HereAfter Timeline Pt 2

Here’s a better (more visual) representation of ‘events that have taken place’ and events ‘to come’.

Note: This is just a brief overview there’s so many things happening in between.

HereAfter Timeline

A new Islamic Biweekly lecture series started at our University. Its about the HereAfter. I know very little about the incredible events that take place once someone passes away. I believe many of us are in the same boat. Therefore, I will share what I learn through postings on this site.

Islam is the only religion in the world that gives us the most vivid depiction of the events of the HereAfter. It is not just for a few muslims to know about and understand; it is like public information for all muslims and mankind. As muslims we should feel priviledged to have this information provided to us by Allah (swt) through the glorious Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (saws).

Last Wednesday was our first Lecture (aka. Halaqa).

Here’s a timeline of all the events that we will be covering in depth:

(Note: There are a lot of things that will happen inbetween. And the order of the events before, during, and after Judgment day are not linear. There is so much that will be going on in these stages that it is absolutely mind blowing!)

Soul (Created before we were born) –> Birth | LIFE –> Death –> Visiting the Grave –> Resurrection –> Judgment Day –> Coming of Allah (swt) and the Angels –> Intercession –> Books –> Scale –> Fountain –> The Bridge –> Final Destination (Heaven or Hell)

Halaqa 4-30-08: Further Explanation of Surat Al-Kahf, Part I

Joint Halaqa

April 30th, 2008

Speaker: Br. Tarif

Topic: Further Explanation of Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave), Part I

(Surat Al-Kahf, Chapter 18, Holy Quran)

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OUTLINE:

1. The Meaning behind the title, ‘The Cave’, and How it Connects with our Lives

2. The Story of ‘The Youth’

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1. The Meaning behind the title, ‘The Cave’, and How it Connects with our Lives

- Life itself is a series of caves

1. you have no clue why things are the way they are
2. at first glance you have no clue what is going on
3. be patient, trust in Allah (swt) – he will make the truth apparent if he so wills
4. everything that happens in our lives and goes on around us has wisdom behind it

- We have lost the personal touch of the Quran; it is not all about memorizing

1. we need to look beyond what we see on the surface
2. Allah (swt) is telling us something on each page
3. the more you read and strive to understand, the more layers of meaning you will be exposed to
4. knowledge is NOT reserved for VIP people
5. knowledge is a grasp of meanings and a practice of embodiment

2. The Story of ‘The Youth’

- Who are ‘the youth’ ?

1. they are nameless in the Quran b/c Allah (swt) is telling us that ‘who they are’ and ‘where they came from’ is not important – their story is of utmost importance because it is a Sign
2. they were young men who believed in Allah (swt) and Islam
3. ASIDE: they are known as the Companions of the Cave (these people can be anyone, they are not specific to a time/place)

- Story

1. They wanted to spread the word of Allah (swt), however they feared persecution from the people in the village where they lived.
2. They ran away to a cave; this place that they sought refuge had no sustenance. However, they firmly believed in the power of their lord and that he would provide a means of sustenance for them.
3. Allah (swt) put them to sleep for over 300 years. He made their bodies turn so that their inner circulation would continue. Thus they did not age.
4. When they woke up they had no idea how long they had slept for; it seemed as if only a day. They did not age and still were the same as before. They went to town to get food. When people saw their old coins they recognized the sign and accepted the true faith Islam (by the will of Allah (swt)).

Remember: Allah (swt) has full control of Time, Space, and Realm.

ASIDE: There are many sites online with translations of the Quran for you to read the versus’ that pertain to this story. One of my favorites is Quran Explorer. Look Up: Surat Al-Kahf, Chapter 18, Versus’ 1-27.

Halaqa 4-28-08: Islam and Character

Sisters Halaqa

April 28th, 2008

Speaker: Sr. Tomhe

Topic: Islam and Character

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OUTLINE:

1. The Arab Society before Our Prophet Recieved the Revelations

2. What Islam Teaches Us About Character

3. The Best Role Model: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

4. Knowledge

5. The 3 Characteristics of the Hypocrite

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1. The Arab Society before Our Prophet Recieved the Revelations

A. Over 300 statues were in the Ka’ba, the people worshiped other gods.

B. The Arab people, knew that at some point, Abraham (aka Ibrahim (pbuh)) had come to establish the Ka’ba as a place of worship, many years before, however they had very limited knowledge (or better put, remembrance of that event because it was before their time) and therefore, they didn’t have an understanding of who their Creator (Allah (swt)) was and they didn’t know how to pray properly.

