New Years Eve

NEW YEAR’S EVE

AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Hadhrat Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri Sahib damat barakatuhum (Shaykhul Hadeeth, Jami’ah Islamiyyah Dabhel)

Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

My young brothers!
The wrongs that others engage in on New Year’s Eve have now entered our Muslim society. We must save ourselves from them at all costs. Many of these wrongs are of such a nature that they can take one out of the fold of Islam. Hence, I request my young brothers in particular: save yourselves from these evils!
Allah has granted you health, youth and vigour. He has granted you life. Spend this life in obeying Allah and following Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.
This life is an amanah (trust from Allah) and we must fulfil this amanah in accordance to the Command of Allah; otherwise it will be very difficult to answer when we will be questioned regarding it on the Day of Qiyamah. It is my request to everyone that we must save ourselves from the wrongs that are committed on this night.

May Allah grant us all the tawfeeq. Aameen.

Intoxicants – The ‘High’ Life

This is a talk delivered by Shaykh Ahmad Ali at the London Youth Tarbiyyah conference in June 2011.  Shaykh talks about the harms and dangers of being involved in alcohol, drugs and intoxicants in Islam.  A real important message and lessons for all to take on board and act positively upon.

reposted from Dec 2011.

5 Questions on the Day of Judgement

عَنْ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ

 لَا تَزُولُ قَدَمُ ابْنِ آدَمَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مِنْ عِنْدِ رَبِّهِ حَتَّى يُسْأَلَ عَنْ خَمْسٍ عَنْ عُمُرِهِ فِيمَ أَفْنَاهُ وَعَنْ شَبَابِهِ فِيمَ أَبْلَاهُ وَمَالِهِ مِنْ أَيْنَ اكْتَسَبَهُ وَفِيمَ أَنْفَقَهُ وَمَاذَا عَمِلَ فِيمَا عَلِمَ

2416 سنن الترمذي

Imām Tirmidhī relates in his sunnan that on the Day of Judgement a person will not shift until they have been questioned about five things:
1. Where did they while away their age?
2. How did they spend their youth?
3. Where did they acquire their wealth?
4. How did they spend their wealth?
5. How did they act on the knowledge that was given to them?

The key points of this ḥadīth are the first two questions, relating to how a person spends their time and more specifically how they spent their youth. We are often conscious of how we generate our wealth and spend it, however our time is a free commodity given to us by Allāh which we will also be questioned about.

Beginners guide to Surviving University

Source: As-Sabiqoon Monthly Magazine Issue 9 Sept 2006

Before you is a concise step-by-step guide about surviving at Uni! All I write is based upon my very own experience which has advice in dealing with it life at Uni. It’s worth noting that (as I write) I am a first year and in no way have I experienced all the problems, and due to the nature of the problems mentioned, my advice is not the only advice available. I recommend you to stick to the advice of the scholars and students of knowledge; in other words, it’s just an introduction into surviving the first year! It’s split into two main sections: general advice (which includes advice on handling the workload itself) and Islamic advice, which highlights the main problems faced by every Muslim what to do should in these positions.

General advice

Step1: know your role!
The first step is to actually understand why you are at Uni and what you want to get out of it. Whether you want to go to Uni or you’re being forced to go, make sure you have aims and objectives and actually work towards it. Have an idea of what field (roughly) you wish to go into. Carefully study the course description and individual module description so that you know what to expect and what you should achieve at the end. If you don’t like it, it’s not too late to switch courses or individual modules. Many students switch within the first semester (term) and the Universities expect this.

Step two: your surroundings!
As soon as you start Uni, it’s important that you have a good circle of pious Muslim friends- also maybe non-Muslim friends whom you can give Da’wah to. SubhanAllah, this is so important as you’ll find within a few weeks the majority of non-muslim students heading to the pubs and clubs drinking a few pints and then heading off to the library to do some work. Alhamdulillah many Unis have an ISOC and a dedicated prayer room where you’re more then welcome! In fact, ISOCs have a dedicated group to bring people to the prayer rooms and also start off their talks and Jumua’h Khutbah with short and sweet Naseeha (advice) regarding surviving Uni. The prayer room should be your refuge without distracting you from your purpose to work; so make sure you have good friends, be a regular prayer room user and have a separate place to study.

Step three: do your work!
It’s really easy to be distracted from doing your work. Many students suffer from the whole Uni-cliche lifestyle of going out, partying, having ‘fun’ and plenty of brothers and sisters organise events or invite you to eat with them at restaurants. It’s very easy to just give up and leave your work for later and join them, though quite frankly, if you don’t do your work, you will fail! Uni is very independent and it’s up to YOU to commit yourself. I found that dedicating the day for work and evening for maybe extra/remaining work and going out worked best; make a schedule try stick to it!

Step four: Do your best
Be sincere in what you do; do it to help Muslims climb the society ladder so that we can have an impact on the world again. Be the best (or one of the best thereafter) in your class so that you have good prospects and also so that you can use your position to give Da’wah. And it’s not that hard! A few words here and a few there, people will automatically flock to you to ask for help. Just do your best and remember the results is with Allah (swt):
‘Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah in prosperity and He will know you in adversity. Know that what has passed you by was not going to befall you, and that what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.’
(Imam Tirmizi, Imam An Nawawi’s 40 Ahadith)

Step 5: make the most of it
If you have any problems with your work, go to your lecturers and ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask during or after the lectures and don’t pretend to understand! If something is explained to you and you still don’t get it, tell them – pound them till you finally get it. If it’s the lecturer you can’t understand then find a PhD student or someone in the same or year above and ask- there’s plenty of them in the Prayer Room.

