before or had earned through its faith some good.) [6:158]
All material things which man used to seek help with will come to an end. Allah says:
(“And you have certainly come to Us alone as We created you the first time, and you
have left whatever We bestowed upon you behind you. And We do not see with you
your ‘intercessors’ which you claimed that they were among you associates [of Allah].
It has [all] been severed between you, and lost from you is what you used to claim.”)
[6:94]
The only thing that remains are the deeds which he did in this life; whether evil or
good. Allah says:
(So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it. And whosoever
does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.) [99:7-8]
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER ALLAH RESURRECTS
US?
After Resurrection, man would either go to Jannah or to Hell; which are eternal. Its
inhabitants would also live eternally in their abodes. Mankind will be judged by Allah,
the Exalted, who is Just. Allah says:
(And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be
dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will
bring it. And sufficient are We as accountant.) [21:47]
Every nation will be judged according to the Deen which their messenger conveyed
to them. Allah says:
([And mention] the Day We will call forth every people with their record [of deeds]. Then
whoever is given his record in his right hand - those will read their records, and injustice
will not be done to them, not in the least degree. And whoever is blind in this world will
be blind in the Hereafter, and more astray from the Path.) [17:71-72]
The Muslims would enter Jannah, whose joy is eternal, because they believed and did
good deeds. They fulfilled what Allah and His Messenger commanded them with, and
abstained from that which they were prohibited. No one will die in it, as Our Lord Allah
informed us, saying:
(Verily, the righteous will be in a secure place among Gardens and Springs. Wearing
had enumerated it, while they forgot it; and Allah is, over all things,
Witness.) [58:6]
On that great day, humans will disown their closest and most
beloved relations. Allah says:
(Then when there comes the Deafening Blast, that Day shall a man
flee from his brother, and from his mother and his father, and from
his wife and his children. Every person that Day will have enough to
make him careless of others.) [80:33-37]
When evildoers see the punishment with their own eyes, they
would wish that they could ransom themselves from the Fire with
the most beloved people to them. Allah says:
(They will be shown each other. The criminal will wish that he
could be ransomed from the punishment of that Day by his
children, and his wife and his brother, and his kindred who
sheltered him, and all that are in the earth, so that it might save
him.) [70:11-14]
That Day will come to pass; no one can ransom himself nor will
there be bartering. Allah says:
(Verily, those who disbelieve, if they had all that is in the earth, and
as much again therewith to ransom themselves thereby from the
torment on the Day of Resurrection, it would never be accepted of
them, and theirs would be a painful torment.) [5:36]
The only thing accepted on that Day is one’s righteous deeds. Allah
says:
(And it is not your wealth or your children that bring you nearer to
Us in position, but it is [by being] one who has believed and done
righteousness. For them there will be the double reward for what
they did, and they will be in the upper chambers [of Paradise], safe
[and secure].) [34:37]
On that Day:
(... No soul will benefit from its faith as long as it had not believed
●●When evildoers see
the punishment with
their own eyes, they
would wish that
they could ransom
themselves from the
Fire with the most
beloved people to
them.
●●On that great day,
humans will disown
their closest and most
beloved relations.
The End
Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sheha
61
[garments of ] fine silk and brocade, facing each other. Thus. And We will marry them
to fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes. They will call therein for every kind of fruit in
peace and security. They will never taste death therein except the first death, and He
will save them from the torment of the blazing Fire. As a Bounty from your Lord! That
will be the supreme success!) [44:51-57]
As for the blessings which the people of Jannah will enjoy; the Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated
that Allah(1) said:
“I have prepared for my righteous slaves such (a reward) that no eye has seen, nor ear
has heard, nor has any human even imagined it.” Abu Hurairah said: “Read if you like the
saying of Allah:
(No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used
to do.) [32:17](2)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The first group (of people) to enter Jannah will be shining like the moon on a fullmoon
night. Then will come those who follow them who will be like the most shining
planet in the sky. They will not stand in need of urinating or relieving of nature or of
spitting or blowing their noses. Their combs will be of gold and their sweat will smell
like perfume; in their incense burner the aloes-wood will be used. Their wives will be
large eyed maidens. All men will be alike in the form of their father ‘Adam, sixty cubits
tall.” [Ibn Hibbaan]
Jaabir reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The inhabitants of Jannah will eat and drink therein, but they will not have to pass
excrement, to blow their noses or to urinate. Their food will be digested producing a
belch which will give out a smell like that of perfume. They will be inspired to declare
the freedom of Allah from imperfection and proclaim His Greatness as easily as you
breathe.” [Muslim]
Zaid bin Arqam said:
“A man from the Jews came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said: ‘O Abaa al-Qaasim(3)!
