When Allah (God) created the Earth, he did not create it with the intention that this is the final abode for my creation. This world is not even worth the wing of a mosquito in the sight of Allah (SWT), so why do we think and act like we are on this earth forever? Why do we think that there isn’t another life awaiting us?
When we lose a family member or a close friend, we start thinking why did this happen to me? We forget that death is inevitable and that we can neither run nor hide, we cannot escape death. This realization only became apparent to me when Allah (SWT) inflicted death on my little baby daughter. This is when I started to ponder, if Allah (SWT) can take away an innocent little baby, what makes us think that death will not incur upon us. Maybe we know that yes death is coming and yes we are all going to die, but if we had true conviction in this, we would be preparing ourselves every night and day. Just as a person prepares for a holiday, they organize their luggage and passport. But this particular holiday is forever and to prepare us for the best journey (where the departure date is unknown) we must always be ready, this is achieved through our good deeds (a’mal), repentance (taubah) etc. We should all yearn and strive to meet our lord our creator with all hope.
“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the book of decrees – before we bring it into existence” (Quran Chapter 57 Verse 22).
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said “whoever Allah (SWT) wishes good for, he inflicts him with hardship”.
So for this reason do not be uneasy or sad when you are inflicted with the death of a daughter, son, parent, or friend.. Allah (SWT) has ordained it to happen and Allah (SWT) knows what is best. We may think what has befallen is unjust, but in actual fact, it may just be best for us. So we must bear it patiently, and it is only when we have true belief in this shall we be rewarded and our sins shall be wiped away, InshaAllah (God Willing).
When Allah (SWT) takes something away from us he compensates us with something better. But we must always remember it did not belong to us in the first place it is only a trust from Allah (SWT).
The Prophet Muhammad (PUH) said “Whoever loses a loved one from the people of this world and then seeks his recompense with his Lord will be compensated with Paradise”.
“Peace be upon you because you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home (Quran Chapter 13 Verse 24).
We must ponder over the rewards that lay ahead of us by persevering through any difficulty with patience.
Truly this life is short so we must be very thankful to our lord and turn to him in every situation whether it is good or bad and believe that Allah (SWT) knows what is best for us. The hereafter is everlasting and is better and whoever is inflicted here shall be rewarded in the next life. Whoever works and strives in this life will find comfort and ease in the next. So turn to your Lord with open hands, or place your forehead on the ground and make supplication to Allah (SWT) for it is He only who answers prayers. Only then will your sadness and grief be turned into contentment and joy as realization sets in of the utopia (perfect world) that waits in the next life which Allah (SWT) has promised for those who are patient.
I once recall reading in a book; a poet had written “Oh afflicted ones, if you are patient you lose nothing and though you may not perceive it you are profiting”.
Islam helps us deal with every situation, good or bad such as my experience. Every person comes across dilemmas throughout there lives. Without a religion or some belief, many find it hard to cope with tragic situations. They start questioning everything and may not find any answers. My belief in this religion, gave me comfort to deal with my loss.
