Thursday 25th June 2009
Zikr lesson for the week
A Beautiful Fellowship
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We are in the month of Rajab and Prophet Muhammad (saw) has indicated that this month is one of the four (4) blessed months’.
“The year consists of twelve months, of which four are sacred; the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qi’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab, which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.”
(Bukhari)
It is advisable that we recite lots of darood and pray as much optional salaat as possible.
Allah (swt) says in Surah Nisa;
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“All who obey Allah and the Apostle are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah, - of the Prophets (Who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (Who testify), and the righteous (Who do good): Ah! What a beautiful fellowship!”
(Chapter 4, verse 69)
Allah (swt) has made 7 levels of heaven and, according to the scholars, on the Day of Judgement He will categorized the inhabitants of Paradise into these levels. For example those who give their all in the path of Allah (swt) will not be equal to those who are not serious about their salaat, fasting, zakaat, etc. Those who are prepared to utilize all their assets for Allah (swt) will be placed in a ‘higher level’ than those who are careless. On that Day when Allah (swt) will categorize us some believers will be in the companionship of the Messengers of Allah (swt) as Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said;
Amongst my followers some will have the status of the Messengers of the Bani Israel.
The ayat mention above was revealed because of a particular incident. One day a companion of Prophet (saw) came to him and said “O Prophet (saw) we love you so much, when we die and you die we will be separate”. Another companion said “O Prophet (saw) if I don’t see you for one day I begin to feel anxious, what will happen in the hereafter when we will not meet you anymore”. Thereafter the ayat was revealed.
It implies that in the hereafter it is possible to be in the companionship of the Messengers, including Prophet Muhammad (saw). Ka'ab al Aslami (ra) narrated that he used to carry water for Prophet Muhammad (saw) for ablution and for his need and one day Prophet (saw) told him to ask of him for whatever he wanted. Ka'ab al Aslami (ra) asked to be Prophet’s (saw) companion in Paradise. Prophet (saw) asked if he wished for anything else to which he replied only that. Prophet (saw) then told Ka'ab “help me fulfil this wish for you by performing many prostrations”.
On another occasion Prophet (saw) was asked what will happen on the Day of Judgement to a person who loved the people but is of a higher status from them. Prophet (saw) replied “One is with those he loves.”
What kind of status do you want to have in the next life? Make sincere dua to Allah (swt) because He hears and accepts our duas. When Prophet Muhammad (saw) was departing this physical world he supplicated to Allah (swt) by reciting “Ilah Rafeek il a'ala” – “Join me with the exalted ones”.
We should incorporate this is our supplication to Allah (swt). Keep in mind what kind of preparation you are making for the hereafter and what level of Paradise you wish to attain. If you sincerely strive in the way of your Lord it is possible to be elevated to the status of the Messengers in Paradise. Beg Allah (swt) for strength to strive to earn a place alongside the Messengers and may He forgive us and have mercy on us, and take care of our affairs in this life and the next, insha Allah.
