On a daily basis one doesn't have to look far to see acts of disgust and sin that go against everything Allah commands us to do. In the West this is especially not surprising as the majority of the people we live around are not God-Fearing, however I would challenge us all to ask ourselves do we as Muslims live with the fear of Allah? One of the most well-known hadith is that of the "Jibreel Hadith". It is a hadith full of powerful lessons and of course the message of Islam, Ihsan, and Iman---
Umar Ibn Al-Khattab reports: One day when we were with Allah's Messenger (saw), a man with very white clothing and very black hair came up to us. No mark of travel was visible on him, and none of us recognized him. Sitting down beside the Prophet (saw), leaning his knees against his and placing his hands on his thighs, he said: “Tell me, Muhammad, about Islam.” He replied: “Islam means that you should testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad (saw) is Allah's Messenger, that you should observe the prayer, pay the Zakat, fast during Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to go there.” He said: “You have spoken the truth.” We were surprised at his questioning him and then declaring that he spoke the truth. He said: “Now tell me about Iman.” He replied: “It means that you should believe in Allah (swt), His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and that you should believe in the decreeing both of good and evil.” Remarking that he had spoken the truth, he then said: “Now tell me about Ihsan.” He replied: “It means that you should worship Allah (swt) as though you see Him, for He sees you though you do not see Him.” He said: “Now tell me about the Hour.” He replied: “The one who is asked about it is no better informed than the one who is asking.” He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He replied: “That a maid-servant should beget her mistress, and that you should see barefooted, naked, poor men and shepherds exalting themselves in buildings.” [Umar] says: He then went away, and after I had waited for a long time, [the Prophet] said to me: “Do you know who the questioner was, Umar?” I replied: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said: “He was Gabriel who came to you to teach you your religion.” (Narrated by Muslim)
Over the last day I have been spending a lot of time thinking about how people are not fearing Allah. Pondering am I living with the knowledge that Allah is ever watching me, seeing my every action. Do I fear Him more than I fear others, this life, the judgement and acceptance of this world? Am I living in the way that is described in this Hadith? But what started my thinking about it was a few events that have been featured in the Media lately, also linked to this Hadith.
"that you should see barefooted, naked, poor men and shepherds exalting themselves in buildings.”
I can't imagine anyone has missed the footage of now the world's tallest building built in none other than the Middle East-- Dubai. Where each floor cost 9 Million dollars to build for a total well into the billions of dollars. Billions of dollars that could have been used to help those in need, to feed the poor, to bring justice to those who persecute the Muslim people or to bring victory to those struggling in Allah's cause. But instead, in a time where Dubai is drowning in economic turmoil they are competing in the building of tall buildings. Fulfilling this hadith, and not only does it seem that it is a sign of the day of Judgement, but truly I don't know how these people won't be questioned about this act when they stand before Him on the Day of Judgement.
And the second event-- one that really hasn't received much of any coverage in the West is the Aid Convoy from Viva Palestina a London-Based Activist group fighting to help the Palestinians that put together a convoy of supplies on Semi trucks and had them shipped to Palestine with the goal of driving them across the border and dropping them off in Gaza. Trucks full of food, supplies, medical aid--- Help for the Palestinian people. But upon arrival to the Palestinian/Egyptian border, Egypt will not let them cross into Palestine. After the first refusal at the hands of these guards from "Muslim Egypt" they went to another port after trying to find someone that would be willing to supply them with a vessel to reach the next port. But with most countries afraid Israel would Air Strike the vessel they were refused their request until Turkey stepped up and supplied the ship. Now, the group has reached the second port, and Egypt has again refused their admission into Palestine and is demanding they go through an Israeli border-crossing. Not only that but the Egyptian guards have stoned some of the activists. (Here is a link to Turkish news page that has a few pictures from the convoy at the border crossing http://www.filistinkonvoyu.org/ )
Are they living as though Allah is watching? Are they fearing Allah? And are we? Are we doing what we can to support them? Support all of our Muslim brothers and sisters? Are we following the commandments of Allah, doing things for His sake Alone?
May Allah set all of our hearts on the right path, the True Path, and may we serve Allah with a dedication and consciousness that was described in the Hadith of Jibreel. Ameen.
