A Muslim is invited to seek Allah’s pleasure
and stay away from anything that brings His anger. This doesn’t just mean
avoiding sins; it means living a life that reflects divine values and
principles, with the hope that Allah will welcome us with His mercy – not only
when we leave this world, but also on the Day of Judgement. Allah says in Surah
Al-Imran (3: 32): “Say: If you truly love Allah, then follow me; Allah will
love you and forgive your sins. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
This verse reminds us that Allah’s love comes through obedience to the Prophet – whether it’s the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), or any prophet sent in different times to revive Islam in the hearts of those who had forgotten it. We must remember that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the perfect example for all humanity, even for the prophets who came and who will continue to come after him. These prophets are called to uphold his honour, the honour of Allah –our Creator, and to restore the true value of the Qur’an. The life of the Prophet is a model of virtue for all of us. Whoever follows his path will receive Allah’s forgiveness and love – two essential gifts for entering Paradise.
The moment of death is a decisive one, when a
person’s life on earth is presented. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) described it
clearly: “The Angel of Death will sit near the head of a believer and say: “O
good soul! Come out to enjoy forgiveness and divine mercy.” (Abu Dawud)
This is a sign that the person has earned Allah’s pleasure and is about to
enter a new phase of joy.
Many people don’t realise that their daily
actions shape their future in the hereafter. If they truly understood this,
they would act with care and think twice before speaking. A believer would try
to bring joy to others, avoid causing harm, and protect themselves from bad
deeds. Even the words spoken at a funeral carry spiritual weight.
Anas (ra) reported a Hadith: A funeral passed
by, and people praised the deceased. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “It has
become obligatory for him” (three times). Another funeral passed, and
people spoke badly of the deceased. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “It has
become obligatory for him” (three times). Umar (ra) asked what this meant,
and the Holy Prophet (pbuh) replied: “The one you praised, Paradise has
become obligatory for him; the one you criticised, Hell has become obligatory
for him. You are Allah’s witnesses on earth.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Allah promises His love to those who believe
and do good deeds. In Surah Maryam (19: 97), He says: “To those who believe and do righteous deeds, the Most
Gracious will grant love.” This verse shows that faith and good
actions are not just ways to avoid punishment; they are paths to Allah’s love,
which is the highest reward.
It’s striking to see that many Muslims, despite
material success, suffer from a lack of inner peace. They build beautiful homes
and gather wealth, yet they remain troubled. This paradox shows that material
comfort doesn’t guarantee happiness. The endless chase after worldly things, at
the cost of eternal life, is an illusion. True life is in the hereafter. This
life is just a test.
Allah says in Surah Ar-Ra’d (13: 29): “Those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the
remembrance of Allah – surely, it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts
find peace.” This verse gives a clear answer: inner peace doesn’t
come from gold or jewels, but from a strong connection with our Creator.
The length of time in the grave is unknown;
only Allah knows when the Day of Judgement will come. For those living today,
this period could last centuries. Yet Islam offers ways to protect ourselves
from punishment in the grave. To earn this protection, one must live in harmony
with Islamic teachings – embracing what is lawful and avoiding what is
forbidden.
A Hadith describes the first moments in the
grave, when two angels question the deceased. The conversation goes like this: “Who
is your Lord?” – Allah is my Lord. “What is your religion?” – Islam
is my religion. “Who is the man sent to you?” – He is the Messenger of
Allah. “How do you know?” – I read Allah’s Book, believed in it, and
declared it true.
Then a voice from the heavens will say: “My
servant has spoken the truth. Cover his grave with the ornaments of Paradise,
clothe him in garments from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise.”
The soothing scent of Paradise will reach him, and his grave will expand as far
as the eye can see. A radiant figure, dressed beautifully and smelling sweet,
will greet him: “Good news! Today is the day you were promised.” When
the deceased asks who he is, the figure will reply: “I am your good deeds.”
As for the one who did not believe, his journey
to the next life begins with fear. Angels with dark faces and fiery shrouds
will surround him. The Angel of Death will say: “O wicked soul! Come out to
face Allah’s anger and wrath.” His soul will be torn out painfully, like
iron combs ripping through wet wool. It will be wrapped in a burning shroud
with a foul stench. The angels will ascend with it, but the gates of heaven
will be closed to him. He will be cast down, and his fate sealed. (Abu Dawud,
Ahmad)
So, the greatest success for a Muslim is to enter
Paradise. Only the teachings of Islam can save us from Hell. Allah says in
Surah Al-Imran (3: 186): “Every soul shall taste death. But only on the Day
of Resurrection will you be given your full reward. Whoever is kept away from
the Fire and admitted to Paradise has truly succeeded. This worldly life is
nothing but a deceiving enjoyment.”
This verse sums up the Islamic philosophy of life: death is certain, life on earth is short, and true success lies in the hereafter. It’s not about escaping the world, but living in it with awareness, keeping our eyes on what comes next, i.e., the eternal life.
Islam teaches that every moment is a chance to draw closer to Allah. Success in the hereafter depends on sincerity, righteousness, and commitment to divine values. Paradise isn’t a distant dream; it’s a promised reality for those who live with true faith and integrity. Each of us should reflect on these truths and shape our lives around what is lasting, noble, and eternal.
May Allah help us – the Ummah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – to reach the gates of Heaven with ease. May He grant us His love and mercy through our good deeds and pure intentions. May everything we do carry His approval, and may He be pleased with us, just as we hope to be pleased with Him. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
[----Friday Sermon of 12 September 2025 ~ 19 Rabi'ul Awwal 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius].