Reflections of November 6, 2006: Surah Al-Waqiah

(10)وَالسَّابِقُونَ السَّابِقُونَ(11) أُوْلَئِكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ(12) فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ

And those foremost (in Islamic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islam, will be foremost (in Paradise). These will be those nearest to Allah. In the Gardens of delight (Paradise). Surah Waqiah: 10-12

Student's Reflections:

The Map to Jannah

To those who wish to be among sabiqoon-al-awwaloon, and wish to be where they reside, need to know the map to Jannah.

It’s hard for a bird to fly through the air with water on its wings.

What about us flying to Jannah, when it’s the whole world that we cling?

We have the map to Paradise, yet behind our backs it gets hurled.

The path to Jannah gets abandoned out of love for this world.

Left and right Muslims are selling their faith for temporary pleasures,

Because many have lost sight of the Jannah and its everlasting treasures.

There's only one path to Paradise, and following vain desires is not the way.

Its time to turn back to Allah's map, there's more to this life than just play.

It’s a blessing to be a Muslim; considering how many others are lost.

Yet the title of a Muslim is nothing if our submission we have tossed.

This life is so short; come on listen up, this aint some sort of joke.

If we don't get our acts together, in the next life we may go up in smoke.

Lets turn back to Allah, come on, lets not waste another day.

Let’s get back on track. Oh Allah, from the true path, don't let us sway!

Let’s seek our help from Allah; we got to follow Him as much as we can.

If you’re not using the map to Jannah; where are you going, what's your plan?

This life is so short, lets wake up and see where we’re heading.

We have the map to Paradise, so on it lets get up and start treading.

The web of a spider is weak, yet it overpowers the fly.

This dunya is worthless, so don't let its web catch your eye!

-Farah Baig, Atlanta

The Inevitable

The Day of Judgment isn't that far away... have I prepared myself for it? No.
We prepare ourselves for everything that goes on in our lives, especially the big milestones; birthdays, graduations, weddings, and anniversaries. Today was a reminder for myself that I should prepare myself for the Day of Qiyamah as I would for anything else, if not even better.
- Fatima Malik, Mississauga

As-Sabiqoon and Ashaab ul yameen
One of the blessings which the sabiqoon shall be provided is that they will not hear any vain talk or sinful words. There was a sigh of relief upon hearing this. I felt so easy, comfortable, and peaceful as this ayah was read. An atmosphere of use less talk compared to one where there is salaam; peaceful talk is definitely the most beautiful reward one could get.
The ashab ul yameen -- their place of stay with lots of trees, abundant fruit, extended shades, flowing rivers gives a view making one feel fresh and full of life. Although no one can actually visualize what Allah s.w.t has prepared for the believers, still the description that the Quran gives us is beautiful.
May ALLAH SWT ACCEPT EFFORTS WE MAKE FOR HIM AND LET US BE AMONG HIS FAVOURITES.AMEEN.
- Ayesha Asad, Etobicoke

And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter). AlWaqi’ah: 10
I understand that it is not even easy for us to hasten in good deeds but here Allah talks about those who are hastier than the hastiest. This can only happen when we understand that opportunity only knocks once and so does a deed, it comes to us...if we grab it...its ours but if we don’t someone else will do it. To be AsSaabiqoona ssaabiqoon one has to completely and totally submit to Allah’s will, His Raza and just be His solely. It feels like this ayah describes a race where everyone wants to come first, but usually and mostly there are only 3 positions: first, second, and third. May Allah give us the Taufeeq to recognize good deeds and grab them immediately, and may we all be of the Saabiqoon. Ameen
- Saba Paracha

Mixed Feelings

Today's lesson left me with very mixed feelings. One of those feelings was regret. I think I have missed a lot of chances to do good in my life. Another was anger with myself and frustration to the point of tears. Sometimes even now I am faced with opportunities but I either don't value them enough at the time, or am tired, or feel they are too hard, etc. But strangely, one of those feelings was hope. Even though there will be few from later generations who make it to this prestigious group of as-sabiqoon THERE WILL BE SOME. There is hope. I pray that Allah SWT makes me, all those I love, and all those who desire it, whether they do so secretly or openly, part of this group. Ameen
- Rushda Haq, Mississauga

Who you are in this world is who you are in the next
- Nabila Naz, New Jersey

Beautiful winter
Al-Waqi’ah: 14-34
I prefer the cold climate to summer/heat… Jannah sounds so perfect.Whenever we hear the description of Jannah, it describes- the Shades, rivers flowing, water gushing forth from springs, cool delicious drinks, comfortable silk couches, etc. this gives me a chilled breeze feeling and I can imagine a cold place... but of course this is just my small imagination which can't feel the true Jannah... it can definitely not be a place which discomforts people, Allah knows our needs and He has prepared it in the Best manner.. InshaAllah, I hope we all are a part of that Perfect beautiful Atmosphere.
- Salma Ghansa, Mississauga

Verse 10
Surah Al-Waqi’ah mentions the three kinds of people there will be on the Day of Judgment:
1) Ashaabul-Maymanna the Companions of the Right
2) Ashaabul-Mash’ama the Companions of the Left
3) As-Sabiqoonas-Sabiqoon The Forerunners (in good deeds), the forerunners (in entering Paradise)
What is so special about the Sabiqoon? Why are they forerunners in entering Paradise? As we learned in class, the Sabiqoon are foremost in Iman, Ilm, Amal, and Taqwa. They accept the truth as soon as they are presented with it. When offered a chance to do good, they take it immediately. They are unlike most of us who see the truth, start doubting it, even if we accept it in our heart; we try to find excuses for not acting upon it. We think about it, look around to see what everyone else is doing, check too see how much worldly benefit we will get out of it. We wait for the 'ideal circumstances', 'right mood', or the 'right time'. This causes us to end up at the same place we began. The Sabiqoon on the other hand are racing ahead to do good. Why not strive to be one of them? Why not take our Deen with conviction and determination? Why not be forerunners in good deeds so that we can InshaAllah, be forerunners in entering Paradise?
- Ayesha Baig, California