Islam

Friday Sermon: The Quran and the Fall of Nations

Published

2 years ago

July 5, 2024

Eric

By Babatunde Jose

We have already sent down to you verses making things clear, an illustration from (the story of) people who passed away before you, and an admonition for those who fear (Allah). (Quran 24: 34).

During a discussion of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, R. Briffault, in his book, The Making of Humanity, made some thought-provoking observations, which we will do well to ponder over:

“A society based on false principles inevitably disintegrates. What really happens is that the phase of society, the order of things in which disregard of right is habitual and accepted, inevitably deteriorates and perishes. However much the individual may temporarily benefit by inequity, the social organization of which he is a part and the very class which enjoys the fruits of that inequity, suffer inevitable deterioration through its operation. They are un-adapted to the facts of their environment. The wages of sin is death by the inevitable operation of natural selections: And for a nation, it’s cessation.”

The Quran has, repeatedly directed our attention to the phenomena of nations that flourished in the past, but which went into ruin because of their way of life, the goals they pursued, the values around which their culture was organized, their actions and the consequences of those actions. By looking back at them we can avoid pitfalls. That is why the Quran exhorts us to go round the world and see for ourselves “the fate of those who defied God”. History has judged them, as it will, in time, judge us. The prognosis is within our grasp.

The blame for what Nigeria has become therefore falls on you and me. Our wickedness and iniquities stinks to high heavens; pulling down everyone and everything to become rich. We import substandard products, fake drugs and expired baby food unfit for human consumption, container loads of dangerous addictive drugs, arms and ammunition when we are not at war, and we have the nerve and temerity to complain about leadership?

Is it the leadership that perpetrates the hooliganism on Oshodi bridge, drive recklessly on the wrong side on a one-way street, and kidnaps its fellow citizens?

We even steal from widows, orphans, and refugees. We take the food of IDPs and sell it for profit. A conscienceless people: nothing is sacred. From the construction of substandard roads and buildings, all for profit at the expense of human life; an invaluable item which all our profit and contract sum cannot buy.

Sadly, the perpetration of iniquities is all inclusive: They are Christians, Muslims, husbands, wives and sadly youths. We pervert justice and enthrone injustice and inequality. Slave traders pale into insignificance in comparison to what we do to ourselves: No surprise, after all, we sold our people to the Whiteman for looking glass and gin. We are wickedness personified. We fast and starve ourselves believing that we are bribing God; we pray and go into trance, speaking in a strange language called ‘tonguing’, hold deliverance services and vigils during which we call upon the ‘Holy Ghost’, invoking the sacred name of God in vain. Our problem today is beyond prayer and fasting. We need a moral rebirth and behavioral reformation.

For the downtrodden and the righteous few, there is solace in the words of the Bible:”For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 4:1-3)

The Quran inspires unquestioning faith in its pronouncement when it says: Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the End of those before them? They were more numerous than these and superior in strength and in the traces (they have left) in the land: Yet all that they accomplished was of no profit to them. For when their apostles came to them with Clear Signs, they exulted in such knowledge (and skill) as they had; but that very (Wrath) at which they were wont to scoff hemmed them in. (Quran 40: 82-83).

How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples? Yet, when they felt Our Punishment (coming), behold, they (tried to) flee from it. Flee not, but return to the good things of this life which were given you, and to your homes, in order that ye may be called to account. And that cry of theirs ceased not, till We made them as a field that is mown, as ashes silent and quenched. (Quran 21:11-14).

A nation which takes to destructive ways is invariably granted a respite, long or short. It is saved if it retraces its step and turns back to the right path before reaching the point of no return.

“To every People is a term appointed: When their term is reached, not an hour

can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can they advance (it in anticipation). (Quran 7:34),

The limit beyond which a nation cannot pass without being irretrievably lost is determined by Divine Law: In the Quran we read about the misguided leaders and rulers of the past like Pharaoh (political power), Haman (Religious hierarchy) and Qaroon (Economic control). They paid the price for disregarding the universal moral order. The Quran also cites the example of Aad and Thamud; both were rich and powerful nations, highly intelligent and keen observers (Quran 29:38); but their scales of values were wrong.

