will we go? If the grave’s walls press against us until our ribs break and interlock, how painful will that be? We cannot even bear the strike of a stone, so what will become of those fragile bones? If the angels begin striking us with hammers?

Companion of the Merciful Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهُما said:

“O sinner! Why are you not afraid of the evil consequences of sin? Although living in the pursuit of sin is a greater sin than committing sin. Feeling no shame before the angels on your right and left, and remaining persistent in sin without repentance is an even greater sin that is, remaining in sin without repenting is an even greater sin. Rejoicing after committing a sin and laughing about it is an even greater sin, although for you do not know how Allah Almighty will deal with you! Feeling sorrow over being unable to sin is an even greater sin. And when the curtain of a door moves because of the strong wind, you become afraid, yet you do not fear the Gaze of Allah Almighty that is constantly upon you. This, act, is an even greater sin.”^[1]

Today Is the Time to Act

Dear Islamic brothers! We are still alive; we still have time. We can repent today and have our past sins forgiven. We can perform good deeds to illuminate our graves. But once the beads of life’s rosary scatter, once the soul departs the body, nothing will remain except regret. It is said that a deceased person was seen in a dream, and he said:

مَا عِنْدَكُم اَكْثَرُ مِنَ الْغَفْلَۃِ وَ مَا عِنْدَنَا اَكْثَرُ مِنَ الْحَسْرَۃِ

“You, the living, are drowned in heedlessness, and we, who are buried, are drowned in regret.”^[2]

Man Has Two Homes

O devotees of the Holy Prophet! Before the time of regret and shame comes