Use the library, Internet, lab sessions, revision classes, etc. Find a few brothers and sisters who have been through the course who can help and sell you their books for proper discount prices. I bought a 40 pounds book off a brother for just 10 pounds…bargain!

Islamic advice

Uni is literally buzzing with Fitnah, from the people who go there to some of the buildings and books in the library. It’s used as an excuse to propagate false ideas and brainwash the masses…so there must be a few things to beware of:

1. The prayer room
Although (generally) the ISOC is not the problem, the prayer room is always buzzing with people with twisted views and next ideologies. You meet Muslims from many different countries and backgrounds which have influenced the way they think and many of these sects and named-groups operate in the prayer room. Some even call to their beliefs and love to argue and will spark the argument with everyone and anyone. Despite this, you meet the most amazing and sincere people you’ll ever meet who really help you in everyway possible. Not everyone who has a slight difference in mentality to yourself is your enemy and Uni is a good platform to verify all the slander you hear about these groups. If you really want to know what they’re upon… just ask them!

2. The debates
Just as we’ve mentioned, there are those who really love debating, whether it’s about Islam or worldly things. Some named-groups and sects even debate over things that are not only out of their own capabilities of understanding as a layman, but also in matters that a Muslim must not go into whether a layman or the greatest scholar. Therefore, it becomes necessary for you to learn your Deen from trusted sources and be sincere in gaining that knowledge. Learn with evidences from the Qur’an and Sunnah as this not only increases your general understanding of Islam but also creates certainty and it certainly eradicates doubt.
Also, beware of speaking without knowledge. It’s easy to fall into Shaytan’s trap of disagreeing with someone based upon the fact that they belong to one of these groups or sects and not because you yourself know that. You might be arguing on an issue in which they are correct about and you are wrong.

Seeing as everyone in Uni (especially Muslims, sociology, history and philosophy students) begin to act like philosophers they will be more open to ideas. Alhamdulillah this is a great platform to give Da’wah especially collectively, like writing for the student magazines or entering writing competitions and relating it to Islam, its merits and Muslims and their positive impact upon the world. Many Muslims do this and win essay competitions and have their articles publicised; it really does work!

3. The Pubs, etc
Don’t be fooled by the fact that some Muslims hang-out in the pubs staying away from drinking alcohol only playing pool, snooker, table-football and other such activities. Stay away from the pubs and clubs otherwise there’s no doubt that eventually you will either start to ‘loosen up’ in established matters of Islam or maybe even reject it and commit Kufr (disbelief).

4. The library
The more philosophical the subjects are at your Uni are, the more ‘random’ the library materials are. Recently I found the whole set of Salman Rushdie’s books including ‘Satanic Whispers’ and even more recently I found a shockingly western-biased account on Islamic Spain. Much of the books and History are anti-Islamic although we are now seeing a slow emergence of Muslim writers being recognized in the west and having their works published and put into the bookshelves of Universities. Know your religion with certainty; make sure you are grounded in Islam if you bother with such books.

I hope that this advice helps but again I recommend you to the advice of the people of knowledge and the Islamic Societies. They know how to help and go out of their way to do so. You can also go Uni for the lectures and do your work at home. Make the most of all that’s available to you and enjoy your time there. It really does open up your mind and isn’t as bad as some people say.

May Allah (swt) raise your rank and bless you in this world and the next and may He (swt) change our condition for the better and allow us to be the forerunners in this blissful task, Ameen!

Tariq bin Ziyad

Tariq ibn Ziyad was sent by Musa ibn Nusayr in the year 711 AD as a chief commander to conquer Andalus. His men numbered 12000-17000. On his journey he decided to take some rest and sleep. It is said whilst sailing across the sea, which separates Africa from Andalus, he saw in his dream the prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) surrounded by arabs of the Muhajiruun and Ansaars, who with unsheathed swords and bended bows stood by him. They also heard the prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) say ” take courage, O Tariq! and accomplish what you are destined to perform. ” On hearing this, he looked around him and saw the messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his companions entering Andalus. Tariq immediately awoke from his sleep with a smile, and from that moment on he never doubted victory. Tariq advanced towards a small mountain in the sea which later became known as Jabal Tariq (Mount Tariq) derived from which is the modern name: Gibraltar. Here Tariq and his army disembarked into the darkness of the night. He then set fire to his fleet and in his determination to conquer Andalus he told his army ” I have now burnt the ships, and now there is no return for us and here we will conquer or die fighting.”

The king of the time, King Roderick, heard about the seizure and immediately prepared his army which numbered 100,000. King Roderick set off with confidence that they will make each and every Arab his prisoner. Roderick took his army to Cordova to attack Tariq and his armies.

Before the battle, Tariq gave a speech which portrayed his valiance, determination and ideology regarding the life after death. In this speech he also mentioned his desire to kill King Roderick with his own hands. After his influential speech, Tariq and his army with their white turbans and spears in their hands proceeded towards the battlefield. When Tariq reached the battlefield he saw his ambition and aimed his arrow towards him and killed him. He had now fulfilled his long felt desire and gained victory for the Muslims. It is said in the confusion that followed the defeated Christian soldiers fled for their lives, the body of King Roderick had also disappeared. The Muslims had a zeal for knowledge, they were advanced in architecure and were masters in science.