If a nation suffers, it has brought the suffering on itself. It cannot blame it on any outside agency. Success or failure are the eventual consequences of our good or bad conduct. The Quran makes this clear: God does not do injustice to anyone. It is the people who do injustice to themselves; See Quran 11:101.

The “demise of nations” is a recurrent theme in the Quran. The Quran says that a nation begins to decline when it pursues wealth and takes to hoard money it should have spent for the general good. The rich, instead of helping the poor and the needy, amass wealth for themselves. The inevitable consequence was that the nation began to deteriorate. See (Quran 47:38).

The meaning is clear. If a nation refuses to work for the development of its people and for the establishment of Divine Order and pursues the ignoble end of self-aggrandizement, it will be supplanted by another nation carrying more weight in the balance of humanity.

The Quran rightly exhorts us to study history:

Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before

them? They were superior to them in strength: They tilled the soil and populated it in greater numbers than these have done: There came to them their apostles with Clear (Signs), (which they rejected to their own destruction): It was not Allah who wronged them, but they wronged their own souls. (Quran 30:9).

The Quran says that it is the duty of the Mustabsirin, the intellectuals and the leaders of thought, to discover the right path and persuade the people to follow it. When these men do not discharge their duty properly, the nation slides into injustice and tyranny and heads for ruin. The leaders of thought are bound to keep a watchful eye on the nation and to warn when it goes wrong. The leaders are to blame if the nation pursues false values.

If a nation begins to decay, the process usually starts at the top. The upper stratum of society first becomes corrupt and the corruption percolates downwards. Is it strange that men of high intelligence should be the first to be corrupted? It is because they cannot resist the temptation to use their intelligence to further their own interests.

And verily, We had empowered them with that wherewith We have not empowered you, and had assigned them ears and eyes and mind; but their ears and eyes and mind availed them naught, since they rejected the laws revealed by Allah : and what they used to mock befell them (Quran 46:26).

The masses too, as they allowed themselves to be misled by their leaders, are not quite blameless. Though it is true that common people do not have the intelligence and knowledge that their leaders possess. As free responsible beings, however, it is their duty to think for themselves and reign in their leaders when they go wrong. If they fail to do this, they too cannot escape punishment. Resilience under a condition of misrule is tantamount to docility and it’s a crime. However, in Hell the common people will hold their leaders responsible for the fate that has befallen them:

Oh! If thou couldst see when the wrongdoers are brought before their Rabb, how they cast the blame one to another; how those who were weaker (the followers) say unto those who were proud (the leaders): “but for you, we would have been believers” (Quran 34:31).

In conclusion, it is pertinent to say that corruption starts at the upper layer of society and spreads downwards. Common men, by shirking their duty to think independently, become accomplices in the crimes of their leaders. Had they rebelled, the leaders might have been brought to their senses and checked themselves. Their willing obedience to errant leaders is in itself a crime and they have to expiate it.

May we not fall into ruin. That is why we have to make a hard choice and pursue change so that we may avoid the path which led others into ruin.

The great lesson that the Quran teaches us is that individuals as well as nations are the architects of their own fate. Their destiny lies in their own hands.

“Ih dinas-siratal mustaqeem”; guide us unto the straight path. (Quran 1:6)

Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend!

Islam

Friday Sermon: Death: Malignant Disease and Related Matters

Published

2 days ago

April 11, 2026

Eric

By Babatunde Jose

Today’s sermon touches on a very sad development which tends to verge on the spiritually disturbing. According to my friend Tatalo Alamu of Gbogan, it is a morbid oncology at its most classic and benumbing.

