What Are You Waiting For? The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Race to good actions as fast as you can. What are you waiting for except delayed poverty, oppressive wealth, debilitating illness, dottering senility, a swift death, or the Dajjal? Or are you waiting for an unseen evil, or the Last Hour? The Last Hour will be most bitter and terrible.” [Tirmidhi] He was a student, probably in his early twenties. I didnt know his name--I really didnt care. All I know is he was going for a lay-up while playing basketball, lost his balance and fell on the ground--flat on his back. We thought he would shake it off and continue the game--so no one really cared. To everyones surprise, he never got up. At first a few people on his team (later everyone) went up to him but he just wouldnt reply. CPR did no good. The ambulance personnel couldnt save him from dying. The result at the ER was no better. HE WAS DEAD! As I came home tonight, I thought to myself, it could have been me going up for that lay-up. It is very possible that I could be lying in the cold city morgue, right this minute, as I type this e-mail. Am I ready to die? Did I communicate with Allah today? Did I perform my daily prayers? Did I seek the pleasure of Allah? Did I treat my parents and family with respect and love? Did I give any at all in charity (sadaqa) today? How many times did I remember Allah and recount His name? The entire day I made time to go to school, check my e-mail, read the news, chat with friends, watch TV, play basketball.......but did I even once say Astagfirullah? Did I ask Allah to forgive the sins that Ive committed today? NO! Not once. Did I say Alhamdulillah other than in my daily prayers? NO! Not once my friends. Would you like to know why? Because I was too caught up with myself and my daily activities. Well, guess what. I could have lost my life during a lay-up in a basketball game and what do I have with me? Not a thing. Nothing that I did today do I get to bring with me to the grave. Nothing. A few words that I could have uttered were the only things that I could have brought with me. A few words that wouldve taken a few seconds of concentration out of the 24 hours that was allotted to me. A few cents in charity instead of cold drinks and candy bars could have saved my soul. But I insisted on continuing with my careless attitude. Thank God it wasnt my turn to go, because I sure wasnt ready. Now I close my eyes and say Alhamdulillah. Now I look back and say Astagfirullah. Now I have a different attitude. Now, I want to prepare for my turn. Did you perform your prayers today? Did you give in charity and love? Did you ask for forgiveness yet? Do you care? Im asking because I dont want to see you fall, knowing you arent ready for your turn. Are you ready for your turn? May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon us all.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 02:41:21 +0000