When Tariq and his army conquered a large portion of Spain in 711-718 AD, which mainly consisted of the Moors who were a Muslim tribe from North Africa, they immediately implemented Islamic law ( Shariah ) with Caliphates. the muslim ruled with islamic law for over 800 years. However when the Muslim government of Spain collapsed during the early 1000s due to the fighting amongst the groups of Moors, the country split into many small Moorish states and independent cities. This was not the only reason for the downfall of a nation which ruled for many centuries. This was due to the fact that the leaders did not rule according to the Islamic law and chose an un-islamic life.

Below is an extract from the hadith. Abdullah ibn Umar narrates ; “The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) came to us and said O muhajiruun, you may be afflicted by five things, may Allah forbid you live to see them, if leaders do not govern according to the book of Allah, you should realize this will not happen without Allah making them into groups and making them fight another. ” ( Ibn Majah, Kitab al Fitan, 4019,2/1332 ) you can see from this small extract how the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had advanced knowledge of the future and how correct his prophecies were to be.
Inter-islam

The Boy who tried to escape Death – ch10

As Ahmad walks towards the magical gates, they slowly open releasing an incredible scent out in the open. Ahmad’s hair is pushed back as the wind gently strikes against his body.

He enters the large magical dome, and there before him is an incredible garden of literally thousands of large colourful flowers and bushes never seen by man. Streams of blue and green water pass through the land like meandering rivers, the water passing along at a generally fast speed. As the water hits against the banks of the rivers, splashes of water rise and suddenly turn into hundreds of colourful fruits resembling bubbles, floating around, waiting to be picked by someone and eaten. All along the banks of the rivers are magical gems and rubies in colours unknown to man. Ahmad runs towards the river laughing and in an ecstatic mood. He quickly places his arms deep within the magical water, which feels so soothing and cool. He takes some water in his hands and takes a sip. The flavour is beyond imagination, similar to that of a magical tropical fruit. He finds one of the floating fruits resembling a bubble and takes it in his hand. He takes a bite, his teeth easily sinking into the almost see through fruit. He cannot believe the flavour, something indescribable. He spends time enjoying the fruit around him when he suddenly hears laughing in the distance. He turns around in shock and there in the distance is a small group of Muslims sitting together enjoying a Hugh feast. He smiles and quickly runs up to them.

“Assalaamu’Alycom dear Brother. Come join us.” One of the Brothers calls to him smiling.

“Wa’laycom Assalaam!” Ahmad says excitedly.

He is given a golden plate full of rice, lamb and salad. The food looks flawless. Not a single defect can be found in the food.

“Mashah’Allah! So this is it? No more sadness and worry? I still cannot get over the excitement that there will never be any boredom, sadness, pain or worry!” Ahmad says.

The Brothers around him laugh.

“Wait until we enter Paradise and see the Face of our Allah.” One Brother says.

“AllahuAkbar!!!” All of the Muslims call out.

Suddenly a multi coloured cloud appears over them and a shower of gems fall upon them like snowflakes. Each gem is edible, a delicious sweet given to them by Allah. An angel suddenly appears to the Muslims and says, “Dear Slaves of Allah! This is a small gift from Allah to thank you for praising His name.”

“AllahuAkbar! AllahuAkbar! AllahuAkbar!” The Muslims continue to scream out in extreme happiness, tears appearing from their eyes. Just the thought of Allah loving them is beyond words and description. No gift can ever be compared to being loved by Allah.

Time passes on, not affecting the Muslims within the magical dome.

Ahmad lays upon a bed of a material made only for the pious, watching above as small gem like leaves float around in all directions, releasing a beautiful scent attaching to anything it touches.

Ahmad slowly looks to the left and what he sees is something he could not possibly imagine would happen.  There, before him, is his mother, father, two brothers and his sister! His whole family is there before him!

“Mama! Dada! My Brothers and Sister!!!” He rushes towards them and hugs them tightly.

“My son! My son!” His mother cries out, crying out of extreme happiness.

“How? By Allah how?!” Ahmad calls out in tremendous exhilaration.

“Well by dear Son. 10 years after your death, we went to Hajj. It was the most exhilarating experience ever. Nothing could be compared to standing among all the Muslims bowing down to Allah.

While in Salat al-Layl (night Prayer), your mother and I made big Du’a to Allah to grant us a place with you in the Hereafter. After coming back from Hajj, we were all in our car driving back home reciting Qur’an, when suddenly we were struck by a truck and we all died by the will of Allah.”

“SubhanAllah! What is also shocking was when you mentioned 10 years! It feels I was here for only a few days! I thank Allah so much that He has united my family with me!”

An angel suddenly appears before the family.

“No more sadness, no more division. You were united upon the Earth and were separated at death. You have now united for the second time, and unity will be for eternity. You will be a family forever. You will enter Paradise together, without end. You will be loved by Allah forever!” The angel calls out smiling towards them.

“Lah Illah Ha Illallah! Takbeer! AllahuAkbar!” The family call out hand in hand.

“Mama! Dada! And my dear brothers and little sister! Come and I will show you around, for there is so much to show you in here, and even with this, I have only seen a fraction of what is in this Hugh magical dome. Imagine what will be in Paradise!!!” Ahmad calls out in excitement indescribable.