We all know that death comes with different attendant issues; short or prolonged illness, accident, both domestic or external including plane crash or automobile, altercation with spirits or even church leaders, not to talk of curse from Isese adherents. Sometimes, death comes visiting in the early hours of the morning when we are not fully awake to acknowledge its presence or late at night when we have entered the twilight zone.

Our people regard death as a debt we all owe our Creator. My friend’s mother said: *Gbese niku Baba Moradeun, ko se niti o nisan. Aiye o nipekun o ba je nje die ki nto ma lo:* Death is an obligatory debt that every living person must pay. Life is an endless feast. Let me just take my own bite before I am recalled.

Death is no respecter of gender, age or definition. It takes the child and leaves the parents, it takes the Taiwo and leaves the Kehinde, it takes the mother and leaves the new born, it takes the strong and leaves the weakling.

Our Quran says in *Surah Al Imran, 3:185: Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.*

There are so many diseases that lead to death. The most common is cancer. However, there are many variants of cancer, one of which is Cancer of the Pancreas.

What follows is a prima on pancreatic cancer; a malignant disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas, often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to minimal early symptoms.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, affecting either the cells which produce digestive enzymes or endocrine cells (which produce hormones like insulin). About 70% of pancreatic cancers develop in the head of the pancreas, with exocrine tumors, particularly adenocarcinomas: Adenocarcinomas are a type of cancer that can affect various organs, including the lungs, stomach, pancreas, and colon. Adenocarcinomas are the most common form of breast cancer and account for a significant percentage of other cancers, such as 99% of prostate cancers and 85% of pancreatic cancers.

Several factors can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, including age (average diagnosis at 72 years), smoking, obesity, family history, genetic mutations, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Inherited genetic mutations account for approximately 5–10% of cases – Cancer Council.

Early-stage pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms, making early detection difficult. When symptoms appear, they may include: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine); unexplained weight loss; abdominal or back pain; new-onset diabetes (10–20% of cases); digestive issues such as nausea or loss of appetite.

According to the Cancer Council, diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood tests, imaging scans (ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET), and tissue sampling (biopsy via fine-needle aspiration, endoscopy, or laparoscopy) to confirm the presence and stage of cancer. Genetic testing may also be performed to identify inherited mutations.

According to MedicineNet, Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, which contributes to its high lethality. Survival rates vary by stage.

The only potentially curative treatment is surgical removal of the tumor, sometimes involving partial or total removal of the pancreas. Additional treatments include: Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Targeted therapies for specific genetic mutations and Supportive care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Ongoing research focuses on genetic mapping, targeted therapies, and early detection methods to improve outcomes. Support is available through cancer organizations, providing guidance for patients and families coping with the disease.

Pancreatic cancer remains challenging due to its rapid progression and aggressive metastasis.

Life expectancy for pancreatic cancer varies widely by stage, ranging from several years for early-stage tumors to only a few months for advanced stage 4 disease.

Johns Hopkins Medicine says the overall five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is approximately 12–12.5 percent, reflecting the fact that most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is more difficult. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, but pancreatic cancer often shows few symptoms until it has metastasized.

Factors affecting prognosis include Tumor resectability: Resectable pancreatic cancer refers to tumors that can be completely removed through surgery, typically when they are confined to the pancreas and have not invaded nearby blood vessels.

The term resectable indicates that the pancreatic tumor can be surgically removed. It is usually diagnosed in the early stages when the cancer is localized and has not spread significantly.

Resectability could be borderline when the cancer may have spread to nearby blood vessels but is still considered potentially removable after treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to shrink the tumor.

In contrast, unresectable pancreatic cancer cannot be completely removed due to extensive spread to surrounding tissues or distant organs.

The primary treatment for resectable pancreatic cancer is surgical intervention. The type of surgery depends on the tumor’s location within the pancreas.

According to the American Cancer Society, the prognosis for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer is generally better than for those with unresectable disease, as complete surgical removal of the tumor can lead to improved survival rates. However, the overall outcome depends on various factors, including the tumor’s size, location, and the patient’s overall health.

