Sheikh Gibril Haddad

Book of death

Muhammad Ali (1942 - 2016)

One of my earliest memories of the sport of boxing was hearing adults talk about Muhammad Ali. At the time, I was too young to know the significance of man who I would never meet but whose influence was felt by all around me. 

He was the boxer who claimed to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. He was seen as arrogant and an upstart to many. It is easy to forget that he was very unpopular in the west because of the way in which he spoke. This was a manner that the racists found distasteful to say the least. It was only after the fights that he had with Joe Frazier that opinion of him changed. He began to attain acceptance from a wider audience as his boxing career dwindled. 

He would often refer to himself as 'the greatest' this was more a taunt to opponents to make them fear him. Rather than to be understood literally but he was the greatest boxer to ever be, as far as many people are concerned. He was with Malcolm X in the 'nation of Islam' group and switched when they found Sunni Islam. He had changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. He made the claim that Clay was a slave name and that he is not a slave. Like many whose family identities were stolen in the cruel chapter of slavery. Ali chose to determine his life, his present and future.

His greatest fight was outside the ring with Parkinson's disease. He battled hard in that fight for longer than he was in the ring. 

Ali also negotiated with Saddam Hussain for the return of several hostages before the gulf war. He stood up after 9/11 and shook whilst speaking about what Islam is and not what the grim picture that the media painted. His courage was never abated and despite his illness, he was still a champion. Fighting for his people and fighting for the truth.

He was perhaps the greatest callers of Islam in America because many heard about it at his hands. The hands of a boxer.

Reflecting on his life, I realised that he had been fighting for most of his life. He fought the racists in the ring and the disease outside. He refused the draft of Vietnam because he did not see them as the enemy. I wonder how many of us would have the courage to speak up in difficult times. How many us would dare to speak the truth? 

He changed the sport of boxing forever and remains its greatest influence. Even though there are many good boxers, there was truly one that was the greatest. 

May Allah shower your resting place with mercy, dear Muhammad Ali your fight is over, you can rest.

Sheikh Atabek Shukurov

 Death issues

Sheikh Sa'ad Al-Attas

The Soul Journey after death (He starts at 41:45)

Sheikh Ibrahim Osi Efa

Souls Journey after death

Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad

Departure

Sheikh Sayyid Muhammad Awali Al-Makki

Life in Barzakh

Sheikh Sayyid Muhammad Alawi al-Maliki

Life of the Prophets in their graves (upon them peace)

Sheikh Sayyid Muhammad Alawi Al-Maliki

The life of the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) in the grave

Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad

The Certainty of Death from Haqiqat on Vimeo.

Divine decree/Al-Qadr

We live in a time of great tribulation. Everyone has their own stories of woe and sadness. Global events turn people into wreaks and localised events make people behave in ways that they would not normally. We see earthquakes, tsunamis and all manner of 'natural' disasters on a daily basis. Thousands of sea life disappearing to the bottom of the ocean, as we dine on even more fish.

Events occur in our lives and we are ill-equipped to deal with the repercussions, as well as lacking the mental capacity to rationalise the solutions. Sometimes we bring problems onto ourselves by being unable to recognise our faults.

We lose a loved one and it becomes extremely difficult to get on with our lives as nothing can fill that void. We lose jobs in an unfair manner and because of the lack of backbone we are unable to do anything about it. We all have our problems and no one has lived a life without problems.

We complain, we moan and we lose our temper over the smallest of things. We feel slighted and upset so we lash out with words that we later sorely regret.

What do we do? We try to escape our realities because they are too difficult to comprehend. We live our lives in computer games, movies and other forms of entertainment. The games industry is worth over ten billion dollars a year, the average player is 34 and forty percent of the players are women.

The movie industry plays with the emotions of people across the globe as we cry when watching a film only to turn over when we see real suffering. We live detached from reality. 

We try to hide beneath layers of virtual realities and false bubbles that we have made for ourselves. But sooner or later every bubble bursts.

We work as small units under fire from our peers and do our best to undermine them. So we can push our names forward. Why can't we deal with reality? Is it so hard?

In our own ‘ghettos’ we live with people of the same nationality and the same religion. Yet it’s when we leave these areas do we find out that we are not alone on this planet and there are other people. Sometimes Muslims are ignorant of each other as they fail to recognise those Muslims who are not born in the same village or country that they come from.