There they went: Ahmad, his mother, father, brothers and little sister, off to enjoy a magnificent feast with the rest of the blessed brothers and sisters within the magical dome of wonder. Muslims that will be united forever. A unity that will grow for eternity to come. A love and family bond that will continue to grow between them forever and ever.

The End.

The Boy who tried to escape Death – ch9

Slowly the soil of the ground is thrown over the body of Ahmad. Minute by minute the hole of the grave begins to fill. Family, relatives and friends watch down in sadness, some crying out of grief, others crying out of fear that one day they will be in Ahmad’s situation, dead.

They all sit around Ahmad’s grave until the time appointed. As they walk away, Ahmad’s soul is instantly taken up outside the Gates of Paradise. There before him is the most magnificent doorway he has ever seen in his life. The size of it is beyond the imagination of any human being. Larger than a galaxy, made out of magical gold and silver bricks, a light of honour glimmering continuously from the gates. The gates prevent any eye in seeing the other side while all that is smelt and heard are the smells and sounds of Paradise beyond. Smells of unbelievably beautiful musk spreads forth from the gates of Paradise, while the sounds of magical water, the chirps of animal’s unheard of and other sounds unrecognizable to the ear can be heard. Magical walls beyond beauty spreads further than the eyes can see on both sides of the gate.

A smile spreads across the face of Ahmad while a feeling of incredible excitement enters his soul.

“Please let me in! I would love to see what is beyond those gates!” Ahmad calls out.

“Be patient Ahmad, for you will one day be allowed to enter those gates, for the gates and walls you see are the beginning of a Paradise wider than the Heavens and the Earth. A size you cannot even imagine, a size you will never be able to perceive even when you step foot into Paradise. It is a land where your dreams will come true; a land where no sadness or boredom is ever felt; a land where only desires and happiness are fulfilled; ask, and you will be granted; walk the lands of Paradise and forever you will come across things beyond your imagination.

Oh Ahmad. Prepare yourself for you have not even seen beauty. Prepare yourself for a land of unbelievable joy.

But now prepare your eyes for the greatest of beauty, a beauty beyond magnificence. Prepare yourself for the day you meet the Creator of all, Allah Subhanahuwata’aalah who is well pleased with you.” The angels call out.

Shivers passed along the spine of Ahmad when he heard those words.

“I cannot wait to meet Allah! But I am so ashamed to meet Him because of the bad things I have done.” Ahmad says.

“Do not fear Him now and do not be shy, for Allah is also looking forward in meeting you Ahmad.” The angels call out.

“AllahuAkbar!” Ahmad screams out as a feeling of mixed emotions of extreme happiness and extreme anticipation enters his soul.

The angels with Ahmad follow on in the praises of Allah, until all angels around begin the glorification of Allah, until the sound of praise begins to shake the ground beneath, the words passing through the air like a soothing wind.

Back on Earth Ahmad’s father and his wife prepare for bed. Both kept very silent that night, only making continuous Du’a to Allah.

The next morning at Fajr time, Muhammad rises from his sleep smiling and in what seems to be, a very excited state.

“‘Aliya! ‘Aliya! Wake up!” Muhammad shouts out shaking his wife waking her up.

“Ahmad!” ‘Aliya surprisingly calls out as her eyes open up.

“I dreamt of Ahmad in a beautiful kingdom!” Muhammad says excitedly.

“What?! AllahuAkbar! I dreamt of the same thing!” ‘Aliya calls out.

“This could be a good sign!” Muhammad says.

Moments later the phone rings. Muhammad picks it up only to find the Imam of the local Masjid on the other side of the line.

‘Aliya looks into the eyes of her husband and notices his face light up with even more happiness and hope.

After a couple of minutes Muhammad puts down the phone and tells his wife the amazing news. The Imam had the exact dream as Muhammad and ‘Aliya! After they made Salat and for the past hour, phone calls poured in from relatives and friends. Allah has made Ahmad as a good example to all, and has made all those who knew him to dream of his good condition in the Hereafter.

That day, Mo and the girl were buried. Very few turned up to their burial, not even their own parents…

“No more pain! Please!” Mo screams out.

Mo and the girl watch on in terror as their bodies approach their burial grounds. From the depths of their graves they watch on in terror as thousands of hideous and grotesque insects pour into their grave. Inside their grave scorpions the size of a small baby with long spidery legs six foot in length scuttling along the ground can be seen by only the dead.

Black snakes well over 20 foot with the most terrifying face ever imaginable with dozens of large sword like teeth are also present. Thousands of large wet worms with hundreds of spiny legs embedded along the side of their bodies squirm around only to cause sever pain with the bites from their small jaws and the prodding of their spiny legs.

Mo and the girl scream in absolute terror as their bodies are placed within their graves. The insects force their way into their mouths crawling down their throats. Some insects are so large that Mo and the girl’s mouth are forced open so wide that their jaws end up breaking and their cheeks tearing. Their screams continue and then begin to gurgle in their own vomit as the insects crawl down their throats. Some worm like creatures begin to eat their way back out of their throats, while others continue down into their stomach only to burst out of their abdomen. The large scorpions dig their claws and poisonous stings without mercy into the eyes and face of Mo and the girl. Each time the flesh, sinew, and muscle is torn off from their bodies; it is only replaced again and again so the pain never ends. After a while, that felt like a lifetime for Mo and the girl, the insects scuttle off. Suddenly the walls of their grave begin to slowly close in on them. They scream in absolute terror and panic as the walls of their graves slowly crush them to almost death. Their shoulder blades slowly come together in a sick crunch as their own stomach and insides pour out from their mouths and nose.