C. Their society was uncivilized

- they could not read or write

- they used to drink a lot

- [there's a lot more, check out a history book at your public library]

There is a reason why Islam came to them. Allah (swt) wanted to show ALL of Mankind how Islam can pick up the lowest of the low and make them the best of the Best people. When the revelations and Quran came to them the followers practiced it throughly and became the Best people in the world. They were the cleanest and had the best Characters.

Therefore, we can learn a lot about Islam and what it teaches us about Character.

2. What Islam Teaches Us About Character

A. Be Kind to Your Family and All of Creation

- we were created from one man and one woman so that we could be one family (one Ummah)

- care for one another

- be kind to all animals

- the one who does not give mercy ‘to mankind and all of creation (which includes animals)’, they will not be given mercy on the day of judgment

B. The best in the eyes of Allah (swt) is the one who follows his word and helps the people in this world (his family).

C. The most noble is the one who does everything for the sake of Allah (swt).

- ‘everything for the sake of Allah (swt)’: What does that mean? It means that we need to remember Allah (swt) before we take any action in our lives. We need to please him by doing good deeds and we need to fear his displeasure if we are not nice to those around us or engage in activities that go against the principles set forth by Islam.

- for all the good deeds that you do you will be rewarded

- don’t help someone for personal desires; help them because Allah (swt) wants you to and he is the one that you need to please

- don’t ever put someone down

- Muslims control their ego; they do not let their ego control them

- the best act that someone can perform is one that has the intention of pleasing Allah (swt) and is done with sincerity

D. Build relationships – don’t break relationships

- getting two enemies to become friends will be more rewarded then extra prayers and extra fasting

- One of our natural attributes, as being humans, is that we like to ‘build’ and ‘improve’, upon anything, whether it be knowledge, relationships, work, etc. Not a single one of us, was created by Allah (swt) as naturally disposed to having a destructive character. Our creation is one with attributes of gentleness, nobility, courage, etc. To learn more I encourage you to take a closer look at the ‘creation of Adam (pbuh)’ and the ‘99 Names of Allah (swt)’; I will cover more on this in a later post.

E. Be considerate to everyone, whether you like them or not.

- Love each other for the sake of Allah (swt)

- If there is a discussion and people are sitting in a circle then don’t have your back to another person. This may sound a little extreme, but it goes to show the level of consideration that is shown to each other.

3. The Best Role Model: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was perfect in character and he ‘acted’ the Quran.

He was the last messenger and established an ‘everlasting message’ (the Quran) that will not be changed until the end of time. Hand in hand with the final revelation (the Holy Quran), he displayed the best character this world had ever seen during his time. After his death, as Muslims we follow his example because his humble display of good character was also an everlasting standard that every Muslim strives to match.

4. Knowledge

Share any knowledge you have.

The most Generous (in order): 1. Allah (swt) 2. Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) 3. Anyone who shares a little knowledge

“the ignorant is not from my Ummah” – Saying of the Prophet (pbuh)

Who is the ‘ignorant’? – the one who is not educating and educating others

5. The 3 Characteristics of the Hypocrite

- he talks lies

- he breaks promises

- they are trusted with something and they steal it/stab the other in the back

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SIDE NOTES:

If we mention/remember Allah (swt) he will mention us to the angels.

You can NEVER lose with Allah (swt), repent for your sins with sincerity and he will forgive you. Remember if you have Allah (swt) you have EVERYTHING. If you don’t have him you have NOTHING.

“Life” is very important

1. It is our collateral for the hereafter

2. the “time” you live in is so precious

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FINAL NOTE:

“Practice good character and you will strengthen the Ummah.”

Halaqa 4-23-08: Self-Reflection and Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave)

Joint Halaqa

Speaker: Sheikh … (I have to find his name)

Topic: Self-Reflection and Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave)

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“Even one with the smallest amount of arrogance in his heart will not make it to Jannat”

Concept: Don’t blame those who oppose Islam or others for their faults. Look at yourself, first. The only way you can strengthen the Ummah is by making yourself a better person.