In conclusion, resectable pancreatic cancer is a critical classification that allows for surgical intervention, which is the most effective treatment option available. Early detection and appropriate treatment planning are essential for improving patient outcomes.

Patients diagnosed before metastasis may become disease-free in up to 10 percent of cases.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) have a better prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of 54 percent for certain subtypes, compared to the more common pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

Access to high-volume centers and multidisciplinary care can improve outcomes through advanced surgical techniques and personalized therapy.

Pancreatic cancer prognosis is highly dependent on stage at diagnosis. Early-stage, resectable tumors offer the best chance for longer survival. Advanced-stage pancreatic cancer has a very limited life expectancy, emphasizing the importance of early detection and specialized care.

The onset of advanced stage pancreatic cancer is what happened to our friend, Alhaji Moshood Olatunde Bello 1951-2026, whose health took a rapid deterioration after he was diagnosed with advanced, metastasized pancreatic cancer. He gave up the fight on the night of Monday 6th April and being a Muslim and an Alfa, was buried on Tuesday 7th April at Ijebu Ode, where he hailed from. Inna lillahi wa ina ilehi rajiun.

Latunde, as friends used to call him, came from a deeply religious Islamic home and was deeply religious until he fell into the satanic trap of happy-go-lucky friends after his university years. A graduate of pharmacy at Great Ife, Latunde attended Adeola Odutola College and Muslim College (Museduco) both in Ijebu Ode. He was a quiet and studious fellow; hence, I did not know him at Museduco Varsity, where I did my higher school in Ijebu Ode. His life took a trajectory for the speed lane after our friend served with Dele Fajemirokun and his gang in Jos.

Latunde and another friend will later team up with Dele in their various business deals, leading to Latunde forming Mobell Trading Company, which grew into a major paper importer.

After retirement, Latunde lived a quiet life in his sprawling home in VGC. Like all of us, he has had his taste of health challenges, one of which culminated in his going as far as India for a prostate operation. Since then he had been pissing well and reduced his drinking to the less harmful H2O. But, no matter how we take precaution, death will always find a cause. It was his time to go and meet his Maker.

I understand there is always a welcoming party in the beyond where discussions center around the state of things here on earth. He would have met other departed friends like Akin Fasakin, Dele Adeola, Goke Omisore, Femi Adegoke, Tunde Dawodu, and others too numerous to name here.

Unfortunately, he would not have glowing stories to tell. These are not the best of times down here. War everywhere, kidnappings, terrorism and all forms of insecurity and Trump messing around, there is nothing good to relate to the people up there.

May the Almighty Lord forgive all his sins and shortcomings and may the Lord comfort his loved ones, grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. We pray that Allah in His compassion will grant Olatunde Bello, Jannatul Firdous, and preserve those he left behind – his wife and children and we his friends and compatriots. Inna lillahi wa ina ilehi rajiun.

Until we meet in the Resurrection, Latunde, sun re oo!

Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend

Islam

Friday Sermon: Hopefulness Hopelessness and Renewed Hope

Published

1 week ago

April 3, 2026

Eric

By Babatunde Jose

“O my sons! Go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s soothing Mercy: Truly no one despairs of Allah’s soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith.” Quran 12:87

Hopefulness is an important characteristic of believers and, at the same, an indication of their faith. Knowing that everything happens according to Allah’s will, believers do not fall into despair or become hopeless and pessimistic. And, since believers know that Allah will accept their prayers, they do not doubt, even for a second, that a seemingly terrible event is simply a part of their test and that eventually it will work out for the best.

Hope in Allah’s mercy and Paradise greatly influence a person’s whole life, attitude toward life, sincerity of worship, and resolve. Those who hope for Allah’s mercy cannot do anything that He has forbidden, ignore something that He has commanded, say a bad word, or neglect the voice of their conscience. They advise people to good and right, discourage them from evil, and carry out with enthusiasm many other forms of worship Allah has commanded.

