Death

Alhamdolillah, it is just after midnight for the Hajjis. After making their way from Mina, they will sleep this night under the stars in Muzdalifa. Millions of people in the pure state of Ihram, sleeping in a small valley because Allah subhanahu wata ala commanded it. For a non-Muslim, the Hajj may not make much sense. But to that person, life itself probably lacks meaning. A Muslim knows that the purpose of life is to worship the Creator -- He told us that in His message, the Holy Quran. Regardless of whether you make the Hajj, all of humanity is fated to make one journey together. Life is a very short journey compared to the eternity that comes after. When the Hajjis awake, in sha Allah, all around them people will be stirring from slumber. All Muslims. All slaves of the almighty, in complete submission to the will of Allah. On the Day of Judgment, all of humanity will stir from the slumber of death. Will you be surrounded by the truly successful ones? By believers on their way to paradise? Or will you have thought that success was measured by your enjoyment of the pleasures of this life? As the Day of Arafat draws to a close here in Houston, reflect on this Google Video about the journey we will all make, as one lecturer said, "soon or sooner." Here's the Google Video description: "DEATH - ARE YOU READY?? A scary talk about the end of your life according to the Islamic world view. Very good lecture, very intriguing. Makes you think about the real purpose of life. Really makes you think...Insha'Allah it will help us out and get our priorities straight."