We have arrived at our 45th article on the Names of Allah, and our 58th Name. Do you feel closer to Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He)? Do you feel more able to turn to Him? Do you feel like you can see the manifestations of Allah’s attributes in your day-to-day? This series is not meant merely as an academic study on the Names of Allah; its aim is to know enough about each Name to be able to connect to Him, to be able to effect change; and to understand the purpose behind certain things.

I hope that we can all return to those Names again and reflect on them. And please, feel free to share how you feel you connected.

Previously, we talked about Allah (swt) being the Giver of Life and the Life-Taker, how these Names are manifested, and what we can learn from them. Absolute certainty in those Names brings us to this Name of Allah: Al-Bā`ith: the Resurrector, the Raiser of the Dead.

Resurrection and Accountability

Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:

“And [that they may know] that the Hour is coming – no doubt about it – and that Allah will resurrect [yab`ath] those in the graves.” (Qur’an, 22:7)

Ba`th (from the root ب-ع-ث) literally means to awaken, to raise up or to send. So it would be said:

بعث الناقة أثارها، بعث فلاناً من نومه أيقظه، البعث بعث الجنود إلى الغزو

“Ba`th of a camel means to excite it/wake it, Ba`th of someone from his sleep means to wake him up, and ba`th of the armies means to send them forward to battle.”

For people who question whether we can really be raised up again, Allah (swt) asks in the Qur’an:

“Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and earth and did not fail in their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes. Indeed, He is over all things competent.” (Qur’an, 46:33)

Is it more difficult to create something from nothing, or to bring something already in existence back to life?

So what does this mean for us?

Two things: purpose and accountability.

It is easy to forget that we will be raised again, and we may wander aimlessly not knowing what to do with our lives. But knowing that we will be raised up should infuse new meaning into the things that we do. Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an:

“Then did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned?” (Qur’an, 23:115)

So we can ask ourselves, what am I going to present to Allah (swt)? What is the thing—or things—that we will say to Allah (swt), “My Lord, I tried to do good, I did this, for you”? Let us take a lesson from the mother of Maryam `alayha as-salaam (peace be upon her) when she said to Allah (swt):

“My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Qur’an, 3:35)

But what if we do not know what to give for Allah?

Sheikh Ratib an-Nabulsi says that another meaning of ba`th is that Allah sends to or inspires His servants to do good. So when you are feeling the urge to do something good, act upon it; do not delay it. In our short series on “Seeing the World in a Different Way”, we gave tips on how to attach a sincere intention and meaning into the things that we do.

The second related point of feeling the effect of Allah (swt) being al-Bā`ith is that of accountability. There is a certain mantra going around of “this is who I am, accept it”. This might be a good attitude sometimes, for example, if you want people to accept your interests or certain qualities that you have. This shouldn’t be the attitude that we have with regards to blameworthy qualities, such as a bad temper. As Muslims, we must constantly be evolving for the better. This is what our beloved Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) taught his Companions. When they made a mistake, he taught them, and they pledged to change.

In the story in Surat al-Qalam, Allah (swt) tells us about the people of the garden who wanted to take all of the harvest for themselves and left nothing for the poor. So Allah (swt) caused the garden to burn down. The amazing thing is that they realized their mistake. They said:

‘They said, “Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, we were wrongdoers.”
Then they approached one another, blaming each other.
They said, “O woe to us; indeed we were transgressors. Perhaps our Lord will substitute for us [one] better than it. Indeed, we are toward our Lord desirous.”‘ (Qur’an, 68:28-32)

They realized their mistake, took responsibility and moved towards their Lord. They did not try to justify what they did; rather, they became better because they learned from their mistake, and never lost hope in Allah (swt).

Sending of a Messenger

Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:

“And We certainly sent [ba`athnā] into every nation a messenger […]” (Qur’an, 16:36)

The beloved Prophet ﷺ was sent to us as a mercy and a teacher. And he was sent to all of us as the best example. Most importantly, he was sent from Allah (swt), the One who cares about us the most.

So when we speak of purpose, we need to look at the things that the Prophet ﷺ encouraged. He taught us that the seemingly small things matter, and the thing that matters most is your intention. He told us of the lofty station of the woman who used to clean the mosque, the high status of those who spent from their wealth in charity, the closeness to him of the person who supports an orphan, and the greatness of the deed of removing harmful things from people’s path. Being connected to the Prophet ﷺ and following his way no doubt connects us to al-Bā`ith.