The Problem?

Some would say that there is no problem yet others would say that there is. After 9/11 everyone said that the world changed but did it? The anti-Muslim rhetoric has always been bubbling like fat under the surface of the entertainment we consume but we did not notice? Some films added references to terrorists and Muslims even though it was not related to the script or anything to do with the plot!

Our main problem is that we do not understand the beauty of the divine decree and that is why our hearts are like processions of protestors. Simply put we are not unable to understand our place in the world nor are we able to overcome our problems.

Submission

Allah (the Exalted) states in the Quran, “I created the jinn and humankind only that they worship Me.” (Ad-Durryyahat 51:56).

Islam is about realising your place in the world as a servant or realising your potential as a servant of Allah. Converts sometimes describe the peace they achieve when they submit and become Muslims. This is something that many born Muslims have failed to do, submit. 

Realise that if you were born Muslim, Allah (the Exalted) wanted you to enter paradise and it’s now down to you what you do about it. If someone is decreed to go to paradise they will end up there but who likes a bumpy journey when you can have a smooth one?

So is this our way out? To submit to the divine will and do the best in our lives, is that our solution? Well, yes once you have realised the futility of your struggle you can work on submitting yourself and realise the ease that you will find yourself in.

Objecting

Objecting to the divine will is very subtle or blatant at times. An example of blatant one is when we complain about the recently deceased. We go to funerals and complain, why were they taken from us? They should not have died and other verbal objections made in the vicinity of the relatives. The decree of their death and our deaths has already been written, so what are you complaining about and who are you complaining about? Allah (the Exalted) in his unbound wisdom chose our lifespan and when it comes to an end, we cannot do anything about it. So all your complaints cannot bring them back, submit and realise that if they died Muslim are they in a better place. If they did not then they are in a worse place.

We may have been treated unjustly that caused the loss of a someone we love. This is very difficult to deal with but we have to keep going.

From the other minor but still deadly complaints is about the weather. We complain when it is warm and when it is cold. Why don’t we realise that if we complain or if we do not, the weather won’t change! There are some things that cannot change with a complaint unlike some rude shop assistants! Are you complaining about the way Allah (the Exalted) arranges the weather and do you now see how complaining about decree is so bad. The way the things are in the world are exactly how Allah (the Exalted) arranged them.

Although our part needs to be explained. We need to do our best in our fields of responsibility but we are not responsible for those things that are outside our control. Sending aid, money, help and prayers are sufficient. For those who are lucky enough to help with rescue operations with aid agencies are blessed. Complaining to international courts hoping for some justice does not mean we lose hope when they turn a deaf ear to the cries of the massacred. As we know we shall have our day on the final day so don’t moan about the lack of justice, it is not what we should be doing. Accepting the divine decree does not make us fatalists rather we try our best in our lives. Be concerned about what you can change and do not weep about what you cannot.

Belief

The divine decree is something that is an intrinsic part of faith. It is mentioned in the hadith of Gibril when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings be upon him) said, “To believe in the good and bad decree.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Muslim has another addition, “The sweet and the bitter.”

It was something so important that is was mentioned with the pillars of the Islam. In one narration it describes divine decree as being bitter or sweet. Not that it has a perceptible taste rather it can be difficult and it can be easy. The bitterness is difficulty and the sweet is ease.

Having good thoughts about Allah

Having a good opinion of Allah (the Exalted) in these times of disaster is something that should be a source of strength. Know that Allah (the Exalted) always does what is best for the Muslims and sometimes a greater evil is removed by a lesser evil. It’s not always easy for us because it can be so difficult. Work might be needed to clear the tongue and the heart from objecting.

In an hadith Al-Qudsi/divine tradition Allah (the Exalted) said, “I affirm my servants opinion of Me.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). So if you think that Allah (the Exalted) is merciful you shall see it and if you think that Allah (the Exalted) is an oppressor then you shall see oppression. So this highlights the importance of thinking that Allah (the Exalted) does what best for us. Have a good opinion of your Lord and you shall see the benefits.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “Having good opinion is part of perfect worship.” (Abu Dawood). So there is benefit in purifying those thoughts we have in our hearts as well as our tongues.

Blessings

So when you see someone who has something that you do not, then do not envy him. As Allah (the Exalted) has given him blessings and it is He who has decreed it. So try to take it out of your heart and ignore the envy you have. This is also very subtle so beware. The best way to take it out is to pray for that person, works every time!

Detachment

Emotionally detaching yourself from events that occur in your life can give you a clarity that others lack. You realise that this world is not the only realm that justice occurs. We do not mean that you are emotionless when things happen to you rather we mean you look at them with the believers insight. The men of Allah see everything with long range sight and not in the short term as we do. They know that the promise of Allah (the Exalted) is true and that victory is close.

The saying 'keeping your powder dry' means being prepared for anything. As in an age gone by gunners needed to keep their gunpowder dry because if it got wet then they would not be ready to fire their guns. A Muslim must keep his Imam powder dry and be ready for anything.

Not having something is better than having it

Sometimes we desire things in our lives that are no good for us. Some of us are unmarried and desire a partner more than anything but if we were married then maybe we would not be able to fulfil the rights to our wedded partner. We can sometimes desire something so much that it distracts us from Allah (the Exalted). So turn away from your desire and turn to Allah (the Exalted). As Allah (the Exalted), the creator can fulfil you more than creation. And at times that's when you get something, when you turn away from it.

Also avoid discussions about the decree or delve into its meaning, as you will get confused. Know that you are never forced into sin and it is your responsibility.

Wisdom

Ibn ‘Ata Allah's celebrated work called Al-Hakim contains an amazing aphorism which explains this all very clearly. Number seventeen says, ‘You have not abandoned ignorance if you desire something to manifest in a time; other than what Allah has manifest.’ (P.75 Iqad Al-Himam fi Sharh Al-Hikam by Ibn ‘Ajibah on Ibn ‘Ata Allah’s work) Ignorance being the opposite of knowledge. This really does need to some reflection.

In a hadith al-Qudsi/a divine hadith it gives that following statement made by Allah (the Exalted), “Whoever is not pleased with my decree, is not patient upon my tribulation should leave my skies and find another Lord.” (Al-Tabarani in Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir.) Of course there is no other Lord and you have no other place to go to, as wherever you travel is within his dominion. You cannot go somewhere that does not belong to him!

Complete contentment

Abu Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘For forty years Allah (the Exalted) has not placed me in a position that I disliked or moved me something that angered me.” (P.76 Iqad Al-Himam fi Sharh Al-Hikam by Ibn ‘Ajibah on Ibn ‘Ata Allah’s work).

Oppression

Abu Dhar Al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) transmits from his Lord (Mighty and Exalted) said, “O my servants; I have declared oppression impermissible for myself and made it amongst you unlawful so do not oppress each other.” (Muslim).

Allah (the Exalted) does not oppress us so please try to understand. We all belong to Allah (the Exalted) and do the possessions have the right to complain? He gave us life and told us that one day it would be taken from us then we would move us to eternity. So should it come as a surprise when someone dies?

“Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you? “ (Quran: the Heffer 2:214].

This is a clear indication that we are going to be tested so do not be surprised. Does it come as a shock? You should expect things to run smoothly sometimes and other times to not. Expect to lose what you love. This is life after all but do not lose hope because if things are bad now know that they can change in a moment. Be hopeful and anticipate relief, “O’ believers, seek assistance with patience and prayer and Allah is with the patient.” (Quran: the Heffer 2:153).

Patience and prayer is our way out and if we do that then Allah (the Exalted) is with us and if Allah (the Exalted) is with us do we need anyone else?

Umar ibn 'Abdulaziz (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "What do you desire?" He said, "Whatever Allah decrees." (p.161 The Darqawi Way Letters of Mawlay Al-'Arabi Ad-Darqawi)

These examples are easy to relate but the true test is when someone actually experiences the events that shake them. Its is easy for me to say but hard to do because there is a distinct difference between utterance and action. I used to think that I was strong but realised, when an event occurred, that I was actually quite weak and its taking time for me to repair myself.

So if you are in a big storm now, keep walking because sooner or later you will be free of it. And maybe you will realise that things that did not work for you, were all for the best. Remember just because one thing did not work out for does not mean that we forget the rest of the blessings that we have. The least blessing we have is the greatest, our faith.