Even if they have lost everything, believers can start fresh without the slightest feeling of hopelessness, and with patience and enthusiasm; that is renew hope. Their enthusiasm arises from their faith, their trust in and love for Allah, their Quranic morals, and their certain realization of this world’s transience.

It is the hope of a bountiful harvest that motivates a farmer to work hard on his farm; it is also the hope of a profitable trade that propels a merchant to travel far afield in search of merchandise; the student who burns the midnight oil does so in the hope of a good result in his exams; it is equally hope of victory in war that pushes the soldier to endure the hardship of war; and as for the believer, it is the hope of gaining the pleasure of paradise that motivate him to obey Allah’s injunctions and shun the advances of Satan.

Hope, then, is a motivating power that makes one feel delighted when working, that provides the stimulus for struggling for the sake of duty and which enlivens body and soul. Hope is the elixir of life. Most people fall into despair when they do not get what they want, lose something, or when some unexpected dreadful event befalls them. (Quran 12:87) (Quran 15:56)

Everything that happens comes about through Allah’s command of “Be”, see Quran 3:46-48; 3:58-60; 19:34-36; 2:116-118. At every second, everything and scene that appears before us is created through Allah’s will. Nothing is left to its own devices, for everything is created for the destiny that Allah has determined for it. Several Quranic verses mention how Allah gives believers a good reward and offers them glad tidings of grace, favor, and mercy:

Those who believe and work righteous deeds, –from them shall We blot out all evil (that may be) in them, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds. (Quran 29:7) See also (Quran 42:26) (Quran 2:268) (Quran 32:16).

Since prayer itself is both a form of worship and an indication of a hopeful attitude toward Allah, believers pray in the hope that our Lord will answer their prayers. Hope befits reason and rationale, while despair is utterly against it. Allah makes it clear that people are tested by their souls and possessions.

In one of his sayings, our Prophet (SAW) made this clear: “Whatever Allah takes is for Him, and whatever He gives is for Him. Everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world), and so people should be patient and hope for Allah’s reward.” (Sahih Bukhari) It is vital to fully comprehend the importance of being hopeful and to be patient in order to gain Paradise.

Being positive is obligatory, as the following verse shows:“O my sons! Go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s soothing Mercy: Truly no one despairs of Allah’s soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith.” (Quran 12: 87)

Majority of people are ungrateful and do not submit to Him completely, and thus fall into despair. This type of attitude is apparent in Quran 14: 34.

Allah makes it clear that He is not pleased with those who attach themselves to this world, worry about the future, are ambitious, arrogantly think that they are in control but then despair at the slightest setback, and are ungrateful: See (Quran 11:9-11)

The secret behind the believers’ trust in Allah in all situations, as well as their continual joy and enthusiasm, lies in their belief in and reliance upon Allah. They understand that Allah is behind every apparently difficult situation, as well as the fact that only He gives and takes.

In very simple terms, the believer has hope and trust in the goodness of Allah. Allah has promised believers great bounties in both this life and the Hereafter, and people may hope to obtain them according to the degree of their faith in and closeness to Allah, as well as their submission and sincerity.(Quran 29:7) (Quran 42:26)

There is no doubt that Allah’s Will shall prevail. However, this does not preclude us from praying, supplication and making efforts. There is a very pertinent assertion by a man of God who said that ‘blessing is not free’. We must work for it and then ask God to bless our efforts. According to the gentleman of God, when Isaac wanted to bless Jacob, he asked him to prepare a very delicious meal for him. After partaking of the meal, he blessed Jacob.

Allah does not require a delicious meal from us, but our prayers and faithfulness. Like they say, ‘nothing goes for nothing’! ‘Those who come to equity, must come with clean hands.’ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34. May Allah give us the renewed hope we desire!

