written by Taalibah
Thousands of people are seen during the blessed time of Hajj and Umrah, enshrouded in two white sheets (ihram). Seeing such people reminds one of the shroud the deceased are covered and buried in.
Once in ihram, there is suddenly no longer any significance in status or wealth. It becomes difficult to differentiate from where around the world people have travelled, as every person appears to be equal to others regardless of colour, race, and wealth.
This in truth is our very status in the eyes of Allah Subhaanuhuwataaala, that not matter what worldly gains we have or whatever our worldly achievements are or from whichever background we originate from, in the eyes of Allah Subhaanuhuwataaala we are all equal, and will be reckoned as such on the day of Judgement. When a person dies his/her status disappears leaving only his/her name and wealth behind, and even this within a short period of time is utilised and forgotten. In our lifetime, the ones whom we strived to please will continue with their lives, forgetting us and replacing our vacant spaces with the companionship and friendship of others.
A phrase comes to mind die before you die; to suppress and kill all the passions, desires, lusts and wants whilst we are alive, exerting full effort to gain control over our nafs (carnal base desires) causing it to die before we actually die, hence giving ourselves the opportunity to rectify and cleanse our tainted hearts of sin before we stand before our Rabb.
We live in the false pretence that we are going to live and flourish in this world forever. Think of the people we once knew, who are no longer with us (have passed away), we once sat in their company, shared many moments with them, talked to them, ate with them, where are they now? How often do we spare them even a moment of thought? They have left everything behind, taking only their actions and deeds with them, wearing simple pieces of white cloth.
When loved ones die, just like the person in ihram, their status or achievements show no more. This is the reality of our lives; we achieve nothing and take nothing. All except the deeds we have carried out solely for the pleasure of Allah Subhaanuhuwataaala, only this sacrifice of ours will be of significance and of importance and will be accounted for by Allah Subhaanuhuwataaala. in the hereafter.
Every action carried out in our day-to-day lives must be void of sin and every deed must be a virtuous one, intended solely for the pleasure of Allah Subhaanuhuwataaala, who has created us for this purpose alone, to serve and obey only Him. We breathe for Him, we sleep for Him, eat solely for His pleasure, we worship for Him, and due to our sincerity in intention and deeds along with the Gracious Forgiveness and Mercy of Allah s.w.t, He will allow us to meet Him and remain in His Unblemished and Blessed Loving Company forever in our peaceful and final abode in Jannah. Aameen.
(In memory of and isale sawab for both my parents, May Allah (swt) forgive their sins and grant them a place under his throne on the Day of Judgement, and grant them peace and safety in the grave....Aameen)