Don’t you think that the people of Jannah eat and drink? The Messenger of
(1) In a Hadeeth Qudsi.
(2) Bukhari.
(3) The nickname of the Prophet Muhammad.
The End
.
62 63
Muslim]
As for the disbelievers who reject and belie the messengers and their message, their
end will be the Hellfire, and they will reside therein forever. Allah says:
(But for those who disbelieve will be the fire of Hell. [Death] is not decreed for them
so they may die, nor will its torment be lightened for them. Thus do we recompense
every ungrateful one. And they will cry out therein, “Our Lord, remove us; we will do
righteousness - other than what we were doing!” But did We not grant you life enough
for whoever would remember therein to remember, and the warner had come to you?
So taste [the punishment], for there is not for the wrongdoers any helper.) [35: 36-37]
The Noble Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم described the least amount of punishment meted out in the
Hellfire in his saying:
“The least amount of punishment meted out to a person in Hellfire on the Day of
Judgment will be one whom two flaming coals will be placed under the arches of his
feet. His brains will boil as a copper vessel or a narrow-necked vessel boils with water.”
[Bukhari]
Another factor which will increase the people of Jannah in their joys and blessings
and the people of Hellfire in their sorrow is what the Messenger of Allah mentioned
in his saying:
“Death will be brought forth in the form of a black and white speckled ram, and a
caller will cry out, ‘O people of Paradise!’ They will crane their necks and look, and he
will say, ‘Do you recognize this?’ They will say, ‘Yes, it is death,’ as all of them will have
seen it. Then he will cry out, ‘O people of Hell!’ They will crane their necks and look,
and he will say, ‘Do you recognize this?’ They will say, ‘Yes, it is death,’ as all of them will
have seen it. Then the ram will be slaughtered, and he (the caller) will say, ‘O people of
Paradise, [your life] is eternal and there will be no death; O people of Hell, [your life] is
eternal and there will be no death.’” Then the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم recited:
(And warn them [Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم] of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be concluded;
and [yet], they are in [a state of] heedlessness, and they do not believe.) [19:39](5)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also said:
“None shall enter Jannah until he is shown (while in the grave) the place he would
have resided in the Hellfire if he did evil, so that he will feel more joy and show more
gratitude. And none shall enter the Hellfire until he is shown the place he would have
(5) Bukhari.
Allah said: “By him in whose hand is my soul. Everyone of you
will be given the strength of a hundred men in his ability to eat,
drink, and have intimacy.” The Jew said: “Indeed one who eats
and drinks must also relieve himself.” The Messenger of Allah
responded: “They relieve themselves by perspiring through
their skins, and its fragrance will be that of perfume, and all
stomachs will have become lean.” [Ibn Hibbaan]
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“A caller will call and say: Indeed may you be healthy and never be
sick again, may you live and never die again, may you be young and
never grow feeble again, may you enjoy, and never feel sorrow and
regret again. And this is the saying of Allah:
(And it will be cried out to them: ‘This is the Jannah which you have
inherited for what you used to do.’) [7:43].”(4)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also informed us about the bounties enjoyed by the
inhabitants of the lowest level of Jannah. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Indeed I know of the last of the people to leave the Hellfire and the
last of the people to enter Jannah: it will be a person who leaves
the Hellfire crawling. Allah will say, ‘Go and enter Jannah.’ When he
arrives at it, it will be made to seem as if it is full, so he will return
and say, ‘O my Lord, I have found it to be full.’ Allah will repeat, ‘Go
and enter Jannah.’ When he arrives at it, it will be made to seem as
if it is full, so he will return and say, ‘O my Lord, I have found it to be
full.’ Then Allah will say, ‘Go and enter Jannah, for indeed for you is
the likes of the world tenfold (or ten times greater than the world)’
He will say, ‘I know that you are you not mocking me (or laughing at
me) for You are the King [but the strange thing is how can you grant
me this while I do not deserve it]!’.”