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire. (Q2:201)

Barka Juma’at and Easter Greetings

EASTER: RENEWED HOPE IN THE LORD

Easter is a time of profound spiritual renewal and hope. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which brings new life and hope to believers. During Easter, prayers and messages are shared that reflect on the love and mercy of God, reminding us of His enduring presence and the promise of eternal hope. There are some ways to experience renewed hope in God’s love at Easter:

Prayers of Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for the miracle of resurrection and the gift of salvation.

Messages of Renewal: Sharing messages that resonate with the themes of rebirth and transformation.

Blessings and Wishes: Offering blessings for joy, peace, and new beginnings.

Reflecting on quotes that capture the essence of Easter and the power of God’s love.

Easter is a time to reflect on the empty tomb, the tears turned into joy, and the promise of spiritual renewal. It is a time to remember that the risen Savior still brings light to every shadow and peace to every weary soul.

Every year, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ during the sacred celebration of Easter. This holy day is not just about traditions, family gatherings, or festive meals it is a powerful reminder of victory over sin, hope beyond suffering, and the promise of new life.

For believers, Easter is a moment to reconnect with God through heartfelt prayer and Scripture. The resurrection story found in the Bible teaches us that no darkness is permanent, no failure is final, and no broken heart is beyond healing.

Happy Easter!!!

Islam

Friday Sermon: Accountability on the Day of Judgment

Published

2 weeks ago

March 27, 2026

Eric

By Babatunde Jose

Accountability on the Day of Judgment is an interesting topic following the passing of the holy month of Ramadan and its demonstration of piety by the Umma. It was also the interesting topic of the Ramadan lecture by Dr. Christopher Otayemi, the Chief Imam of the Crescent Bearers, during their March 15^th monthly meeting at my residence.

There is no gainsaying the fact that man must account for his sojourn on earth at the end of the day. Good or bad, we will all account for how we spent our time on this divide of spiritual consciousness. There will be no escape, no parental intercession on behalf of their children, and no intersession of husband for his wife and vice versa. Those who have done well will reap the reward of their acts and the villains will reap the reward of their iniquities. That is why the there is need for all to do well with a view towards a pass on the Day of Qiyyamah.

It is interesting to know that many people have asked about the nature of that day. How will Allah assemble all those he had created in one place to question them and judge them accordingly? The answer to this and other questions are offered in several places in the Quran.

In Surah Al Baqara, Allah exemplified with the story of Uzair: Or like the one who passed by a town and it had tumbled over its roofs. He said: “Oh! How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death?” So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: “How long did you remain (dead)?” He (the man) said: “(Perhaps) I remained (dead) a day or part of a day”. He said: “Nay, you have remained (dead) for a hundred years, look at your food and your drink, they show no change and look at your donkey! And thus We have made of you a sign for the people. Look at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh “. When this was clearly shown to him, he said, I know (now) that Allah is Able to do all things”. (Al-Baqarah, Quran 2:259)

See also Surah Al-Kahf, 9-26, People of the Cave, a people who were made to die for 400 years and then rose again.

The most important events that will happen on the Day of Judgment are when we will be held accountable for our deeds and when we will be questioned by our Lord, Allah (S.W.T.). There are many Quranic verses and Hadiths that tell us about these events so that the believers will prepare themselves for the most important, final test. They can prepare for this test with their strong faiths and with their righteous deeds. But are we prepared?

Allah (S.W.T.) says: For to Us will be their Return; Then it will be for Us to call them to account. (Quran 88: 25-26)

He also says: Then shall We question those to whom Our message was sent and those by whom We sent it. And verily We shall recount their whole story with knowledge, for We were never absent (at any time or place). (Quran 7:6-7)

Allah (S.W.T.) describes that Day: On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done, and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allah cautions you (to remember) Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him.” (Quran 3:30)

The good believer will have an easy reckoning and Allah (S.W.T.) will cover up his sins after He reminds him about them. Then He will forgive him for his sins, and allow him to enter paradise. This is concluded from a Hadith reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim in which the Prophet (SAW) said: “Allah will bring the believer very close and privately and ask him “Do you know this sin? Do you know that sin? The believer’s reply will be, “Yes Oh Lord,” until he is reminded about all of his sins, and he thinks he will perish. Then Allah will say “I covered up your sins during your life, and I will forgive your sins today. Then he will be given his book of good deeds. But the unbelievers and hypocrites will be asked about their deeds loudly in front of the creatures.

