Islam

Friday Sermon: Islam and Terrorism Re-Examined

Published

6 months ago

October 10, 2025

Eric

By Babatunde Jose

Recent comments in the media about the real or imagined persecution of Christians by Islamic terrorists backed by the Nigerian State has once again forced to the front burner, the issue of Islam and terrorism. This is an over flogged concept we thought had died with the realization that terrorism in Nigeria has been unmasked and the true face of the terrorists has been laid bare to the general public. Terrorists are terrorists without the preface of Islamic or Christian, pagan or any other nomenclature.

The current spate of insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria is all pervasive and not limited to Christian victims alone. According to a commentator, it signifies a failure of leadership and not religion.

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has accused both the Nigerian government and the United States of hypocrisy over their handling of widespread killings across the country. According to him, the violence is rooted in bad governance and insecurity, not religion. “There’s genocide against the poor in this country, there’s genocide against Muslims in this country, there’s genocide against Christians in this country, there’s genocide against children in this country. To now separate it and say maybe it’s one religion or the other, that’s dishonest,” he said.

“Why is the U.S. not taking the same position in Gaza, where there’s genocide against Palestinians by Israel?” he asked, describing Washington’s stance as “international hypocrisy.”

The problem with Nigeria has nothing to do with religion. It’s complete irresponsible leadership and insecurity that kills everybody. A leadership that dialogues with terrorists, grants their leaders chieftaincy titles, grants them amnesty and sends them back into the communities they have been terrorising.

Islam is a religion of mercy and does not permit terrorism. We read in the Quran: “God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers.” (Quran 60:8)

Islamic teachings make it clear that acts of inciting terror, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam. When individual Muslims commit an act of terrorism, they would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.

Let it also be said that wanton acts of genocide are recorded in the Bible too: Joshua and the Slaughter of the Canaanites Joshua 6:21; 8:24-29; 11:10-15, come into full focus; unparalleled today even by the Jewish genocide in Gaza.

There was also the Rhineland Massacres 1096 AD, when Crusaders attacked and massacred Jewish communities in Germany. Followed by the siege of Jerusalem 1099 when thousands of Jews were massacred by Christian soldiers of God or crusaders.

No doubt all religions have had their black spots. Some words such as ‘Islamic Terrorism’, ‘Muslim extremism’, ‘Islamic fundamentalism and ‘Jihadists’, need to be challenged: Mostly coined by the “Islamophobia industry”, according to scholars Nathan Lean and John Esposito.

The socio-economic, political, and cultural circumstances of Muslims are varied across the globe, but I believe that we can distinguish three different groups of Muslims in the world today based on how they envision and practice their faith.

The first group is the most problematic — the fundamentalists who envision a regime based on Sharia, Islamic religious law. They argue for an Islam largely or completely unchanged from its original seventh-century version and take it as a requirement of their faith that they impose it on everyone else. We call them “Medina Muslims,” in that they see the forcible imposition of Shariah as their religious duty.

The second group — and the clear majority throughout the Muslim world — consist of Muslims who are loyal to the core creed and worship devoutly but are not inclined to practice violence or even intolerance towards non-Muslims. We call this group “Mecca Muslims.”

More recently, and corresponding with the rise of Islamic terrorism, a third group is emerging within Islam — Muslim reformers or, “modifying Muslims” — who promote the separation of religion from politics and other reforms. Although some are apostates, the majority of dissidents are believers, among them clerics who have come to realize that their religion must change if its followers are not to be condemned to an interminable cycle of political violence.

The future of Islam and the world’s relationship with Muslims will be decided by which of the two minority groups — the Medina Muslims and the reformers — wins the support of the Mecca majority. That is why focusing on “violent extremism” is to focus on a symptom of a much more profound ideological epidemic.

Anyone seeking support for armed jihad in the name of Allah will find ample support in the passages in the Quran and Hadith that relate to the Prophet’s Medina period. For example, 4:95 states, “Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home).”