The narrator then said:
Upon that, I saw the Messenger of Allah laugh until his molar started
to show. That was said to be the lowest level of Jannah. [Bukhari &
(4) Muslim.
●●As for the disbelievers
who reject and belie
the messengers and
their message, their
end will be the Hellfire,
and they will reside
therein forever.
●● The Prophet said: “The
first group (of people)
to enter Jannah will be
shining like the moon
on a full-moon night.”
The End
.
64 65
ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people
who think deeply.) [39:42]
Al-‘Aas bin Waa`il came to the Messenger of Allah with a crumbling bone, and crushed
it, and then said:
‘O Muhammad! Will Allah raise this after it has become dust?” He replied, “Indeed Allah
will raise this! He will cause you to die, then He will bring you back to life and then He
will put you in the Hellfire.”
He (the narrator) said,
“Then the following verses were revealed:
(Does not man see that We have created him from a Nutfah, then at once he is a clear
adversary? And he presents for Us an example and forgets his [own] creation. He says,
“Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?” Say, “He will give them life who
produced them the first time; and He is, of all creation, Knowing.” [It is] He who made
for you from the green tree, fire, and then from it you ignite. Is not He, Who created the
heavens and the earth Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed! He is the All-Knowing
Creator. His command is only when He intends a thing that He says to it, “Be,” and it is. So
exalted is He in whose hand is the realm of all things, and to Him you will be returned.)
[36:77-83](6)
(6) Ibn Hibban.
resided in Jannah if he did righteousness, so that he will feel more
agony.” [Bukhari]
From here the true, everlasting life will start and only those who
prepared for it by submitting to the Creator in belief and doing good
deeds will experience the real joy.
EVIDENCES OF THE RESURRECTION IN
THE QUR’AN
The Qur’an has encouraged man in many verses to ponder over
the nature of their creation. He who created them out of nothing is
indeed able to bring them back to life once again. Allah says:
(And the disbeliever says, “When I have died, am I going to be
brought forth alive?” Does not man remember that We created him
before, while he was nothing?) [19:66-67]
Allah encourages man to ponder over how He produces fresh
vegetation from land which was once dead. Allah says:
(And of His signs is that you see the earth stilled, but when We send
down upon it rain, it quivers and grows. Indeed, He who has given
it life is the Giver of Life to the dead. Indeed, He is over all things
competent.) [41:39]
Allah encourages humans to ponder over the creation of the
heavens and the earth which is something greater than the creation
of humans. Allah says:
(Do they not see that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth,
and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the
dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things.) [46:33]
Allah encourages man to ponder over how they wake up from their
sleep, which is similar to life after death. This is the reason why it is
called the ‘lesser’ form of death. Allah says:
(It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those
that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has
●●Allah encourages man
to ponder over how
He produces fresh
vegetation from land
which was once dead.
●● The Qur’an has
encouraged man in
many verses to ponder
over the nature of
their creation. He who
created them out of
nothing is indeed able
to bring them back to
life once again.
The End
Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sheha
67
WHAT IS ISLAM?
It is the Deen which was revealed to Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and it has abrogated all religions.
Allah says:
“It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it
over all religion, although those who associate others with Allah dislike it.) [61:9]
It is the only Deen which will be accepted by Allah; all other religions will be rejected.
Allah says:
(But whoever disbelieves in it from the [various] factions - the Fire is his promised
destination. So be not in doubt about it. Indeed, it is the truth from your Lord, but
most of the people do not believe.) [11:17]
Islam is to submit to Allah, believing in His Oneness, obeying His commands
submissively and willingly, and denouncing all false gods or associates to Allah in
worship. It is a Deen with over a billion adherents and growing everyday in all parts
of the world!
