
Those who have not eaten can be called to eat. But we won’t hear calls for people who have had their food to have food. But God calls upon those who have brought Faith to bring Faith. There is difference.
1. Maujuda Imaan – Faith that we have
2. Matlooba Imaan – Faith that is required
There is huge difference between the two. Standard of Imaan will improve as and when its demands are met. Imaan will go weak if its requirements are not addressed.
Imaan that the companions of Prophet displayed was sublime and outstanding. Allah says, “Aaminu kama aamanannaas” – Have faith like Sahabas. They accepted that God is Master and we are His servants. They did not reject or turn away from any of His commands. They understood the meaning and purpose of life as worship.
In today’s world, we have to give thousand explanations for why some things are haraam (forbidden). Still people do not pay heed. Companions of the Prophet took this world as an examination hall. This is not place for reward. Recompense will be in the next world. They carried out all the commands with humility. Imaan will penetrate in life if we are serious and work on it. We got Imaan as a result of missionary works of elders.
We can know the standard of one’s Imaan by looking his deeds. Any element in vegetation and natural world proclaims the class it belongs to. Leaf, bud, seed or branch of neem tree clearly establishes that it is from neem tree. The same way Kalima should reflect in each aspect and facet of our lives. We should be known to be people of Kalima from our concerns and thoughts. Our character should emulate our Prophet. If we are kind and merciful, others will know that we follow our Prophet. We should strive for this.
Missionary zeal should not be incomplete. We will accept a house as fully constructed when everything including foundation, wall, ceiling, doors and windows, electricity, sanitation and water facilities and carpentry are in place. Then we will be prepared to move into such house. Islam has completely vanished from all facets of our lives. But still we contend that we have Imaan.
We should do worship when it is time for worship. And we should display sincere honesty in our dealings and businesses. By accepting our servitude and sincerely carrying out God’s wishes, our lives will turn for the better.
One Sahaba narrates – Ten of us went to the Prophet. One of us asked who is wise? Prophet replied that one who remembers death often and prepares for it is the wise person.
No one can stay permanently in this world. Moomin (faithful) should believe there is a life after death. That is the biggest challenge. Other challenges that we face in our day-to-day lives are insignificant. We have come to this world with a fixed time to return. We have two options - either to live extravagant life or lead a simple and humble life. One who gorges on food and one who eats little, both will have to taste death. Death is certain. We have to think in which condition and position are we going to return.
In this world, one can commit crime in one country and hide in another country. But there is no escape in Allah’s kingdom. Only virtuous character, best behavior, lofty attitude and purity in worship can help us. First trial in the next world will be about our dealings and exchanges. In the weight balance of deeds, it is aqlaq (character) that will have highest proportion. Character will be valued a lot. A good person should stay with his family.
There are severe decrees pertaining to character and behavior. Misappropriation of property of others means Imaan is void. Once Prophet repeated thrice that he is not a Moomin. This severe diktat was about he from whom his neighbor do not feel safe. He cannot be a Moomin. It is the responsibility of Moomin to assure safety and security to his neighbor. We cannot claim to be religious just by following two or three precepts. This is incomplete religion. We are careful about dress and food. But we do not pay any attention to our character or behavior.
Let us put our earnest efforts towards Kalima, Ibadath, Ilm, Zikr and Ikraam. Namaz (prayer) teaches us worthy lessons. Do not see here and there, listen only to Imaam’s commands and tell what should be told and at correct time. Allah says, “Akimi salatha lizikri” – “Establish prayer for My remembrance”.