Imaam ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
From the book Ar-Risaalat ut-Tabukiyyah
Contrary to the miserable people discussed in the last chapter, our discussion will now focus on the people of happiness and bliss. These can be divided into two classes.
The First Class of Happy People
The first class consists of those who possess the quality of intellectual independence; they are described by Allah (Ta’ala – the Most High) as follows:
“The first and foremost [to embrace Islam] of the Muhaajireen [1] and the Ansaar [2], and also those who follow them in the best way; Allah is well-pleased with them, and they are with Him.” [Qur'an - Soorah at-Tawbah 9:100]
These are the happy ones for whom Allah’s acceptance is confirmed. They are the Companions of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (May Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him)) and those who follow them in the best way until the Day of Resurrection.
The conventional expression ‘Taabi’oon’ applies to the companions’ followers who have met with them in person. However, the description here is not restricted to them, but includes anyone who righteously follows their way; and any such person is of those with whom Allah (Ta’ala) is pleased and who are also pleased with Him.
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Requirements of the Journey
by Imâm Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
One of the best ways of mutual support (in righteousness and piety) is to help one another on the journey of migration to Allâh and to ar-Rasûl (peace be on him) with hands, tongues and hearts, and by teaching, educating and caring. A person having the attitude toward al-`Ibâd (the worshippers) of Allâh will see prosperity rush to him from all directions. Allâh will move toward him the hearts of His `Ibâd, will open for his heart the gates of knowledge, and will make smooth for him the path bliss. Conversely, one with an opposite attitude will receive opposite consequences.
If one then asks,
“You have described a very great journey and a very important matter; but what provisions should be taken along? What’s the way to follow? And what are the means to be used for transportation?”
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Riyad us Saliheen
Imam Nawawi
Chapter 67
Abomination of longing for Death
585. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “None of you should wish for death. If he is righteous, perhaps he may add to (his) good works, and if he is a sinner, possibly he may repent (in case he is given a longer life).”
[Al-Bukhari].
In Muslim, Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported : Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Let none of you wish for death, nor he ask for it before it comes to him, because when he dies, his actions will be terminated; certainly the age of a (true) believer does not add but good.”
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The Life of this World is Fleeting Enjoyment
Imam Ibn Kathir
Tafsir Ibn Katheer (Abridged) Volume 9
“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.” [57:20]
Allah the Exalted degrades the significance of this life and belittles it by saying,
“that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.”
Meaning, this is the significance of this life to its people, just as He said in another Ayah,
“Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return with Him.” ( 3:14 )
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Patience at the time of bereavement
by Imâm Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
The loss of a loved one is a time when a person may be overwhelmed with grief, and many customs surrounding bereavement reflect the depth of the feeling of loss. Wailing, eulogizing (i.e. praising the deceased excessively) and tearing one’s garments are all customs which were well known at the time of Jâhiliyyah, and are still common among some Muslims. Such conduct is not permitted in Islâm, as the believer is required to face bereavement, like all the other trials of life, with patience.
It is permitted to cry or weep, softy, before death, at the time of death, and after the person has died. According to ash-Shâfi‘î, however, it is makrûh to cry after the person has died, but permissible before the soul has departed.
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