Don’t Cause Trouble and Insult those who oppose Islam -

1. Show that you love Allah (swt) and the Prophet (pbuh) by acting in a just and respectful manner.
2. Look at yourself. Are you being a good muslim?
3. Always suspect your performance. ex. Are you being good to your neighbor and your friends?
4. Truly believe in Allah (swt); He is the one who takes care of all matters.
5. When you get angry at others b/c they don’t respect Islam and specifically our Prophet, remember that it is Allah (swt) who actually loves the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) more then any of us. Therefore do not grief. For Allah (swt) sees all and he is the ‘King of Kings’. He will deal with the matter if he so wills.
6. When the non-believers complain about Islam, you should find the Ummah stronger. Each person in the Ummah should strive to be the best possible Muslims. They should treat everyone with kindness. Let the non-believers keep complaining, you know well, that the arguments have no substance.

“Don’t be busy complaining/insulting others for their faults”

“Don’t follow your own desires, and sacrifice the satisfaction of being with Allah (swt), by attending a night out with some friends” — In that respect, always ask yourself “Is Allah (swt) happy with me?”

In full measure we need to attain:

1. Only hope in the mercy of Allah (swt)
2. Fear of Allah (swt) = Taqwa ( <– for some this can lead to despair, remember you must balance fear with hope)

How do we embrace Islam in the Best Possible Way?

We need to understand ‘how’ the Companions came to Islam in its totality b/c they were the best of Muslims. We should follow in their footsteps and that of our Prophet (pbuh) if we want to practice Islam the way it should have been practice. The reason why I say ’should have been’ is because to be very honest, many Muslims today, including myself aren’t very good representatives of Islam because they aren’t practicing it properly. Islam is a religion for people of understanding. It is so much more then just memorizing the Quran and doing Salat 5 times a day. Understanding the deeper meanings behind each Surat and reflecting upon our own personal lives can draw us much closer to the truth. One of the main reasons why I have started this blog is to reflect and to think. (Allah (swt) is all merciful and may he forgive us for our ignorance.)

Islam is all about thinking.

How did the Companions come to Islam in its totality?

1. They trusted in Allah (swt)
2. They established the dignity of the Deen; They did not bargain with their desires. (ex. I will skip Salat to go out with friends because I haven’t seen these friends in a long time).
3. Learn Iman first (before the Quran)

“You can’t make it to jannat with just good deeds”

Ch. 18, Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave): Some Insight:

‘It is important to read this Surat on Friday between Fajr and Jummah Prayer’

And if you read the last two verses, (or last ten, someone please confirm), of this Surat before going to sleep then an angel with be by your side and wake you up for fajr in the morning.

1. The first Story in this Surat is of ‘the Youth’

-concept of tawheed
-the youth stood for their deen
-they slept for over 300 yrs and then woke up and were a sign to mankind

ASIDE NOTE: Hereafter – some key points

1. If you are rich and have bounty in this life that does not mean you have bounty in the hereafter
2. Rich vs. Poor : the one is best is the one with true Iman
3. Our Prophet (pbuh) said in a Hadith that the poor on the day of Judgment will be closest to Allah (swt)

2. About Knowledge – This deals with the 3rd story in this Surat with Prophet Musa

-we keep learning until death
-if you took all the Oceans and made them ink for a pen, you would not be able to write out all of the knowledge of Allah (swt) <–’Hadith’? I believe

3. The Fourth Story in this Surat deals with Dhul Qurnain

-Who was he? Most scholars believe that he was just a ‘powerful ruler’ – he had power over the East and West
-He is responsible for protecting us from a great Fitna: Hagog Magog (one of the signs of the day of Judgement- they will be released upon this ‘dunya’ aka world)
-He build the barrier of Iron that separates Hajog Magog from the rest of the world

ASIDE: FINAL NOTE by Our Speaker:

As young people, we need to realize that this world needs powerful Muslims. Powerful = Muslims that are righteous, treat others with respect, they are educated (ex.doctors, lawyers) and they have a strong Iman.

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*Unless otherwise specified, any phrase/sentence in quotation marks above is from the speaker. They may also be from specific Hadiths, Saying of our Prophet (pbuh), etc; however, I am not that knowledgeable yet to distinguish the true representative of the quote. Please add comments to verify the information in quotations if it is from the Hadith, Quran, or a saying of our Prophet (pbuh). I would appreciate all insight; for Islam is all about reflecting and thinking upon the truth. So please leave comments.

JAK