The Journey of the Hereafter part 5

Asalamu Alikum

A Clean Heart

The Messenger a of Allah was seated in a gathering with the Sahabah when he looked towards the entrance and said, “A man of Paradise is coming.” At that instance someone who seemed to be very ordinary entered the mosque where they were seated. A Sahabi was curious as to why the Prophet said this, so he followed the man to his house. This Sahabi told the man that he was a traveler and stayed as a guest. For three days the Sahabi saw nothing unusual, so he finally told the man what the Prophet had said and asked him what was so special. The man thought for a long time and said, “There might be one thing – before going to sleep every night I forgive everyone and sleep with a clean heart.”
We should all take an example from this hadith and hold ill feeling toward no one. We should have a big heart and forgive for the sake of Allah. Allah says that He will forgive people quickly if they forgive each other quickly in this life. Consequently, Allah will be harsh on whoever is harsh with people in this life. We need to forgive each other quickly and refrain from harshness. Moreover we should not get angry over small things and make them a major issue.

Controlling Anger

Allah loves those who control their anger. The person who controls his anger despite having the upper hand and the ability to exact revenge will be so special to Allah that he will be able to look upon Allah in Paradise. Allah will show Himself to such a person because He loves those who exercise mercy when angered.
Let us think on what a good trade this is. We will be among those who will see Allah if only we practice patience and control our anger. We should forgive others but not ourselves. We make the biggest mistakes and ignore them, but refuse to forgive others for the smallest mistakes. Our animal desires are pushing us into Hell, but we remain busy in nurturing those same desires. A person should practice self-control and good manners under all circumstances and advise others of the same.
Our time is growing shorter everyday. Let it not be that we are not ready when the Angel of Death comes. The Angel of Death will not ask if the person has any matters left undone, just like a young man is not asked upon his death when he was due to be married. Those who will come to take us will not ask these useless questions, but will take us at the appointed time. Going anywhere without preparation proves very hazardous, and this is why we need to make preparations for the Hereafter now.

A Bitter Taste

Hadrat Isa used to live atop a hill with his mother Hadrat Maryam. They used to spend their days in fasting, and Hadrat Isa used to pick fruits from the mangroves below whenever they ate. One day a stranger appeared at the door when Hadrat Isa was gone. Hadrat Maryam grew frightened and asked who he was. The man said, “I am the one who comes to every door without notice.” Hadrat Maryam realized that he was the Angel of Death and requested enough time until her fast was over. The Angel said that the appointed time cannot be shortened or lengthened for anyone, and Hadrat Maryam was thus taken.
When Hadrat Isa returned he did not disturb his mother because he thought she was asleep. However, he approached to wake her as night fell and only then realized that she had left this life. He cried and requested permission from Allah to be able to say farewell. Allah granted his request and Hadrat Maryam opened her eyes. She said to her son, “My son, I have drunk from a cup whose drink is so bitter that I cannot rid my mouth of the aftertaste.” Saying this she again closed her eyes.
Now let us evaluate ourselves and see if we are ready for death. Where do we stand in comparison to this chaste lady who is describing death in such grim words? The fortunate are only those who prepare for their death so they will be at peace in the grave and in the Afterlife. However, we will be in the greatest turmoil if we lose the Decision on the Day and are pushed into Hell. We are so spoiled and have been raised in such comfort that we cannot bear the heat of noonday or the heat of our ovens. The heat and fire of Hell is seventy times the magnitude of anything in this life.
The time to save ourselves from the intensity of this fire is now. The time to prepare for the Hereafter is now. May Allah give us the wisdom and guidance to treat each other with respect, and prepare for our death. We live in luxury and enjoy of Allah’s bounties without thanks and we still think that we will enter Paradise. Why should Allah grant us everlasting happiness and joy if we are so ungrateful and undeserving?
We all have to die, and will die, and there is no escaping that or the Judgment to come. The Angel of Death will come and grab us by the throat and dig his claws into our chest. Can we say that we are ready? We need to start evaluating our lives now and become serious about worshipping and pleasing Allah if we claim to be serious about our religion