I immediately realised who it was. The individual would visit the masjid regularly and perform the prayers on time. He would even refrain from useless conversation, but despite this, he was facing punishment in his grave. This had an impact on me. I decided to learn more about him and found out he was a businessman. When he grew old, he did not have much money and so decided to deal with interest. Perhaps this is why he was being punished severely, even during the month of Ramadan.^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers, this is the frightening punishment for being disobedient. Those who appear to be pious, offer salah, fast and recite the Quran, but engage in sin, disobeying Allah Almighty in private, should take heed from this.

Ponder for a moment! What will become of us if we sin like this until we die, and Allah Almighty holds us accountable for our sins? What if we are punished and snakes and scorpions tear our shrouds, enveloping our bodies! What if the walls of our grave become constricted, causing our ribs to break and intermingle with one another? We are unable to bear a small cut; if the angels punish us with hammers in the grave, where will we go? How will we bear such pain?

Ponder over the severe consequences of disobedience. Does the punishment of the grave not cause the heart to tremble? It certainly does. The heart begins to shudder in fear. Now make the decision as to whether it is easier to leave disobedience today and start obeying Allah Almighty, or face punishment in the grave.

Without a doubt, none of us can endure the punishment of the grave and the hereafter. Therefore, safety lies in repenting today. There is still time for us to change. We are still present in the world, and Allah Almighty has granted us respite. The opportunity to repent is at hand.