I pray that Allah (the Exalted) gives us the understanding of divine decree and allows us to make the best of our remaining time on this earth. Ameen.

Please click here for seventeen benefits of tribulation text and here for the audio lecture.

Please click here for forty hadiths about tribulation. 

Inescapable and inevitable event of your life - your death

Please see link to see text.


http://www.scribd.com/doc/47036022/Inescapable-and-inevitable-event-of-your-life-%E2%80%93-your-death

Sheikh Yahya Rhodus

The End Dewsbury 2006
From Islamic Village

The End | by Shaykh Yahya Rhodus

Islamic Village Podcast

Sheikh Nuh Ha Mim Keller

Is religion a consequence of death parts one and two

Sheikh Abdulaziz Ahmed Fredricks and Imam Zaid Shakir

The Marginalised In Society - In Memory Of Imran Sabir

Sheikh Atabek Shukurov

Sheikh Atabek gave the following explanation of the Prophetic narration.

الدُّنيَا سِجنُ المُؤمِنِ وَ جَنَّة الكَافِرِ


The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The world is the prison of the believer and the paradise of the disbeliever.”
(Tirmidhi and Muslim 4 no 7058)

Here are possible explanations:


1. The world is a place where the Muslim has difficulty and rules to follow. Whilst the disbeliever feels as if he is free to do whatever he wants.

2. Muslims will have problems and struggle in the world.

3. This world, compared to paradise, is a jail



The place of a Muslims freedom is in paradise.

Abu Laith As-Samarqandi (may Allah be pleased with him) in "Informing the heedless/Tanbih Al-Ghafeleen" (p.138) said, "The believer is in vast blessings and if he examines the blessings of Allah in paradise then it is as if he is in jail because when death comes he is shown paradise. When he gazes to what Allah has prepared for him of blessings then he will know he was in jail. When death comes to the disbeliever the fire is shown to him so when he looks to what Allah has prepared for him of various punishments then he will know that he was in paradise."


The famous hadith scholar Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani met a Jewish man. The Iron monger knew this hadith and he reflected on his state and the sheikh’s state. He was covered in dirt and the Sheikh had the best clothes with his entourage and he asked him about this hadith then said, “What paradise am I in and what prison are you in?” The Sheikh reflected on his state and explained if he considered what he would receive in paradise then this is a prison for him and if the Jewish man considered what is awaiting him then he would realise that he was in paradise. The Jewish man became Muslim.

Death and prayer

(This is a something that I wrote on an email in 2004)


The blessed Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) described the walk to the mosque as a walk that will purify you, for us it is a walk of mercy, but most of us wish to stay indoors and pray there. We have knowledge but yet do not to use it.

We pray to God (the Almighty) but yet harbour pride and are not fully aware of what is happening inside us. How can we harbour any pride as we stand in front of our Creator and pray to him for mercy.

I saw a dead body wrapped in its shroud and I thought how can we be tough or arrogant when we came from nothing then we will go back to nothing. No matter how much we struggle with this fact, it is true, if only we could realise this fact, maybe, we as a nation, could really understand ourselves. When we pray, do we bow our heads in grief and sadness, for our sins committed and then we prostrate on the floor? Remember that this is your best position and this is the true position of mankind. No pride, no arrogance or anything else; we have submitted to the Lord of all worlds and that is our true state.

This state of prostration is the closest to Allah but we aware of this. Many of us don’t prolong our prostration in private or praying alone, due to the demands of life but what are the demands of Allah? He gave you everything and more yet you ignore this and continue to shorten your prostration, lengthen it, you will feel better inside.

The Muslims life is for the hereafter not for this life, we must use our resources for this, in the world, we are greedily grasping it and because of this we want money, power or position.

Why because we can see its result and so we grab it, what about the greed for the lasting rewards of the hereafter, why aren’t we greedy in that respect. Don't we know that all our endings are the same, a dead body in a shroud; buried in the Earth.

Sheikh Nuh Ha Mim Keller

Here is a link to a short audio clip on Death

http://www.mysticmedicine.com/remember-death-2.html

Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi

This is a link to a lecture called "The Final hour" it deals with death.
http://www.sacredknowledge.co.uk/audio/sayyid-shaykh-muhammad-al-yaqoubi-the-final-hour-1.html

Sheikh Hamza Yusuf

Lives of a Human being parts one to sixteen