How to Come to Life with this Name

1. Have purpose: Remember where you are going, and that indeed you are going somewhere. Make every moment count. Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an: “O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Qur’an, 59:18)
2. Hold yourself to account: It is reported that Omar bin al-Khattab, the companion of the Prophet ﷺ, said: “Hold yourself to account before you are held to account, for that is better for your accounts. And weigh yourselves before you are weighed, and prepare yourselves for a day when ‘you will be exhibited [for judgement]; not hidden among you is anything concealed.'”
3. Study the life of the Prophet ﷺ: If you find that you are running low on inspiration, study the life of the Prophet ﷺ. His life and character provide the blueprint for our own lives.
4. Lift people up with knowledge: Al-Ghazāli counsels: “The truth of the resurrection refers to bringing the dead to life by creating them once more. Ignorance is the greatest death and knowledge the noblest life. God—may He be praised and exalted—mentioned knowledge and ignorance in His holy book, and called them life and death. Whoever lifts another out of ignorance to knowledge has already created him anew and revived him to a blessed life. And should a man have a way of conveying knowledge to people and calling them to the Most High that would be a kind of revivification, and such would be the level of prophets and the scholars who are their heirs.” (Al-Ghazāli, The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God)

By Maira Mukhtar

“No, stop! I don’t need to know,” interrupted a friend not wanting to discuss religion. “I’m not ready to practise just yet and Allah is too kind to punish anyone for things they are unaware of.” Her simplistic view made me wonder whether or not I was putting myself under unnecessary burden by digging deeper. I saw the temptation. I realized it would be wonderful not knowing the negative consequences of a seemingly innocent pleasure. One could indulge in its sinfulness without carrying the burden of any guilt. After all, you can’t be held responsible for something you didn’t know about in the first place. Fortunately however, my conscience shook me and forced common sense to take over. The universal idea of pleading innocence on the basis of lack of knowledge has been made infallible over centuries by the accursed Satan and further adorned by our own whims and fancies. We give ourselves up to the devil and allow him to steer us along a blinded path and consequently live a life we hardly have any control over. But, is this how we want to continue to live until ultimately death pushes us into the realm of the afterlife?

Since man began to live in clusters, there have been rules, spoken and unspoken, to make sure life proceeds smoothly. Man needs some kind of direction to give him a sense of purpose; this direction is outlined by laws and regulations of an area to ensure peace and stability. Imagine living in a country where the law is hardly implemented and corruption is widespread; a land where there is no sense of security; a state that lacks the basic infrastructure. Think of most of the developing world if you will. Why are the resourceful ones settling in the west? What compels people to move out of their homelands, leave their families and choose to live in places that are usually in contrast with their culture, religion and social values? You see, where there’s no consideration for the law, essentially, there is insecurity, fear, confusion and eventual chaos. People choose to settle in the developed world due to its stern adherence to the laws; this not only leads to a deep sense of safety but gives way to numerous opportunities, which finally culminate in peace, stability and contentment.

Ponder this; if one genuinely ignorant of traffic rules drove, in all innocence, on the wrong side of the road, would that exempt him from being fined? If a killer finds justification for his crime claiming purity of intention and goodness of the heart, would that deter the law from prosecuting him? The answer is fairly logical; declaring ignorance will do very little to save a person. Freedom comes only with abiding by the law. Why then do we suppose that in matters of religion, we are free to choose our own way?

When it comes to the hereafter, the outcome rests exclusively on our ability to keep to the fundamentals. Like everything else, religion is composed of a set of rules too; a guideline for all to follow if we want to achieve a state of true peace and tranquillity. There are only two possible ends to our existence; heaven or hell. One is a result of confusion, doubt, negligence and disregard of the divine principles; the other an outcome of knowledge, understanding, realization and complete obedience. Hence, we have to stop living in this shared delusion of ours and instead of choosing to remain ignorant, strive for knowledge and understanding. The more we learn and the more we struggle to follow the divine laws, the better will be our chances of attaining immortality in a state of indescribable ecstasy rather than chaotic wretchedness. I’d rather be aware and in control of my future than take the foolish risk of losing paradise—for there is not a soul that would ever knowingly trade absolute bliss with eternal damnation.

So, think again; is ignorance really bliss?

Glimpses into the World of the Unseen Part: I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII

Death is a reality that hits every man and woman, even the animals. The world and all its contents are temporary, and they all have a fixed time. Yet, Allah subhana wa ta`ala (Glorified is He) says in the Qur’an in Surah at-Takathur

”Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Until you visit the graves” (Qur’an 102:1-2)

Interestingly, scholars have said that “visit the graves” here means death. However, why does Allah (swt) use the word “visit”, and not “go to the graves”? Allah’s speech is indeed profound, and by saying “visit the graves”, Allah brings out a very scary reality right in front of us, even the grave is temporary!!