If We delay the penalty for them for a definite term, they are sure to say, “What keeps it back?” Ah! On the day it (actually) reaches them, nothing will turn it away from them, and they will be completely encircled by that which they used to mock at! (Quran 11:18)

Allah will confront His servant directly, without a mediator. The Messenger (SAW) said: “Allah will talk to everyone directly, without a translator. The person will look to his right, and will not see anything but his deeds. Then the person will look in front of himself and will see nothing but the hellfire facing him. So protect yourself from Hellfire even by giving a charity of half a date.” Reported by Imam Bukhari

Prayer will be the first thing a person will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment. The Messenger (SAW) told us in an authentic Hadith: “The first thing the people will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer, Allah will say to His angels (even though he already knows): “Look at my servant’s prayers. Were they complete or not?” If they were complete, it will be written as complete. If they were not fully complete Allah will say: “See if my servant has voluntary prayers, If he has them Allah will say: Complete his obligatory prayers shortage with his voluntary prayers.” Then the rest of his deeds will be dealt with in the same manner.” Reported by Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawood, An-Nisa’i, and Al-Hakim

We will be asked on the Day of Judgment about all of the blessings and bounties that Allah gave us in this life. Some of these blessings may include our good health, our wealth, our food and drink, our ride and our home, etc. Allah (SWT) says in the Noble Quran: Then, shall ye be questioned that Day about joy (ye indulged in!) (Quran 102:8)

Allah (SWT) describes that situation: On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions. (Quran 24:24).

They will say to their skins: “Why bear ye witness against us?” They will say: “Allah hath given us speech, –(He) Who giveth speech to everything: He created you for the first time, and unto Him were ye to return. (Quran 41:21)

Also Allah (SWT) will ask us on the Day of Judgment about all of our covenants and promises that have been made in our lives. Those promises may be made to Allah (SWT) or made to people. Like the failed promises our leaders make to us about providing us electricity, water, healthcare, education, employment and security. Like the ‘Hope’ and ‘Renewed Hope’ hoax. Then they will know that ‘hope is not in a bag of rice, or vegetable oil. Hope is in a better life and life more abundant.

And so Allah (SWT) says: Come not nigh to the orphan’s property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; and fulfill (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be inquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).Quran 17:34)

Whoever they are, that are responsible for our woes should not forget that there will be a day of reckoning. A Day of Judgment when they would have to account for their stewardship.

The prophet Muhammad (SAW.) said: “The son of Adam will not pass away from Allah until he is asked about five things: how he lived his life, and how he utilized his youth, with what means did he earn his wealth, how did he spend his wealth, and what did he do with his knowledge?” – Reported by Imam At-Tirmidhi.

The sins and iniquities of our leaders have risen to high heaven and certainly, God will visit his wrath on them. It was a Catholic Bishop who once said that God will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah, if he fails to punish the iniquities of our leaders.

It is out of the Mercy of Allah (SWT), that he told us about these important questions ahead of time so that we can prepare ourselves. The good believer is the one who prepares himself for those difficult events by getting closer to Allah (SWT), by doing good deeds, and by staying away from what Allah has forbidden, and by fulfilling promises and covenants, so that he will be among those who receive their book of deeds on the Day of Judgment in their right hand and Allah will enter them into paradise.

As for those who have visited woes on their people, a special place in hell shall be reserved for them. Those who have ears, let them listen now, for, No sinner shall go unpunished.

Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend