A Simple Step to Success

[ummtaalib]

A Simple Step to Success

By Shaykhul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh 

 

As believers, we all have a responsibility to live our lives according to the commands decreed by Allāh ta‘ālā. While some are more guilty than others, from time to time we all find ourselves in breach of His Laws.

Whilst advising friends who had joined me in i‘tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadān this year (November 2007), a thought came to my mind which I felt strongly would be helpful for a believer to keep within the bounds set by Allāh ta‘ālā. I would like to share this with my dear readers too.

Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

Actions are judged on the final outcome (i.e. death). (Al-Bukhārī)

In light of this Hadīth, every individual should imagine before carrying out any action, that this may be his/her final action. If we carry out this exercise with full conviction, it will prove sufficient to keep us steadfast in abstaining from sins and fulfilling the Commands of Allāh ta‘ālā. Furthermore, it will improve the quality of our good deeds and help us to refrain from sins. Let us take an example to understand this better:

If a person who stands for salāh imagines that it could be his final action and that he may not get an opportunity to perform another salāh, he will be able to concentrate to a greater degree and develop greater sincerity. When another person, who intended to miss his salāh out of laziness, imagines that these could be his final moments, it will encourage him to perform his salāh.

Whenever an opportunity arises to sin, be it casting lustful glances, backbiting, adultery or taking intoxicants, it should be imagined that these are one’s final moments. One should ask oneself: ‘what if I were to die whilst in this state of sin? Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has said that every person will be resurrected in the condition in which he/she died (Muslim), so how will I be able to face my Creator?’

Inshā’allāh, this exercise will prove helpful in keeping us on the path of the Pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā and keeping us away from His Displeasure.

Extracted from 'Inspirations' (Part 1)

© Islāmic Da'wah Academy