I found this image very striking as it tells the story of our journey. At the beginning no one existed except Allah. Then he created the spirits of all mankind after creating Hazrat Aadam.The really small box represents our life on this earth.Just observe how little it is.After we die our life of Barzak will start.In our graves we will be treated according to our deeds till the day of judgement where the final justice will be done. Finally we will be sent either to heaven or hell depending upon our deeds.

What is the reality of our existence on this earth? It is indeed a test.

Surah Baqarah.ayat no 2-5

Ayat no 2.
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;

All religious books have inconsistencies but Quran is the only revealed book without any inconsistencies. Quran is the only book which is beyond any doubt. No one can claim the authenticity of any book but Allah has vouched for His book Himself. This ayat comes at the beginninig when we are about to start our journey with the Quran so that we may put all doubts behind and trust this book to guide us.
Quran is a guideline for the whole humanity but it benefits only those who want to be saved from Allah’s wrath and eternal punishment.
The intention with which we open the Quran with, we will get according to it. If our purpose is to collect information to impress other people, we will get plenty of it. If we want guidance towards the right path, it will show us the way.
According to this ayat this book gives guidance to those who have Taqwa in their hearts.

What is Taqwa?
Taqwa -- A State of Submission
by
AbuBakr Karolia
South Africa, July, 2003

Taqwa is an Arabic word which is explained as a shield against wrongdoing and further expounded as to be “conscious of Allah” or to have “fear of Allah” or to be “cautiously aware of Allah”.

The origin of the word Taqwa is from the Arabic root letters wa’ ka’ ya (meaning shield) and its verb is from the word “Ittaki”. Ittaki means to be careful or to be protected or to be cautious. Taqwa is an internal compass on the path that leads towards Allah. The broader meaning and character of Taqwa is to develop one’s behaviour, so as to be cautiously aware in the worship of Allah and attain nearness to Him and in so doing, perfect oneself.
This consciousness and fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing. The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one’s love of Him.

The universal principle of submission to the Divine Will is beautifully expressed in the character of one who is a servant of Allah, known as an “Abd-Allah” which is an ideal state of Taqwa.
Abu Darda (R) said: “From the completion of Taqwa is that the servant fears from His Lord even with regards to things, the weight of an atom.” Abu Darda’s advice for servants who wish to accomplish a character of Taqwa should fear to commit the smallest of sins.

The messenger of Allah said in a Hadith, reported in the Sahih Muslim that, “Taqwa is here”, and he pointed to his chest.

Taqwa is profoundly explained in a discussion, between Umar (R) and Kaab (R) who were companions of the Prophet (S) of Islam. Umar (R) asked Kaab (R), the meaning of Taqwa as he was renowned for his deep understanding of the Qur`an Al Kareem.
Kaab (R) then inquired from Umar (R), whether he had walked through a thorny bush path with his cloak. Umar (R) replied that he had done so on numerous occasions. Kaab (R) asked Umar (R) to describe his movements through this thorny path. Umar (R) replied that he moved very cautiously, so as not to tear his clothing. Kaab (R) said that was the description and the meaning of Taqwa.

The path that inculcates and embraces a character of Taqwa is one that must be carefully and cautiously treaded. On this path one must be completely aware of oneself and one’s surroundings, to be disciplined with the correct action and behaviour which will achieve one’s closeness to Allah.

Taqwa is one of the most profound concepts in Islam. It is an avenue by which Muslims relate to one another in society and a means to channel actions for the pleasure of Allah. Possessors of Tawqa are called Al-Muttaqun or Muttaqeen.

The following verse of the Qur`an Surah 2 Al Bakarah, Verse 183 confirms that Taqwa is for everyone and not for a select group:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”

This verse confirms two points. Firstly, that fasting is for everyone and secondly, that the development and attaining of Taqwa is an essential part for all who aspire for tranquillity and a contented heart. To establish Taqwa is for the rich and the poor, the knowledgeable and the uneducated, the leader and the follower, the ruler and the ruled, the old and the young, the man and the women. All must develop and enhance Taqwa.
The most honoured in the sight of Allah is the believer with the most Taqwa, i.e. the most conscious and aware of Him.

The Glorious Qur`an illustrates this in Surah 49 Al Hujurat (the Inner Apartments), Verse 13:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you (Muttaqi). And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”

The ideal Islamic society is a Taqwa conscious society, conferring its highest respect on those considered to be high in Taqwa.

Though Taqwa is a state of the heart, we cannot judge the Taqwa of others, but many aspects of Taqwa will have a reflection in their character and behaviour. The Qur`an though, prohibits anyone from claims of self-purity.

In Surah 53 An Najm (The Clans), Verse 32 reminds us that:
“Hold not yourself purified. Allah knows best who has Taqwa.”

In Islam there is only one Shari'ah (Divine Law) and one scale of righteousness for everyone and that is measured through a character of Taqwa.