It is a Deen which people are racing to accept, even though it is spread and conveyed
inadequately. Nonetheless, rarely would one apostatize after accepting it. No Deen
will be accepted after the commissioning of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم except Islam. Allah says:
(And whoever seeks a Deen other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in
the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.) [3:85]
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“By Him in Whose Hands is Muhammad’s soul. None hears of me amongst humanity,
not even a Jew or a Christian, and dies not believing in what I have been sent with,
except that he will be from the inhabitants of the Hellfire.” [Muslim]
THE PRINCIPAL PILLARS OF ISLAM
Islam has obligated numerous acts of worship which comprise of statements, actions,
and beliefs. The statements and actions are called the Pillars of Islam; it is the deciding
factor by which a person is ruled a Muslim or a non-Muslim.
Islam does not call its followers to merely perform these acts of worship; these acts
would lead one to purifying his soul, and keeping it aright. The goal behind performing
these acts of worship is that one would rectify himself and adhere to the Straight
Path. Allah says about the Prayer (Salah):
HOW CAN
ONE SAVE
HIMSELF?
If you want to know what the accepted Deen on that Day is; the Deen which will lead
man to live a life of eternal happiness under the mercy of Allah, and which will save him
from eternal misery; then know that this is the Deen of Islam, which was revealed to the
Prophet Muhammad .صلى الله عليه وسلم
How Can One Save Himself
.
68 69
Allah is the Creator, and thus deserves to be worshipped alone.
The meaning of the second testimony, that ‘Muhammad is his Messenger’, is to believe
that he is the servant of Allah and His Messenger who received revelation, that he was
ordered to convey it to mankind at large, and that he was the last of the messengers.
No other prophet or messenger will come after him. This testimony entails that we
must obey him in what he ordered, believe in all that he said, and abstain from what
he prohibited.
THE PRAYER (SALAH)
The Prayer is a means through which a Muslim maintains a relationship between
himself and his Lord. Whenever a person becomes absorbed in the entertainments
of this life and his Faith starts to weaken, one hears the call to prayer [Adhaan] and
responds to it by making his prayer which would strengthen his Faith. Through this,
one maintains a continual relationship with His Creator.
There are five prayers which must be performed in the day and night. Men should
observe them in the Masjid [mosque] in congregation, except for those who have a
valid excuse. Through this, Muslims come to know one another, and the bonds of love
and unity which hold them together are built, maintained and strengthened. They
come to know of the condition of their fellow Muslims on a daily basis. If someone
is not present and thought to be sick, they visit him, and if it seems that he is falling
short in some of his obligations, they advise him. All social differences, such as class,
race, and status are disregarded, for Muslims line up side by side in straight rows, all
facing one direction (Mecca) all at the same time. All are rendered equal in regards to
their subservience to Allah and standing before Him.
THE OBLIGATORY CHARITY (ZAKAH)
It is a certain percentage of money which a rich Muslim gives to the poor and needy
to save them from the humility of begging. It is compulsory upon every Muslim who
possesses the Nisaab (minimum amount upon which Zakah is due). Allah says:
(And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in
religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the
correct religion.) [98:5]
(... and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and
wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah
knows that which you do.) [29:45]
Allah says about the Obligatory Charity (Zakah):
(Take alms from their wealth a charity by which you purify them
and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them.)
[9:103]
Allah says about fasting:
(O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was
prescribed for those before you, that you may become the pious.)
[2:183]
Allah says about Hajj:
(The Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj
obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram],
there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience
and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah
knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear
of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.) [2:197]
In Islam acts of worship, play a central role in development of one’s
character and its refinement, as well as safeguarding the unity of
Muslim society and its ties.
THE TWO TESTIMONIES
These are the testimonies that none has the right to be worshipped
but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. It is the
key with which one enters the community of Islam.
The first testimony, that none has the right to be worshipped but
Allah, implies the following meanings:
Allah is the only Creator of the universe.
There is no true Owner or One Who disposes of the affairs of the
universe except Allah.
●● There are five prayers
which must be
performed in the day
and night. Men must
observe them in the
Masjid [mosque] in
congregation, except
for those who have a
valid excuse.
