Once, the dwellers of the heavens witnessed the ascent of the righteous person’s good deeds to Allāh. They observed the sincerity of their prayers, the devotion in their prostrations, and the humility in their supplications. The celestial beings beheld their sincere, dedicated and continuous worship, witnessing the radiance of their faith illuminating the world.
The Pharaoh’s tyranny and wickedness were undeniable. He oppressed and enslaved the believers, he ridiculed Musa ‘alayhi asalām, the Prophet of God, and he audaciously claimed to be God. Even in his last moments, Pharaoh attempted to submit to his Creator, acknowledging his evil deeds.
One can only imagine the relief felt by all those who suffered under his rule upon his demise. And with this, after his and his followers’ annihilation, Allāh reveals to us that:
“Neither heaven nor earth shed tears for them, nor were they given respite.”[1]
The demise of Pharaoh and his entourage was akin to the removal of deadly parasites. Not only did the men and women who suffered under his authority find solace in their destruction, but so did the entire creation of Allāh, including the heavens and earth who were relieved at their demise.
In contrast, when a righteous believer passes away, all their good deeds come to an end, except for three: perpetual acts of charity they have left behind, knowledge that continues to benefit others, or righteous offspring who pray for their departed loved one.[2]
Once, the dwellers of the heavens witnessed the ascent of the righteous person’s good deeds to Allāh. They observed the sincerity of their prayers, the devotion in their prostrations, and the humility in their supplications. The celestial beings beheld their sincere, dedicated and continuous worship, witnessing the radiance of their faith illuminating the world.
Now, with the departure of this righteous soul, there is a void. The very ground on which they used to worship holds their lifeless body, awaiting the Day of Judgment. The Masjid that once reverberated with their voice reciting the Qur’ān and the gentle rhythm of their prostrations now feels incomplete. The congregation that once stood beside them in prayer feels a palpable absence, as their presence was a source of tranquillity and inspiration.
Those who were touched by their kind words and gentle actions yearn for their presence. They recall the times when this righteous person would offer guidance and support, uplifting their spirits with words of wisdom and comforting them with their compassionate demeanour. The community they were a part of longs for their leadership, their wise counsel, and the unwavering strength of their character.
Their absence is keenly felt during the sacred gatherings, where they would lead the congregational prayers, their melodious voice echoing through the hearts of the worshippers. The echoes of their recitation and their fervent invocations still linger in the souls of those who were fortunate enough to witness their devotion.
The heavens and the earth, aware of the void left by their departure, yearn for their return. The celestial beings miss the sight of this righteous servant of Allāh, worshipping with utmost devotion and striving to draw closer to the Divine. The earth itself longs for the touch of their forehead on the ground during prostration, a testament to their humility and submission.
Indeed, the impact of their worship and righteous deeds extends far beyond their physical presence. Their devotion has left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people and the places of worship they frequented. Their acts of worship were not merely rituals; they were expressions of their deep love for Allāh and a means to connect with the Almighty.
So, let us reflect deeply upon the legacy we leave behind in terms of our worship. Are our prayers sincere and heartfelt? Is our recitation of the Qur’ān be filled with contemplation? Are our acts of devotion driven by a genuine desire to seek Allāh’s Countenance? Let our worship be a source of inspiration and comfort for others, so that when we depart from this world, the heavens long for the passing deeds through the celestial gates towards their Creator, and the earth that hosted that noble soul may yearn for our return. Perhaps, then, will they shed tears in our honour, instead of delight at our demise.
References:
[1] Qur’ān 44:29
[2] Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurairah rady Allāhu ‘anh
SarimBlog 