A couple of surahs (chapters of Qur’an) before Surat at-Takathur, in Surat al-Zilzal, Allah (swt) mentions the time when even the life of the grave will come to an end, “When the earth is shaken with its (final) earthquake. And when the earth throws out its burdens.” (Qur’an 103:1-2)

The Tsunami in Japan, and various other earthquakes all over the world represent a terrifying example of how horrible earthquakes can be. However, the greatest of the earthquakes is yet to come, the earthquake which shakes the whole of this earth, and everything buried in it will come out, as if the earth is spitting us out of it. Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan mentions in his tafseer (exegesis) of Surah al-Zilzal that the earth is a witness to all that we do, and after all the sin that man has committed on it, finally on the Day of Judgment it throws up, and exposes everything.

Many a times the “intellectuals” of modern society seem to try and deny resurrection. Allah (swt) answers their questions beautifully in Surah Qiyamah, “Does man (a disbeliever) think that We shall not assemble his bones? Yes, We are Able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers.” (Qur’an 75: 3-4)

These amazing verses of the Qur’an mention the infinite knowledge of Allah (swt). By mentioning “tips of his fingers,” Allah (swt) explains to us that even the minutest of detail will not be missed, as no two human beings can ever have the same fingertips, subhan’Allah (Glory to Allah)!

The famous angel Israfeel will blow a trumpet three times according to the majority of the scholars.

1. Nafhkhat Al-Faza – the Blow of Terror which signals the beginning of great changes in the world. Only the worst of people witness this.
2. Nafhkhat Al-Sa’q– the Blow which causes all creation to die.
3. Nafhkhat Al-Qiyam– the Blow which resurrects people from their graves.

The blowing of the trumpet is mentioned in a hadith  (saying of Prophet ﷺ) narrated by Imam at-Tabari in his famous tafseer.

Following Nafhkhat Al Qiyam will be the Great Gathering. Numerous verses of the Qur’an mention the great gathering of every creature that lived from the first day on earth, till the Last Day will come. Then comes the Standing for Fifty Thousand years, in humility, “And you will see each nation humbled to their knees (kneeling), each nation will be called to its Record (of deeds). This Day you shall be recompensed for what you used to do.” (Qur’an 45:28)

As the nations of the past and future await, as people get frustrated and seek the judgment, the final Judgment begins, as the following happens:

1. Allah (swt) will come

“And your Lord comes with the angels in rows.” (Qur’an 89:22)

2. Paradise and Hell will be brought near

“And Hell will be brought near that Day. On that Day will man remember, but how will that remembrance (then) avail him?” (Qur’an 89:23)

“And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqoon (pious), not far off” (Qur’an 50:31)

3. Intercession to start judgment

4. Judgment, placing of balances and passing out of books

This is indeed terrifying! Judgment will be made, and the balances will be weighed. Books, which are the records of the people’s deeds will be given out to the people. Those who get the book in their right hand will go into paradise, may Allah (swt) make us of them. Those who will be given the book on their left hand, will despair, as their ultimate abode will be the hellfire, may Allah (swt) save us from that.

Every human being will have to give account for every single second of their lives, and they will be judged for every single error and sin they made. The first of deeds to be held accountable for is the prayer (Salah), as reported in a hadith collected by An-Nasa’ee. This is an important wake-up call to myself and everyone of us to try and perfect our prayers as much as possible, and have an easier accounting insha’Allah (God willingly).

While it was mentioned in the first article, I find it important to mention all the witnesses for or against us on the Day of Judgment.

1. Our Body parts

“This Day, We shall seal up their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their legs will bear witness to what they used to earn.” (Qur’an 36:65)

2.  Books that recorded our deeds

“And [for] every person We have imposed his fate upon his neck, and We will produce for him on the Day of Resurrection a record which he will encounter spread open. [It will be said], “Read your record. Sufficient is yourself against you this Day as accountant.” (Qur’an 17: 13-14)

3. Angels

”And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers. Noble and recording. They know whatever you do.” (Qur’an 82:10-12)

4. The people around us

5. The Qur’an and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ (May the peace be upon him) himself

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said “And the Qur’an is a proof for you or against you.” (Muslim)

“So how [will it be] when We bring from every nation a witness and we bring you, [O Muhammad] against these [people] as a witness?” (Qur’an 4:41)

6. The Earth

“That Day it (the Earth) will declare its information (about all what happened over it of good or evil)” (Qur’an 99:4)

7. Allah

“and Allah is Sufficient as a Witness.” (Qur’an, 4:166)

Then, the deeds will be weighed, as Allah (swt) says, “And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as accountant.” (Qur’an 21:47)

This, brothers and sisters, is the Day of Judgment. While I am not eloquent enough to write an article which can really get your imaginations charged up, I can quote Amr Khaled: “Start thinking about Judgment Day! But I don’t want to be just telling stories, I want you to start imagining, with all your senses that you are there now. I’ll try as hard as I can to draw a picture just as if you were really standing there.”