In the name of Allah

The All Compassionate, the All Merciful

15th Shawwal 1444 (5th May 2023)

Islamic Universal Association

20 Penzance Place, Holland Park

London, W11 4 PG

www.arafeh.co.uk

 

 

Jihad An-Nafs – Part 130

Purification of the heart-Part 72

One who receives his book in his right hand has evidently spent his life in this world conscious that the Day of Judgment would come and he has accordingly prepared for it. When the Holy Prophet (s.a.) was asked who is the most intelligent of believers, he replied: “One who is the most frequent in recalling death and the best prepared for what follows it.”

 

Ayahs 19 to 24 of Surah Al-Haqqah provide:

“Then as for him who is given his book in his right hand will say: “Lo! Read my book! 

Verily, I felt that I shall meet my account.”

So he shall be in a life of bliss, pleased,

In the exalted garden, 

Its fruits being low and near at hand.

“Eat and drink in health and pleasure for what goodness you sent before in the days that passed!”

 

Valuable points

• When the righteous receives his book in his right hand, he will excitedly ask others to read it.
• There will be no hindrance in the enjoyment of bounties in the heaven for him.
• He will be in an exalted garden where clusters of fruits will be easily accessible.
• He will eat and drink in health and pleasure.
• “The days that passed” refer to the life in this world.
• The earth and heaven will be transformed and there will be no conception or realization of time and space.

I quote below a few more relevant Ayahs:

• Ayah 277 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “Verily those who believe, act righteously, establish prayer and pay zakat shall have their reward with their Lord; they shall neither have any fear, nor shall they grieve.”
• Ayah 57 of Surah An-Nisa: “As to those who believe and do good deeds, God will pay them their recompense in full; He does not love the unjust.”
• Ayah 107 of Surah Al-Kahf: “Verily! Those who believe and do good deeds shall be entertained in the Gardens of Paradise.”

 

 

Second Sermon

Battle of Uhud – Part 2

Many Muslims were martyred and the Holy Prophet (s.a.) was also badly wounded in the Battle of Uhud, but Imam Ali (as) and some loyal companions stayed with him and protected him. However, at that time, Ali (a.s.) with unprecedented fury took command and prevented the Quraish from taking advantage of their fleeting victory. He received more than sixty wounds and yet he launched a counter attack against them. He rallied the Muslims, exhorted them to fight for the glory of Islam and fell upon the enemy with the ferocity of a lion and caused great havoc in their ranks. So great was the slaughter caused by him that his sword broke and thereupon the Holy Prophet (s.a.) sent him a special sword, ‘Zulfiqar’, which was sent down by Allah (s.w.t.) through Gabriel, and with this sword he caused further mayhem.

The battle that would have otherwise ended in the annihilation of the Muslims concluded as a drawn battle. The Quraish could gain no booty nor could they hold any Muslim as captive. Although many Muslims were killed including Hamza, the Holy Prophet (s.a.)’s uncle, the casualties in the ranks of the Quraish were far larger.

There are several Ayahs in the Holy Quran relating to the Battle of Uhud; some of which are provided below:

 

Ayahs 121 and 122, Surah Aale Imran: “Remember, O Prophet, when you set out from your family at early dawn so that you would prepare the encampment for the believers for the battle (of Uhud), and God hears and knows.

Two of the groups had contemplated flinching, and God was the Guardian of both; in God alone should the believers trust.”

 

Ayahs 139-144, Surah Aale Imran: “Do not lose heart and do not grieve, for you shall gain the upper hand if only you truly believe.

If a wound has afflicted you, a similar wound has also afflicted the disbelievers. We bring about these days of varying fortunes among men in turn, so that God may ascertain those who have sincerely believed, and that He may take witnesses from among you, and God does not love the unjust.

So that God may test and purify believers and destroy the infidels.

Do you imagine that you will enter paradise when God has not yet ascertained those of you who have striven hard among you or have tested the steadfast?

And you indeed desire death before you met it, so indeed you have now seen it, even while you look on.

Muhammad is only a Messenger; messengers have already passed away before him; therefore if he dies or is slain, will you turn upon your heels? He who turns upon his heels will not harm God the slightest, and soon God will reward the grateful ones.”

 

Ayah 152 of Surah Alae Imran was revealed:“Indeed God fulfilled His promise to you when you routed them by His permission, until you flinched and disputed the (Prophet’s) command, and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you covet. Among you are some who hanker after this world and some desire the Hereafter. Then He made you turn away from them, so that He may test you. But He has forgiven you, for God is the Lord of Grace for the believers.