After the Crushing of the Grave, Mo and the girl, each one alone, in a separate dark “room” watch on in terror as Munkar and Nakeer approach them at the same time. After the Questioning of the Grave, and the torture from the blind, death and dumb one, the “room” automatically turns into a torture chamber beyond imagination.

Mo screams in terror as angels in horrifying forms approach him carrying large iron nails and hammers.

“Please no!!!” Mo screams out as a large nail is placed over his left eye and then without hesitation hammered into his skull. The same was done to his right eye. After this terrifying ordeal, the angels without mercy begin to hammer at least another dozen nails into his skull.

“This punishment is for every time you touched a woman Allah has forbidden you to touch!” The angels scream out, letting Mo know why he is receiving such torture. Each time the nails were hammered through his skull, his skull would return back to normal only to be treated to the same punishment.

The girl also received the same punishment as Mo, but for her another angel approached her carrying two very large iron hooks. Despite her crackling scream and cries, the angel forced the hook through her tongue ripping it out of her mouth. Then the angel placed the other hook through her belly button, ripping the flesh off her abdomen exposing her insides. Her stomach and other organs emptied out onto the dark murky floor.

“This is for the piercing you did upon your tongue and your belly! Tell me now with the pain you feel was it really worth it? Did you gain eternal pleasure? Did it wipe out every form of depression upon this Earth?”

“No! Please stop! I only did it because I was tempted by it! I was planning to get rid of it!” The girl screams out.

“Your excuses are nothing but air! You knew it was forbidden yet you denied your Lord, thinking that He will let you live only so you can live through your desires and then you hoped to grow bored of it. Know this; those who want to enjoy their pleasures thinking that they will grow out of it, the only thing that is growing is the torment and pain they will feel in the Afterlife!” The angels call out sternly to her.

Back with Ahmad, the angels of mercy escort him towards the largest and most beautiful building he has ever seen in his entire life. It looks like a giant dome made out of purple emerald, the size of which can hold many Planet Earth’s with ease. Large crystal frame windows line the sides of this incredible emerald dome, while colourful plants and little ponds line the whole circumference of it.

“SubhanAllah! Am I going to go in there?!” Ahmad calls out excitedly.

“Of course you are Ahmad. This is your place of stay until the coming of the final hour.” An angel says smiling towards him.

“AllahuAkbar!” Ahmad calls out.

Each step Ahmad takes towards the doors of the magical emerald dome, his excitement reaches a new level beyond description.

Chapter 10

The Boy who tried to escape Death – ch8

“Ya Rubb! How can this be so beautiful in what I am seeing?!” Ahmad says as tears roll down his face.

“Oh Ahmad! You have seen nothing yet. We have not even come close to the Doors of Eternal Beauty!” The angels call out to him as they begin their ascent through the Seven Heavens.

Up they rise, faster than the speed of light. A beautiful wind gushes upon the face of Ahmad as he sits within the casket of beauty. He looks around in absolute amazement as he passes each of the Seven Heavens, and he notices that the next one he enters seems to be more beautiful than the last! Comfort indescribable sets in the soul of Ahmad, a feeling of happiness completely protected against any speck of sadness or worry.

On the other hand, Mo and the girl burn continuously in the garments of fire as the Angels of punishment bring them up through the Seven Heavens. The pain and torment they experience are so bad that they are unable to view the spectacular scenery surrounding them. Every nerve within their bodies is afflicted with agony beyond imagination. Their bodies are prevented from going into shock; no end to the pain; continuous tears pour forth from their dark reddening eyes.

“Ya Allah! If I truly knew death was this bad I would have been your best servant! Please Allah! I now know! Please send me back and I will be the best!” Both Mo and the girl scream out.

“No more sound from you! You said you were Muslims yet you did not obey Allah! You were warned by your family yet you did not take heed! You knew about Hell and the punishment from Allah yet it did not scare you to turn back to Him! This is your reward for choosing the life that you wanted! You fell for your desires and you did not want to sacrifice the sinful fun for pleasing Allah! Now you will face the pleasure for the sinful; Hell will be your abode! Now you will soon see the pious enjoying their lives within the Garden of Eternal Delight! See then and tell me what the real entertainment is; the pleasure of the World that is now gone from you forever, or the pleasure of Paradise that will last forever! See then and tell me who are those who show true happiness; those sinful people on this Earth looking to seek pleasure while the pious cry to Allah, or those who used to cry to Allah now dwelling in Gardens of Eternal Delight while those who tried to seek pleasure on this Earth now screaming for eternity in the depths of Hell-Fire!” The Angels call out, each word sending shivers down the spines of Mo and the girl.

“But the pain is too much! I cannot bare it no more! Please take away some of the pain!” The girl screams out.

“Pain?! You have not even felt pain! You have seen nothing yet! For you the terrors of the Grave await you! For you, the horrors of the Day of Judgment are approaching! And for you, the final resting place of a pain and terror beyond your wildest imagination awaits. It is Jahannam, the final abode for the disobedient servants of Allah who underestimated His anger and punishment!”

Back on Earth the parents of each of the youth who passed away help in the preparation of the burial and the washing of the dead.

As an honour from Allah to Ahmad, Allah placed noor (light) within the face of Ahmad’s dead body and a smile that spread across his face. Each person who saw a glimpse of his face was left amazed at the sight.