Equally, anyone looking for support in the Bible for Christian acts of cruelty and even barbarism should consult: https://www.evilbible.com/evil-bible-home-page/murder-in-the-bible/

However, mainstream Islamic jurisprudence continues to maintain that the so-called “sword verses” (9:5 and 9:29) of the Quran have been taken out of historical context.

According to Feisal Abdul Rauf, “the Quran expressly and unambiguously prohibits the use of coercion in faith because coercion would violate a fundamental human right—the right to a free conscience. A different belief system is not deemed a legitimate cause for violence or war under Islamic law.

The Quran is categorical on this: “There shall be no compulsion in religion.” (2:256); Surah Al-Kafirun 1-6 “Say to the disbelievers “To you, your beliefs, to me, mine” (109:1-6)”

Jawaid Quddus asserts that “Quotations from the Quran, cited out of historical context, are being used to prove the contention that Islam is by nature and design a violent religion.”

Micheline R. Ishay has argued that “the Quran justifies wars for self-defence to protect Islamic communities against internal or external aggression by non-Islamic populations, and wars waged against those who ‘violate their oaths’ by breaking a treaty”, 42:39.

Khaled M. Abou El Fadl asserts that “there is not a single verse in the Quran that calls for an unmitigated, unqualified, or unreserved obligation to fight the unbelievers.”

According to Esposito and Mogahed, the Quran balances permission to fight the enemy with a strong mandate for making peace: “If your enemy inclines toward peace, then you too should seek peace and put your trust in God” (Quran 8:61).

Finally we must also realize that until the Treaty of Hudaybiya there had been intense persecution of Muslims by the Meccans. And there were several revelations. The Treaty of al-Hudaybiya was an event that took place during the lifetime of prophet Muhammad (SAW). It was a pivotal treaty between Muhammad (SAW), representing the state of Medina, and the tribe of the Quraysh in Mecca in March 628. The treaty helped to decrease tension between the two cities.

Al-Fath (Arabic: الفتح, al-fatḥ; meaning: “The Victory”) is the 48th chapter (surah) of the Qur’an with 29 verses (ayat). The surah was revealed in Medina in the sixth year of the Hijrah, on the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaybiya between the Muslim city-state of Madinah and Makkan polytheists.

The Quran is therefore a book that must be read with its historical context for better understanding, the more reason why it is important to read the commentaries that follow each and every Surah.

At this point, it may be useful to step back from the recent violence and review broader patterns of religious affiliation and conflict across the country. Nigeria is not only the largest half Muslim, half Christian country by far but also ranked as the most religious. With between three hundred and four hundred ethno-linguistic groups, it is also one of the most complex, though three ethnic identities make up two-thirds of the population: Hausa-Fulani at 30 percent, Yoruba at 20 percent and Igbo at 17 percent.

In general, Hausa-Fulani tend to be Muslim. Yoruba are split evenly between Muslim and Christian. Igbos are predominantly Christian. Hence ethnic and religious identities may be conjoined, which also tends to reinforce regional zones: the north, predominantly Muslim; the southwest, a mixture of Yoruba Muslims and Christians; and the southeast, predominantly Christian Igbos.

Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has witnessed its share of conflicts, including a 1967-70 civil war when the southeast tried to secede as Biafra. The numerous coups and attempted coups have often had a regional/ethno-religious flavour. Since the return to civilian rule in 1999—the so-called Fourth Republic—insurgencies have flared up in the south-south (Niger Delta) and the northeast (especially Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states), post election violence was serious in Kaduna, and in the Middle Belt, herder-farmer violence continues.

In retrospect, there had been no war based on religion in Nigeria since the end of the Fulani Jihad of Dan Fodio and the Fulani incursion into Yorubaland that was thwarted finally at Osogbo by Ibadan army.

Those crying wolf about Nigeria’s imagined persecution of Christians are therefore dreaming of starting a religious ‘kuraku’ in a country already smouldering under the intense heat of home-grown terrorism, kidnapping which has suddenly become a growth industry, herders versus famers, hungry people versus belly-full political leaders and impoverishment and grinding poverty in the midst of plenty, without hope on the horizon.

No doubt, we still have many rivers to cross.

Barka Juma’at and 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