Time is Fleeting: A Call to Righteous Living

 

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

Today, as the blessed day of Jummah draws to a close, let us reflect upon a truth that transcends all earthly matters, a truth that should shape every moment of our lives: the inevitability of death.  The Angel of Death, *Malaikul Mawt*, stands ever vigilant, awaiting his appointed time for each and every one of us.  We often preoccupy ourselves with the fleeting concerns of this world – our jobs, our families, our ambitions – but today, let us remember that our ultimate destination is the presence of Allah (SWT).

This Friday, let us not merely perform the ritual, but let us engage in the profound contemplation that it demands.  The whispers of *Azrael* (peace be upon him) are constant, a gentle reminder that our time here is limited.  The riches we accumulate, the power we wield, the acclaim we receive – none of it travels with us beyond the veil of death.  Only our deeds, our actions, our intentions, will accompany us to meet our Lord.

We are constantly reminded in the Quran:  "Every soul shall have a taste of death. And only on the Day of Judgement will you be paid your wages in full. Whoever is kept away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he has indeed attained the goal. The life of this world is nothing but goods of deception." (Surah Al-Imran 3:185)

This verse is not a threat, but a guiding principle.  It is a call to action, a call to accountability.  Death is not the end, but a transition, a passage to the eternal hereafter.  What awaits us there – the boundless gardens of Paradise or the fiery abyss of Hell – is determined by our conduct in this life.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, let us examine ourselves today.  Are we living lives that are pleasing to Allah (SWT)? Are we fulfilling our responsibilities as Muslims? Are we striving to uphold justice, compassion, and piety?  Are we engaging in acts of charity and kindness?  Are we seeking knowledge and understanding of our faith?  Are we repenting for our sins and striving for forgiveness?

The clock is ticking.  The sands of time are slipping away.  Let us not squander these precious moments in vanity and heedlessness. Let us use this life as preparation for the next.  Let us fill our hearts with the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and seek His pleasure in every action.  Let us strengthen our faith, deepen our piety, and mend our relationships with one another.

Let us use this Friday, and every Friday, as a reminder to prepare for the inevitable.  Let us spend our remaining time on earth in righteous deeds, earning the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and securing our place in His boundless mercy.

May Allah (SWT) guide us all to the straight path, grant us a righteous end, and bestow upon us the ultimate success in the Hereafter.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.