Sometime in 2022 -

A very timely reminder of a khutba today. The imam focused on one thing:

1. Being prepared for death.

Honestly, it's a pretty heavy topic, but always a necessary one. And of course, being prepared for death means understanding what one can do to prepare. Here are some highlights.

Being prepared for death

I missed the first part of the khutba, so missed the major ayat that the imam introduced the topic with. When I arrived, he was already talking about how death can come at any time. He mentioned the recent bereavement of Muhammad Alshareef, founder of Almaghrib.

However, he quickly shifted to what we can do to prepare for death. He quoted:

"Verily those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and remain firm (on that Path)- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve"

Quran Majeed: 46:12. Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

Such a beautiful reminder from Allah azzawajal. That if we accept Allah as our Lord and remain on the path of Islam, that's it, we're good!

Of course, that can be pretty hard. And he quoted one of my favourite verses from Surah Kahf:

"Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: But the things that endure, good deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hope"

Quran Majeed: 18:46. Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

It's easy to get lost in the beauty of this world. God has indeed made this world ripe for distraction. Wherever we look, there's something to grab our attention. Be that God's incredible earth (hiking, travelling, biking, what have you), or people (friends, family, extended rando's), animals (pets), hobbies (sports, books, movies, other media) and of course what Allah says here -- wealth and children (well, Yusuf Ali translates it as sons but most other translations I saw said children). And of course, a reminder from the Imam to read Surah Kahf on Friday before sunset.

And this ayat from Surah Kahf reminds me of another ayat:

"Beautified for mankind is love of the joys (that come) from women and offspring; and stored-up heaps of gold and silver, and horses branded (with their mark), and cattle and land. That is comfort of the life of the world. Allah! With Him is a more excellent abode"

Quran Majeed: 3:14. Translation: Pickthall.

Indeed. And my brother was the first one to tell me -- the branded horses part is talking about horses known for their speed and strength and beauty and genealogy. And in today's world that's a car, where we obsess over the brands of our cars and how fast they go and which one is the best. (Hopefully that moves more to bicycles and ebikes soon, though.)

Anyway. The imam continued, talking about how our actions should be sincere, and that sincerity will come once we are aware of the ever-present nature of death. Death will come for all of us. May Allah make us of 'those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and remain firm (on that Path).'

It's easy to forget, and forget we do.

"When trouble toucheth a man, He crieth unto Us (in all postures)- lying down on his side, or sitting, or standing. But when We have solved his trouble, he passeth on his way as if he had never cried to Us for a trouble that touched him! thus do the deeds of transgressors seem fair in their eyes!"

Quran Majeed: 10:12. Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

Conclusion

Last week, I heard a wonderful khutba that made me revisit my old habit of taking notes during Juma. I hope to continue! Inshallah khair.