Embracing Taqwa: Preparing for the Hereafter

The Importance of Taqwa and Self-Preparation for the Afterlife

ALLĀH says,

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَلۡتَنظُرۡ نَفۡسٌ مَّا قَدَّمَتۡ لِغَدٍۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ

O you who believe, fear ALLĀH, and let every soul consider what it has sent forth for tomorrow. And fear ALLĀH, for verily ALLĀH is well aware of all that you do.

Here ALLĀH enjoins HIS believing slaves to do that which is dictated by faith and fear of HIM, secretly and openly, in all situations, and to pay attention to what ALLĀH enjoins upon them of commands, laws and limits, and to think of what they have achieved and where they failed, and what they have attained of deeds that will benefit them or harm them on the Day of Resurrection.

If they make the hereafter their main concern and primary focus, and concentrate their intentions on it, they will strive hard in doing a lot of good deeds that will help them to reach it, and they will rid themselves of distractions and obstacles that will halt or hinder their efforts, or divert them. If they also know that ALLĀH is aware of what they are doing, and that their deeds are not hidden from HIM and no good deed will go unnoticed by HIM, that will make them strive hard.

This verse offers a guideline with regard to taking stock of oneself, and reminds the believer that he should continue to check on himself and if he sees any lapse, he must take action by giving it up, repenting sincerely and turning away from any means that may lead to it. If he sees himself falling short with regard to any divine command, he should strive hard and seek the help of his Lord in completing it, perfecting it and doing it properly.

HE should compare the blessings that ALLĀH has bestowed generously upon him with his shortcomings, for that will undoubtedly make him feel embarrassed.

{Tafsi‌r As-Sa’di}

#sadi #hashr (59:18)

Al-Bara’ (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: We were with the Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) at a funeral and he was sitting beside the edge of the grave, weeping until the ground became wet.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “O my brethren, prepare for the likes of this.”

{Sunan Ibn Ma‌jah #4195}