“Inshah’Allah this is a good sign from Allah.” Ahmad’s father says as tears roll down his face.

“I am sure it is, Inshah’Allah.” The Sheik of the Masjid says as he stood next to Ahmad’s father.

Far from noor, the faces of both Mo and the girl were disfigured. Their faces suffered major trauma from the accident, but little did people know that this was from Allah as a curse upon their bodies.

The first to be led to Salatul-Janaazah was Ahmad. At the front row Ahmad’s father stood along with the rest of his children. The mother stood far at the back along with the rest of the Muslim Sisters. Amazingly that day, literally hundreds of pious Muslims with big beards and Islamic clothing came to pray Salatul-Janaazah for Ahmad. Ahmad’s father Muhammad turned around in absolute astonishment as he watched crowds of Muslims trying to squeeze in for a space in Prayer. Muhammad was so moved by what he saw and thanked Allah continuously in his heart for allowing so many Muslims attend, tears poured from his eyes.

In fact, there were so many pious Muslims that day, Salatul-Janaazah had to be repeated three times to allow those who waited outside to come in and make the Salat. Again, almost no body knew that this was another honour from Allah towards Ahmad

As for Mo and the girl, there was a surprisingly major setback in sorting out the death certificates etc, therefore preventing both of them being buried on Friday. Yet again, almost no body knew that this was another humiliation upon them for their disobedience towards Allah.

“AllahuAkbar!” The Imam calls out for the start of the first Rekk’a of Salatul-Janaazah. A feeling of fear and love of Allah passes through the air and through the hearts of the Muslims within the Masjid without them knowing, as Angels within the room constantly make Du’a towards Ahmad asking Allah for mercy, forgiveness and reward upon his soul. The only sign upon this Earth of this happening was the feeling of absolute concentration and crying towards Allah as the Muslims stood in Salat.

As these Muslims prayed towards Allah to ask Him to have mercy upon Ahmad, the angels with Ahmad already arrived to the Seventh Heaven and had his book written down in ‘Illiyun and back to Earth they headed. While those on Earth prayed for Ahmad, he was being treated to a death of honour, and yet an honour greater than this awaits him.

After Salat Muhammad turned around to the Sheik and asked with tears still in his eyes, “What about Mo and the girl?”

“There is a delay with their death certificates. The time the parents are finished sorting that out, the burial most likely will be on Saturday. Anyway, let us get going to the burial site.” The Sheik says as he compassionately takes Muhammad’s arm and guides him to the car.

The Angels with Ahmad have now come back to Earth, and the soul of Ahmad waits over his dead body. The body has now arrived to the burial ground. There, before Ahmad’s eyes is his own burial spot. Radiating light of different colours spring forth from his grave. Sounds similar to that of a miraculous waterfall and the falling of leaves can be heard in the distance, but the beauty of the sound multiplied thousands of times more than that of Earth. The smell from the foods of Paradise can be smelt from the distance; from food that cannot even be imagined or created upon this Earth.

“Please, please, let me get into my Grave!” Ahmad screams out in extreme excitement.

“Ahmad! Be patient, for I cannot even imagine how you will act when you set foot within Paradise!” The Angels say to him smiling.

Ahmad is in so much excitement and so determined to get within his grave, that this even has an impact upon his dead body!

As his body is carried towards the grave by his grieving father and other members of his relatives, the dead body becomes awfully light!

“SubhanAllah! My son’s body seems so light!” Muhammad says.

“Mashah’Allah. Those who are pious, their dead bodies seem light since the soul wants to get into the Grave, while that of the disbeliever and the disobedient, their bodies seem heavy since the soul does not want to enter the grave because of the horrors of what they see.” The Sheik says.

The closer Ahmad gets to his Grave, the greater his anticipation and happiness becomes. With all the joy he is experiencing, he does not even notice the surrounding events taking place!

The final time Ahmad’s dead body will see the light of day has now come. Muhammad gets inside of the grave along with the local Sheik. For the last time upon this Earth Muhammad takes his son in his arms and carefully positions him down into the grave. For the last time on this Earth, Muhammad looks into his son’s eyes and stares at him. The Sheik spots the tears developing in Muhammad’s eyes, his body beginning to shake with the sadness.

“Muhammad. Keep firm and patient.” The Sheik says to him quietly and calmly.

“Yes Inshah’Allah, but words cannot describe the feeling of burying my own son.”

“This is Qadr of Allah and this is surely a great test. Keep firm upon the path of the Sunnah and Qur’an and you will meet him again face to face, Inshah’Allah.”

If only his father sees the state of Ahmad now, he will surely smile and cry out of absolute happiness. Little does everyone know that Allah is going to send a sign upon them all of the condition and state of Ahmad!

Chapter 9

The Boy who tried to escape Death – ch7

Ahmad stares to the ground and continues to cross the road.  Shaytan senses the presence of death and rushes towards his enemy,  Ahmad.

“Look at the woman Ahmad! She is beautiful! Look at her to get rid of your satisfaction..!” Shaytan whispers into his ear.

Suddenly a truck several yards from the group automatically looses control. A loud screech is heard from the group as they turn around and spot the truck skidding towards them! Ahmad sees that the pious Muslim elderly Sister is in the line of collision! He drops the bags and rushes towards the Sister.

“By Allah, if I am going to do something for Allah, I will save this Muslim Sister to make Allah happy..!” Ahmad says to himself as he rushes to her and pushes her out the way. In those moments the truck smacks into Mo and the girl he is with knocking them flying into the air. Next in line is Ahmad. Ahmad manages to push the elderly Sister out of the way but is caught up in the collision. Within seconds all three teenagers are lying in pools of blood.

“Oh Allah, I am scared!  I don’t want to die like this, I did not even do my full five prayers yet! I did not fast…” Ahmad slowly says as tears roll down his face. Blood pours from the side of his body and skull.

The collision made enough sound for people to rush out of their homes. Even the Imam of the local Masjid came rushing out. The Sheik spotted Ahmad in the distance and ran towards him as fast as he could.

“Ahmad!” The Imam calls out as he rushes towards him taking hold of his bloodied hand.

“Pronounce Shahada!” The Imam calls out.

Suddenly a strange cold breeze is felt by Ahmad. In confusion he looks up and what he sees is something he could have never imagined in his life.

Two groups of astonishing angels begin descending from the sky. One group shining like the sun. Wings spreading as far as the eyes can see. A radiating beauty spreading from their faces and bodies, with comforting arms stretching forth. The other group on the other hand, have faces and bodies dark and terrifying, faces of extreme horror. Sounds of thunder bursting from their mouths carrying tools of torture within their hands.

” Lah He Lah Ha Ilallah!” Ahmad begins to call out.

The Imam smiles, tears rolling down his face. He spots sweat appear upon Ahmad’s forehead. The Imam knew that one who dies with sweat upon the brow is a good sign.

Ahmad still has no idea which groups of angels are going to whom. Suddenly Ahmad feels a relief that no human can ever feel in this life as he realises that the angels of extraordinary beauty are looking at him!

Ahmad raises his hands towards theirs, wanting to get away from the pain.

“No more crying Ahmad. Come to us. We are your friends. We love you so much Ahmad. We will look after you and care for you until you meet Allah who is very happy with you!” The angels call out as their hands come into contact with Ahmad’s. Slowly they take Ahmad’s soul more gently than a caring mother lifting her new born child.

Tears flow down the cheeks of Ahmad as he is left in absolute shock of what he is seeing. He spots an unbelievably looking cradle like bed made of a beautiful light of different colours being carried by one Angel. As the Angels slowly place his soul into the cradle, another Angel sprinkles a beautiful smelling musk never smelt by man upon Ahmad. Like little twinkling stars, they slowly fall upon Ahmad like small colourful snowflakes.

While Ahmad is being treated to this death of honour, the other group of terrifying Angels of torture headed towards Mo and the girl he was with!

Like a skewer being ripped through wet cotton wool, the Angels tear away at Mo’s and the girl’s soul. The Angels with Ahmad prevent him from hearing the screams of the two so that he can be at peace as much as possible.

“Oh Allah no! Please! I am a Muslim, I am a Muslim!” Mo screams as the Angels of punishment rip his soul out, veins and arteries dangling from his body.

“Muslim?! Do not degrade the name of Muslim! You disobeyed Allah and you lived in denial of Allah’s punishment! Now you will suffer for now and forever!” The Angels scream out to him in thundering voices as they throw his and the girls soul into a bed of dark black fire.

“May Allah curse you Mo! You guided me to this! May Allah give you a double punishment!” The girl screams out as her flesh and bone is left exposed as she burns slowly and agonisingly in the bed of fire.

“I did not force you to sin! You came to me willingly!” Mo cries out.

“Quiet! Save your arguments for The Day of Judgment!” The Angels scream out to them.

Both Mo and the girl look up and spot Ahmad.

“If only I listened to Ahmad on the road I may have been with him now” Mo says to himself as tears pour from his eyes from both the agony and the regret.

Back on Earth Ahmad’s parents have come onto the street to see what has happened.

Suddenly Ahmad’s father spots his son lying in a pool of blood on the road.

“Ya Allah no!” Ahmad’s father screams out as he rushes towards his son.

The Imam spots Ahmad’s father rushing towards the body. He quickly gets up and tries to prevent Ahmad’s father from approaching the dead body.

“What happened?! Is he ok?!” Ahmad’s father cries out.

The Imam takes Ahmad’s father by the shoulders and embraces him in his arms.

“Allah has taken Ahmad back to Him.” The Imam slowly says.

“Ya Allah! My son, my son!” Ahmad’s father says as he almost collapses to the floor.

The Imam slowly helps the father to sit upon the ground.

“Muhammad, listen to me. Your son has turned back to Allah. I saw him crying so much in the Masjid today. He was there for about two solid hours all by himself seeking forgiveness. I had a beautiful talk with him and he even bought you some gifts to try and please Allah in making you happy. Best of all dear Muhammad, he pronounced the Shahada before going, and not only that, but he saved an elderly Muslim Sister. He looked up into the sky and smiled just before his breathing stopped. Take this.” The Imam said as he handed the bag of gifts Ahmad bought for his parents.

Ahmad’s father was still in shock as he held the gifts in his hands. Slowly he lifted the gifts out of the bag. There he found a beautiful bottle of musk for himself and a delicious box of chocolate.

He read the following message attached to the musk:

“Dear beloved father. This is for you. I love Allah more than anything and I will do everything in my power to make you and mama happy. I cannot wait for tonight to pray ‘Ishah prayer with you at the Masjid!”

Tears poured from Ahmad’s father’s eyes.

“My son has made me proud! AllahuAkbar! AllahuAkbar!” Muhammad got up and ran towards his wife who had made her way back into the house seeking Allah to forgive her son.

