REFLECTIONS: “MY LORD! BUILD FOR ME A HOME WITH YOU IN JANNAH”

Allah (swt) alone can incite within a soul the desire for Jannah i.e. propelling His servant to cast his gaze beyond the passing pleasures of this life, to the life with no end, in pleasure with no end. Allah (swt) strikes an example that should compel us to think, fill our hearts with yearning and our eyes with tears, when He (swt) said:

 “And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir’awn, when she said: “My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Jannah “Paradise”, and save me from Fir’awn and his work, and save me from the people who are wrongdoers.” [TMQ 66:11]

O how powerful is this example of the wife of Fir’awn; Asiyah bint Muzahim! She was married into a household of abundant wealth and immense power that few could attain, even if they sought and strove for it their entire life. Yet when Iman entrenched in her heart, she turned her gaze to that which was deserving of it most, the Jannah of Allah (swt).

Qatadah said, “Fir’awn was the most tyrannical among the people of the earth and the most disbelieving. By Allah! His wife was not affected by her husband’s disbelief, because she obeyed her Lord.”It was this gaze towards the Jannah promised by Allah (swt) that allowed her to maintain a steely will. A will so strong that the severest of tyrants in human history could not break! It was this longing gaze that raised her high above the tyrant and his tyranny, pleasing Allah (swt) and standing against the most powerful tyrant of that time. Her stand with the believers reserved for her a place among the few best women ever lived. Rasul Allah (saw) said of this blessed soul:

“The best among the women of Paradise are Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, Maryam bint ‘Imran and Asiyah bint Muzahim, wife of Fir’awn.” Ahmed

Thus, a powerful example exists for the Muslims today to inspire them to hold on to their deen, understand its rules, and stand before the tyrants of today who implement Kufr in the Muslim lands. The wife of Fir’awn sacrificed everything for Allah (swt) hence similarly we should not waver or compromise before the threat of losing some belongings of this live. For what is this life, with its many afflictions, compared to the eternal bliss of a life in Jannah?

 “Whereas those who believe and do good deeds and humble themselves before their Lord, they are the companions of Paradise, and there they shall live forever.” [TMQ 11: 23]

Some of us may waver because holding on to the rules of Islam and standing up for Islam may result in hardship and also may result in separation from those who we love. But, any such separation is but for a moment, when considering the everlasting life of Jannah, where we will be reunited with those whom we love in the best of all manners. Allah (swt)said:

 “Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring.” [TMQ 13:23]

Thus, Allah (swt) will gather them with their loved ones, from among their fathers, family members and offspring, those who are righteous and deserve to enter Paradise, so that their eyes are comforted by seeing them. What a joyous reunion after separation!

 “Enter the Garden, you and your wives, you will be made glad. There will be brought round for them trays of gold and goblets, and therein is all that the souls desire and eyes find sweet and you will stay there forever. This is the garden, which you are made to inherit because of what you used to do. Therein for you is fruit in plenty whence to eat.” [TMQ 43:70-73]

When Quraish caught up  with Suhayb al_Rumi (raa), during his migration to Madinah, a Quraysh spokesman told him:

“By God , we shall not let you escape from us with your life and money. You came to Makkah weak and poor and you have acquired what you have acquired.'

'What would you say if I leave you my wealth?', interrupted Suhayb (raa). 'Would you get out of my way?'

'Yes,' they agreed.

Suhayb (raa) described the place in his house in Makkah where he had left the money, and they allowed him to go.

When Suhayb (raa) reached Quba, just outside Madinah where the Prophet (saw) himself alighted after his Hijrah, the Prophet (saw) saw him approaching. He was over-joyed and greeted Suhayb with beaming smiles.

'Your transaction has been fruitful, O Abu Yahya. Your transaction has been fruitful.' He repeated this three times. Suhayb's face beamed with happiness as he said: 'By God, no one has come before me to you, Messenger of God, and only JibriI could have told you about this.'

Yes indeed! Suhayb's transaction was fruitful. Revelation from on high affirmed the truth of this:

'And there is a type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of God. And God is full of kindness to His servants.' [TMQ 2:2O7]

What is money and what is gold and what is the entire world if Allah (swt) is not pleased with us!

As the Muslim Ummah is facing increasing challenges, we need to be aware of the plans being implemented to keep the Ummah away from the straight path. We need to know how to deal with such challenges according to what Allah (swt) wants. We need to strive to secure the outposts, warding the Muslims from afflictions like the first sahabah (raa) did. For this is the path to Jannah. Rasul Allah (saw) said:

 “Do you know who among Allah’s creation will enter Paradise first.” He said:

 “The first among Allah’s creation to enter Paradise “Jannah” are the poor emigrants (in Allah’s cause) with whom the outposts (of the land) are secured and the various afflictions are warded off. One of them would die while his need is still in his chest, because he was unable to satisfy it himself. Allah will say to whom He will among His angels, “Go to them and welcome them with the Salam.” The angels will say, “We are the residence of Your heaven and the best of Your creation, do You command us to go to them and welcome them with the Salam” Allah will say, “They are My servants who worshipped Me and did not associate anyone or anything with Me in worship. With them, the outposts were secured and the afflictions were warded off. One of them would die while his need is in his chest, unable to satisfy it. The angels will then come to them from all gates of Jannah and say:

“Peace unto you for that you persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!” [TMQ 13:24]” Ahmed

Just like the wife of Fir’awn did not waver, hesitate, or regret, despite the hardships she endured facing the tyrant and like Suhayb who gave all his wealth for the sake of Allah (swt), we should also do the same as this is the path to the greatest prize, Jannah.

 “Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, “When (will come) the help of Allah” Yes! Certainly, the help of Allah is near!” [TMQ  2:214]

The challenges we face in this dunya are insignificant when compared to the rewards in the hereafter. Let us get to know our deen better. Let us make sure that every action we do is pleasing to Allah (swt) and for His sake only. Let us not fall into the traps of temptations and challenges because the price of failure is really high.   

May Allah (swt) guide us to the right path, help us hold on  to it and grant us victory in this dunya and Jannah in the hereafter... Ameen.