© 2009 - AlMarhama Islamic Services
The following points are some advice to guide all of us to be prepared for our eternal life:
- Maintain a clear understanding of the purpose of our creation. Allah swt says: "He is Allah who has created Death and Life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving" (76-2).
- Each and every living being must eventually face death. There is no escape from it. Allah swt says: "Wherever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!" (4-78).
- Remembering death in each moment of our lives. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Increase your remembrance of the destroyer of enjoyment".
- Recognizing and holding oneself accountable for what one has done and what should be done. Allah swt says: "O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the tomorrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do" (59-18).
- Taking a step towards the Day of Judgment by preparing and buying your grave today. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The grave is the first step toward the Hereafter, and if it is good then everything following it will also be good".
- Repeating the Dua'a of the Prophets: "O Allah, The (only) Creator of the Heavens and the Earth! You are my Walî (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian, etc.) in this World and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous" (12-101).
Have you prepared your eternal home?
"O my people, this worldly life is only temporary enjoyment,
and indeed, the hereafter is the home of permanent
settlement"(40-39)
Pondering about, and preparing for our eternal life highlights the purpose and meaning of our worldly life. Indeed, it motivates each one of us to do much good deeds to earn the delight of our ultimate destiny.
In Islam, the wisest person is the one who lives, righteously and sincerely, the temporary worldly life, while aiming with hope and carefully planning for the everlasting life. Our Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said: "Clever is the one who prepares for life after death." He also said (peace be upon him): "The most intelligent person is the one who remembers death often". And he also said: "Be in this world as if you were a stranger or wayfarer".
The above prophetic narrations clearly indicate that we are in this world for a purpose and not just for pleasure and entertainment.
These prophetic narrations inform us that our worldly Life is very short and limited, and that this lifetime is for a purpose and not just for worldly pleasures and entertainment. Therefore, each one of us has to excel in reaching this purpose, until death overtakes us. Our prophet (pbuh) says: "Take advantage of your life before your death." Thus, we have to ask ourselves: Are we ready for that ultimate moment? What are the signs of our readiness? What do we need to do to prepare for that moment? All these questions are legitimate and we owe it to ourselves to answer them clearly, frequently, and practically during our lives and before we are faced with that dramatic moment.