●● Islam is a Deen
which people are
racing to accept,
even though it is
spread and conveyed
inadequately.
Nonetheless, rarely
would one apostatize
after accepting it.
How Can One Save Himself
.
70 71
(O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those
before you that you may become righteous.) [2:183]
The objective of fasting is not that one merely abstains from those material and physical
things which break one’s fast. Rather, one must also refrain from those intangible things
which ruin (the reward of) one’s fast, such as lying, backbiting, tale-bearing, cheating,
deception, false talk, and other offensive behavior. He should keep in mind that it is
obligatory upon him to abstain from these offensive acts outside of Ramadan, but more so
in this month, due to the saying of the Prophet :صلى الله عليه وسلم
“Whoever does not give up false statements and evil deeds, and speaking bad words
to others, Allah is not interested in his leaving his food and drink.” [Bukhari]
The Fasting is a struggle between one’s soul and its cravings and desires. It has many
social benefits which the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم explained in his saying:
“All the actions of the children of Adam are for him except fasting, for it is for me and I
will reward [uniquely] for it. Fasting is a shield; When one of you is fasting, he should not
speak evil, nor should he yell and shout, and if someone were to curse or fight him, let
him say, ‘Indeed I am a fasting person.’ By Him in Whose Hands is the soul of Muhammad,
the smell which issues from the mouth of a fasting person is more good and pure to Allah
than the fragrance of musk. One who fasts will feel two times of joy: upon breaking his
fast and when he meets his Lord.” [Bukhari]
Through fasting, one realizes how his needy brothers feel when they cannot find
sufficient food, clothing, and shelter, and this should encourage him to fulfill their
rights and ask about their condition and what they need.
THE PILGRIMAGE (HAJJ)
Hajj is the pilgrimage one makes to the Sacred House of Allah (Ka’bah) in order to
perform certain rites at specific places at specific times. This pillar of Islam is obligatory
upon every Muslim, male or female, who is sane and has reached the age of puberty
once in a lifetime - if they have the physical and financial ability.
If a person has an incurable disease which prevents him from performing Hajj, but has
enough money, he must assign someone to perform Hajj for him. If a person though does
not have more money than what he needs to fulfill his daily requirements or those whom
he supports, Hajj is not an obligation upon him. Allah says:
The following are some of its conditions.
Possession of the minimum required amount: A person’s wealth
must reach the limit which has been set by the Deen of Islam.
The completion of one year. If the wealth is not in the person’s
possession for this period, there is no Zakah due upon it.
Allah has specified those who are eligible to receive zakah. Allah
says:
(Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for
those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together
[for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in
debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an
obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.) [9:60]
The amount which is to be paid is 2.5 % of the amount saved over a
period of a year. Through it, Islam seeks to uproot poverty from the
Muslim society and alleviate the dangers which result from it, like
theft, murder, and acts of transgression against people’s honor. It
revitalizes the spirit of mutual dependence and brotherhood in the
Muslim society by fulfilling the requirements of the poor and needy.
It purifies the souls of the rich Muslims and cleanses them from greed,
selfishness, base covetousness, and the love of this interim world and
drowning in its desires, all which make him forget his brothers from
the poor and needy.
It also purifies the poor from hatred and jealousy which they may
have against the rich. They see them giving from their wealth as
Allah has ordered, and continuously caring for them, by giving
them money and treating them well.
THE FAST OF RAMADAN (SAWM)
A Muslim must fast one month in the year, which is the month of
Ramadan. From the first break of dawn until the sun sets, Muslims
must abstain from anything that breaks the fast; specifically:
food, drink, or sexual intercourse. Fasting is not an act of worship
introduced by Islam; rather it was an obligation legislated in the
previous religions as well. Allah says:
●● The amount which is
to be paid is 2.5% of
the amount saved over
a period of one year.
Through it, Islam seeks
to uproot poverty from
the Muslim society.
●● Zakaah is a certain
percentage of money
which a rich Muslim
gives to the poor and
needy to save them
from the humility of
begging.
How Can One Save Himself
Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sheha