“‘Aliya! ‘Aliya! Look at what our Ahmad got for us!” He quickly handed the box of chocolates to his wife and asked her to read the message:

“Dear beloved mother. These chocolates are for you. I have hurt you both physically and mentally, and by Allah it will never happen again. From now on I vow to make you smile and never frown. I vow to make you happy and never sad. By Allah, we will pray to Allah together, and Inshah’Allah we will walk into Paradise together as one big family.”

“SubhanAllah! Lah He Lah Ha Ilallah! My son turned back to Allah!” ‘Aliya cried out.

Muhammad told her the story of what the Imam told him.

Nobody knew of the honour and beauty Ahmad was experiencing, while nobody knew of what the terrors Mo and the girl were going through.

Chapter 8

The Boy who tried to escape Death – ch6

Ahmad felt pure. A feeling of a happiness that is indestructible; and this happiness is one that can only be felt after doing a deed pleasing to Allah while continuing on a right path.

Ahmad walked down the street listening to the birds around chirping, praising Allah in ways He (Allah) knows best.

Suddenly Mo came around the corner unexpectedly.

“Ahmad! So good to see you again!” Mo called out.

Ahmad smiled.

“Where are you off too?” Mo asked.

“Well…I…To be honest Mo, I am going to the Masjid.”

“What!!! Are you mad?! That place?!”

“Listen Mo. You won’t understand until you open your eyes.”

“And are your eyes open?”

“I am at least trying.”

“Ha! You can live your life in boredom Ahmad, but at the end of the day, some day I will be in the same Heaven as you, and then you will regret not having fun now.”

“Mo! How are you so sure of entering Paradise?”

“Yes! Because Allah and His Prophet (saws) said.”

“We are in no situation to start interpreting Hadith Mo. Anyway, do you really think that the people of Paradise will regret not doing sinful things? In fact it would be the complete opposite.”

“I cannot believe you have gotten brainwashed Ahmad. But I know a way to change your mind…” Ahmad smirked towards Mo and quickly ran off.

“…Oh no! What is he up too..?” Ahmad thought to himself.

Ahmad continued on towards the Masjid.

As Ahmad walked towards the doors of the Masjid, the hairs on his body stood on end.

“…This is it…” Ahmad said to himself as he opened the door of the Masjid and entered.

Inside was empty. Inside was very quiet. Ahmad walked over to the corner of the Masjid and sat down facing the Qibla.

“Ya Allah! Forgive me! I am so scared of you now. I have done so much that you hate, yet you did not take my soul…” For two whole hours Ahmad cried and spoke to Allah. Tears streamed down his face. In fact, he cried so much the carpet beneath his face was wet with tears.

Time past on. Suddenly the local Sheik entered the room and spotted Ahmad. He stood for a moment listening to Ahmad’s Du’a. He was so moved by it, his eyes began to shed tears. He slowly approached Ahmad and carefully comforted him. Ahmad jumped slightly.

“Oh Sheik…I…I am sorry for…” Ahmad said embarrassed, but before he could finish the Sheik said:

“Ahmad. It’s ok. I see that you feel embarrassed, but that is good. It is better to be embarrassed than one who shows off.” The Sheik said as he smiled towards Ahmad.

“Your father and mother would be really proud of you. But most and best of all, you have submitted your whole self to Allah.” The Sheik continued on.

“I angered my parents oh Sheik. How can I make them happy?” Ahmad said.

“You have already made them happy when they see you now. Your father is very proud of you.”

“I mean, I want to get them something nice, as a gift.”

“Hmm. Well, you can get your mother some flowers or chocolate, and your father some perfume maybe?”

Ahmad smiled and said, “Wonderful idea. I will do that.”

“Here.” The Sheik said as he handed Ahmad two small pieces of paper and a pen.

“Write a small message to each of your parents and stick it on the gifts when you buy them.” The sheik said.

Ahmad began to write down small messages to his mother and father on the separate pages.

“Jazak Allah Kher Sheik. I cannot wait to get back and see my parents smile!” Ahmad said ecstatically as he got up.

“Barak Allah Fekum Ahmad! I cannot wait for ‘Ishah prayer tonight to see you and your father come Inshah’Allah!” The Sheik replied smiling.

“You will see us both Inshah’Allah!” Ahmad answered.

Ahmad gave the Sheik a big hug and began to make his journey towards some local shops.

Ahmad spent some time selecting some gifts for his parents with the money he got. He managed to buy some lovely perfume for his father and a delicious box of chocolates for his mother. After buying the gifts he stuck the small messages on them and prepared his blessed journey home.

Time ticks away…Not a single Human or Jinn on this Earth has realised that Allah has just ordered the Angels of Death to prepare to take a few peoples soul including Ahmad’s…!

Ahmad begins his journey home still constantly seeking Allah’s forgiveness…Mo with a half dressed girl in his arm spots Ahmad from a distance and smirks making his way towards Ahmad preparing to perform his disgusting sinful plan…A pious elderly Muslim lady prepares to cross the road…Ahmad begins to cross the road…Mo quickly runs to the centre of the road and calls out, “Yo Ahmad! Look at the chick I got for you! She can be yours right now!”

“…Oh no! Ya Allah help me…!” Ahmad says to himself trying his best to keep staring towards the ground, knowing that his weak point are women…The pious elderly Muslim lady begins to cross the road…And then death prepares to strike from all angles!!!

Chapter 7

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