ATTRACTIONS AND DISTRACTIONS

Bismillah ir-rahman ir-raheem

Assalam alaykum salam warahmatullah wabarakatu

In an accident, or due to a slip or fall, if the joint of the shoulder or leg is dislocated, traction is normally the means adopted in the healing process.

As for the sinful, immoral attractions and distractions which form the entertainment of those who have forgotten Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala are such, that they dislocate the joints of Imaan.

The traction for indulgence in sins is sincere Taubah (sincere repentance), distancing oneself from sins and from venues of sins; together with attending good, deen programmes and associating with the pious.

There are so many, so many, who have gone towards some Haram (forbidden) attraction, never to return therefrom : So many have lost their identity as Muslims, and sometimes they have even lost their Imaan and suffer the loss of their Akhirah.

Thousands have died engaging in Haram entertainment; whether at the casinos, discos, raves, prostitute quarters, massage parlours, in adultery, etc. As far as you've read haven't you thought of one or Twp or even three people who came to mind.

One earthquake, one tsunami, one gale-force wind, one fire, and death comes upon thousands – many of whom are also engaged in sins. What guarantee do we have that we won’t be singled out this holiday, for our return to Allah?

So think…

And think again!

What would be the condition of that person who comes face to face with the Angel of Death whilst engaged in gambling, drink, dance, raves, adultery or fornication? Which Muslim wants to return to Allah in a state of sin?

Such matters should not be taken lightly. [Allah protect us all]

The holiday period is a time of great test and trial : Invitation to sins, promotion of sins, temptation to sins, enticement and encouragement towards all kinds of Haram is the order of the day.

Beach partying, intermingling and courting, immodest dress, music and dance, smoking and drinking and drug-taking then become even the programme and timetable for many Muslims.

Salaah becomes a forgotten duty for holiday-makers. The Islamic dress and identity are discarded so that there is freedom to engage in more sinful activities.

Shaytaan’s trump card to Haram entertainment is even held up by Muslims, who also invite to Haram just as the non-Muslims do. …Inna Lillahi wa-inna ilayhi ra`ji-oon.

Is this what we were created for?

Allah asks, “Did you think that We created you for nothing, and that you will not be brought back to Us?” [Surah Mu`minun 23 : 115]

The shocking behaviour of our Muslim youth (and even many Muslim adults) leaves us numb, disturbed, distressed and deeply, deeply grieved. What shocks does the heart have to contend with.

The Muslim youth are supposed to be tomorrow’s leaders for the Ummah, are expected to be the representatives of deen, inviting the non-Muslims to Islam, with the modesty and purity of thought, speech, dress and actions which should be characteristic of every Muslim.

Deen and Shariah do not stifle us, do not deprive us of pleasure and enjoyment, do not deny  us happiness and celebration. They accommodate leisure and pleasure. Islam is beautiful. Most beautiful. Islam is not ‘dry or backwards’. It is enjoyable. Allah has only placed certain boundaries through His Divine prohibitions for our own benefit, safety and well-being. Who could known us better than Him?

So let us make the effort and avoid the temptations towards sins. Let us not walk the route towards sins. Let us keep clear of the venues of sins like how we would if we had fore-knowledge that there will be an earthquake, tsunami or bomb-blast devastating such places. We fear for our lives. The greater need is to fear for our Imaan and that of our children’s Imaan.

Let us not forget that we are Muslims.

Let us not forget our relationship with Allah Ta’ala.

Let us not forget that death can visit very unexpectedly.

Let us not forget that there is accountability.

Let us not forget Jannah.

Let us not forget Jahannum.

This world is a prison for the Believer and a paradise for the disbeliever. What will be ‘good’ for the disbelievers will not be good for the Believers. If they find enjoyment in Haram, the Muslim will find HARM in that same Haram.

Every person is given the choice. A person either makes a wise decision or an unwise decision.

If we adopt Taqwa, we restrain and abstain from disobedience to Ar-Rahman, then when we leave this world, we leave behind a prison. When we leave this world, we leave free. When the disbeliever leaves this world, he leaves behind his paradise. When he leaves this world, he enters a prison; wherein there is no release, no bail, no escape and no parole.

This worldly life is short. Very short. Understand the reality: Every passing second is delivering us closer and closer to the bridge of death. And there is no choice. We have to cross that bridge.

Shaykh, Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (DB) says in poetry: “Strange is the visa of life; It can be cancelled at any time. The duration of its validity is unknown And its extension too, impossible."

Tick tock! Tme is running out.  

The journey is long. The life after this is eternal. There is no return to this world.

What preparation have you made? What provision have you procured?

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The intelligent one is he who suppresses his desires and practises for what  s after death, and the foolish one is he who makes his nafs follow its desires and (he) places (baseless) hope on Allah.”

Imam Shafi (may Allah have mercy on him) summed up this life very simply and aptly: “This worldly life is a just a moment; let it be a moment of obedience.”

Umar Bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him said “Take yourself to account before you’re taken to account”.

Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock.