Death is inevitable and unavoidable
This shouldn’t be one of the first or second pages you read on this website. It should be one of the last, especially if you haven’t yet read the following articles: “The universe, God’s creation or a pure accident?“, “The Prophets of God“, “Islam our choice“, “Jesus“, The Bible and the Missing Books“, “The year Jesus Became God“, “Makkah’s location in the Bible“, “Muhammad” and more…
As God explains in the Qur’an, death is inevitable and unavoidable: “Every soul shall taste death and then to Us you shall return” (Qu’ran 29:57)
The average life expectancy on Earth is typically between 70 and 80 years, assuming you don’t die sooner from an accident, illness, fall, cardiac arrest, earthquake, war, natural disasters, pandemic, etc… So, take a moment to reflect and ask yourself: how much time do I truly have left on this planet and am I prepared for what awaits on the other side if I were to die tomorrow?
“Work for this life, and prepare for the afterlife…”
Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, famously said: “Work for this life as if you will live forever, and prepare for the afterlife as if you would die tomorrow.” Islam encourages hard work, ambition, and striving for success or wealth, and there is nothing wrong with these pursuits. However, it reminds us to maintain a balance in our efforts. The key is to pursue worldly goals while remembering that our ultimate and lasting focus should be on the hereafter.
In the end, you will return alone, no one will be there to accompany you on that solitary journey of death. You will leave behind all your wealth, fame, status, friends, family, children, and any followers you may have had in this world; none of it will go with you when the angel of death comes to collect your soul. The only things you will take with you to the other side are your good and bad deeds.
Every individual is responsible for his/her own salvation:
Men and women occupy a special place in the design of the universe, as God has granted them intelligence and the ability to comprehend and react in ways that exceed those of all other creatures. With these remarkable faculties, they are capable of discerning truth from falsehood and right from wrong.
- For those who believe, do good deeds and live in accordance with Islam:
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) described Paradise as follow: “It is what the eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, nor ever flashed across the mind of man.’“
God says in the Qur’an: “No soul knows what joy is kept in store for them as a reward for their labours.” (Quran 32:17)
- And for those who reject the signs:
Everyone who hears the message of Islam in a sound and correct form and rejects it, will have evidence against him. Whoever dies without having heard the message of Islam, or having heard it in a distorted form has their case in the hands of God.
In the Qur’an, God states that he will only accept the path of Islam as the true way to worship Him, and any deviation from it will not be accepted in the Hereafter.
“But those who reject Our signs and treat them with arrogance, they are the companions of the Fire, dwelling therein forever.” (Qur’an 7: 36)
God’s Mercy is Greater!
God is full of mercy, the most forgiving, and His mercy far outweighs His wrath. As long as a person repents sincerely and with a genuine intention to change, the door of repentance remains open until their final breath, after which it closes. However, there is one exception: associating partners with God (such as attributing a son to Him, worshipping Him through idols, statues, saints, men, prophets, or anything similar) is considered an unforgivable sin if a person dies without repenting from it before.
God said: “O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, even if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky, and you then asked forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you.”” Hadith.
“Say, ‘O My servants who have harmed yourselves by your own actions, do not despair of God’s mercy. God forgives all sins; He is truly the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.'”
(Qur’an 39:53)
Embracing Islam, becoming Muslim:
If you are not yet a Muslim, ask yourself: what is holding you back from embracing Islam? Reflect on the undeniable evidence you have come across on this website and see if you can find a valid reason or excuse.
Becoming a Muslim doesn’t require a course or a certificate. While many converts choose to declare their faith in a mosque or in the presence of others, witnesses are not necessary. You can embrace Islam on your own, even in the comfort of your home.
To convert to Islam, all you need to do is recite the “Testimony of Faith” (Shahada) with the sincere intention to embrace Islam to become Muslim, solely for the sake of pleasing God, not for personal gain or to please others.
First, say aloud in Arabic: “Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadu rassul Allah.”
Then, repeat in English (or your native language): “I bear witness that there is only one God, Allah (God in Arabic), and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” Peace be upon him.
After your declaration of faith, take a shower that symbolizes spiritual purification and the beginning of a new life as a Muslim. It also represents the wiping away of past sins and the start of a new life, a fresh slate with God, marking a commitment to live according to Islamic principles.
A few things to know as a new Muslim:
- Begin to practice the other pillars of Islam as soon as you are ready, starting with the five daily prayers once you have learned how to pray.
- Some converts like to start using an Arabic name in addition to or instead of their given name. Changing your name, however, is not required.
- While you will need to memorize a very small amount of the Arabic Qur’an to correctly say it in the daily prayers, learning the Arabic language is not required.
- When you are ready, begin to tell your friends, family, and co-workers that you have embraced Islam. Be patient with them if they express alarm or hostility. Don’t forget that there was a time when you, too, knew little about Islam. Direct them to this website so they can learn why you chose Islam.
- While you may be tempted to completely change your lifestyle right away, realize that making slow, deliberate changes will serve you better in the long run. And later on, if you wish to visit Mecca to perform Hajj (pilgrimage), make sure to contact your local Islamic Centre or any Mosque prior to booking your trip as only Muslims are allowed in Mecca. Any Mosque will pledge for you as long as you can say the Shahada.
A final message: I’ve dedicated a lot of time and effort to creating this website. If you’ve found it helpful on your journey, I’d love for you to reach out and share this good news with me. 😊
Also, if you feel comfortable and inspired, why not consider making a YouTube video in the future? It could really inspire others.
And remember, if you ever face difficulties: Islam is perfect, but Muslims aren’t always! 😉
May Allah bless you all!
Love and blessings,
Hamad.
May Allah guide us along the right path and grant us the knowledge, strength, and wisdom to leave our mark on this world as a better place for future generations, Insha Allah.