.:Bullet Proof Read:.

Mind awanderin’? Work with what you do know.

Someone recently posed the question of “Dont you wish, that we can purchase a one way air ticket to paradise.” Islamically, of course, there are endless ways for you to make that “purchase”. So if asked metaphorically, the enquiry’s fine.

But had the questioner meant for a literal shortcut, even then (although we know that’ll never happen), one would have to work in this world to earn the money for that priceless pass (irony alert). Right? So it’s hard efforts either way. Realistically or daydreamingly.

Personally, if I found myself thinking of the matter as an easy escape, I’d know my iman is dwindling. Because essentially there needs to be appreciation of this life to truly appreciate the end, to anticipate Jannah. Our blessed life - as opposed to any inanimate object, just have a look-see at their lifelessness - is the very reason why we even desire Jannah. When we start overtly wishing for life to be over (”Ok ok just give me the prize already!”), it’s clear how we’re losing the plot to our own lifestory. We need to be thankful to the One who gives life, the Ever-Living.

On the other hand, one can never be too fixated on life in this world. So there needs to be balance, moderation in how we view life.

My perspectives on it:

1. God - If we could see Allah, life would be so different eh. But what we do know is that He exists (la ilaha illa huwa). We see this in His Word the Qur’an, in His Signs all around us, our environment, ourselves, everywhere. And we do know that the best reward will be to see Him in the Hereafter.
2. Death - If we knew when we were to die, life would be so different innit. But what we do know is that death will happen. We know this again from the Qur’an, from witnessing others dying, from experiencing minor death ie. sleep, from mankind’s history of mortality, etc.
3. Tomorrow - If only we could look into the future, life would be so different yeah. But what we do know is that we can plan and work for it, towards it. And, if you put points numbers 1 and 2 into this equation, it all makes sense… We plan, we make the efforts, but Allah may Will the next day to go a completely different way. Death may suddenly overtake you. So life always revolves around these very notions.

With all that, and when you look to the hadith Qudsi where Allah says (trans.):
“…I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.”

You can’t help but wonder, why’re you wishing for the end so much then? What makes you different from what has been described in the above hadith qudsi? What is it that you’re missing out on? Fear the useless remorse of the disbeliever on the Day of Judgement that he had rejected the Message. Think about the regret even the successful believer has on the Last Day that he did not perform more good deeds while on this earth. Consider the martyr who wishes to be sent back just to be killed in the Path of Allah time and again.

While death is relief for the hardworking believer, and Jannah his sweetest reward, his firm faith gives him the best realistic outlook on life. And this, gets him through any day.

On a final note though, hypothetical questions such as the initial one can sometimes be detrimental especially to the idle mind. Just stick to what is known from the authentic sources. You’ll be fine. Insha Allah.

For a dear sister facing much adversity…

I met a flower
While she was struggling to bloom
I shunned her
And left her to her gloom

Perchance I see her again
I would tend to her
With only the best
And to the sun bring near

If only I knew her strength
If only I saw her beauty
Beyond her frail surface
Beyond forms of pity

My regrets could only grow
As I watched her now
Reaching up to the skies
Where the angels do indeed bow

She had blossomed
A beautiful light
To inspire us all
Through even the darkest plight

My dear sister
A flower upon a barren land
You will achieve that special place
So persevere in enduring Allah’s plan.

Rose for my Kawla.

I learnt that it’s much easier to get back on track when you fall into sins from the weakness of desire rather than when you fall into error from arrogance.

The marked difference is that in the case of the former, you realise that you are doing wrong… but in the latter, you are defiant and forget accountability. Therefore we should strive to attain humility. In our deeds, in our interactions, even in our very own private thoughts. For without humility, our sins start appearing less grave than they really are… And soon, we act as though it is our command to Allah that sends His Mercy and Forgiveness upon us. May Allah, Most High, protect us from committing such a mockery.

How does one balance the state of humility beyond arrogance? Isn’t it possible that the one who acts humble before others is actually committing a boastful act that they might talk highly of him? Therefore it’s important to understand that humility is not that someone proclaims his weaknesses before an audience. Nor is it that he forces himself to bow his head wherever he walks. But it is a matter of the heart which stems from sincerity and ultimately is reflected upon the person naturally.

And so a slave of Allah may have his head held high amongst peers because he has the honour of a Muslim, yet he can be equally known for his humility towards them.

“…and no one is humble for the sake of Allah without Allah elevating him.” - Rasulullah sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam [Muslim]

And this is how one achieves the status of humble yet tall.