The word Taqwa has been mentioned 151 times in the Noble Qur`an. Allah has taken us through the various aspects of His Guidance and Blessings in the Glorious Qur`an. The Qur`anic descriptions of Taqwa are so precise and distinct that it is an indication of the importance of the involvement of this concept in the life of Muslims. These numerous verses elaborate the different dynamics and dimensions of inner meanings of Taqwa that enables Muslims to be an ideal and a living example as a vicegerent of Allah.

The four verses in Surah 2 Al Bakarah Verse 2-5 summarises the guiding principle in the Noble Qur`an for the people of Taqwa:
2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear (or are conscious) of Allah (Taqwa).
3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
The Muttaqun are those that believe, fear Allah and look to what He has ordained in carrying out His actions to avoid His displeasure and sadness. These people are involved and active in his/her life with the Ummah (the Muslim community), concerned with the affairs of humanity, whilst at the same time praying , fasting, spending in Allah’s cause, having good morals, are forgiving and just. All these descriptions can be attributed to a person who has Taqwa and will be assured and successful in the Hereafter.
Hence, for the moral development and correct behaviour of a good Muslim it necessary that he strictly analyse and establish his Taqwa, but never claims to be a possessor of it.

Ayat no 3

This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;

Ghaib means anything which is beyond human comprehension. To develop Taqwa we will have to climb up the steps of faith. Faith involves believing that Allah is one and alone. No one else shares His glory. Believing in angels, all the prophets, fate, day of judgement, revelation and all the revealed books too.
The first characteristic of Muttaqeen is that they are believers. Eeman-bilghaib is a prerequisite for hidaayat.

Strong and healthy roots of faith will bear healthy fruits. Cultivating the field of heart is very important to receive the nourishment of Hidaayat.
Offering Salaat/prayers is the first outward manifestation of eeman/faith. Offering it in the right manner and at the right time is being steadfast in prayer. Prioritizing it in our life. Our schedule should be set keeping in mind the punctuality of namaz.
Then comes sharing our blessings with others. Whatever Allah has bestowed upon us is due to His grace and it is not due to any ability of ours. It creates a feeling of benevolence in our hearts.

This book’s purpose is to mould us into characters who are selfless and giving and who don’t crave for material things. Its not just money that we are required to give to others, our talents, time, skills, encouragement, knowledge, good advice, all of these can come in the list of spending. Sharing from all aspects.

Whatever you give returns to you in some form or the other. If Allah has given you the ability to smile, then smile to release the tension and to welcome people. Don’t be a miser and keep the blessings you have to yourself alone.

Ayat no 4


And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter

The next step is to believe in not only our prophet and what was revealed to him, we need to believe in what was revealed to all the other prophets. As all the other religious texts that were revealed to other prophets have been changed by their followers and have many inconsistencies, we are required to have faith in what Allah revealed to other prophets originally and not the present versions of these books.

Belief in the day of judgement is an important pillar of faith. The sense of accountability in front of Allah should always be alive in our hearts. We should be aware of what will befall us when we die and when we get raised on the day of judgement. There shouldn’t be any doubt in our minds about this day because this is the ultimate reality we will have to face.
Successful person is the one who performs all his actions keeping in mind the day of judgement. Set your timetable according to this reality of accountability.

But how (will they fare) when we gather them together against a day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without (favour or) injustice?
Surah 3 Verse 25

We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgement, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least, and if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it (to account): and enough are We to take account.
Surah 21 Verse 47

And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, "Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!" They will find all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.
Surah 18 Verse 49

Ayat no 5


They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

The formula for success has been given in the above Ayats. If we develop these traits then we will be able to develop Taqwa which will lead us to the knowledge of the right path.



http://harunyahya1.com/judgment01.php

Surah Fatiha

Ayat no.2: ‘Compassionate the Merciful.’
Is there any person or any being except Allah who never tires of giving? He tells us to ask so that He may grant .Allah is merciful to all His creation and his mercy is infinite. No matter how many times we disobey Him if we ask His forgiveness with the purity of intention He forgives us. Despite of our complains about little things that go wrong, do we ever pause to think about the countless things He has provided us with?
Think about the patterns in nature. Has the sun ever delayed rising? Have you had to worry that it will not rise?
Have you realized how we can blissfully go to sleep to rest our bodies?
Have you noticed the fruits that you eat? So many different colours, shapes, taste?
Every morning when we wake up do we thank our Creator for our health, the movement in our limbs, the food that we are able to eat and digest, the beautiful relationships that he has provided for us, and the love that He has kept in our hearts.
Can we create any of these on our own?

Ayat no 3. ‘Master of the day of judgement’
The day of judgement is inevitable. It’s a reality that we all must accept but sadly we neglect it to the extent that we never remind ourselves that whatever we sow will bear its fruit. The universe has a pattern based on justice and balance; so how can it be that those who do wrong in this world will not be punished later and those who obey not rewarded?
Have we prepared ourselves for our meeting with our Creator?
If we have to make a journey, we plan for it days before and prepare long lists of articles that will be needed to make that journey comfortable. Are we planning to step into the next world unprepared?

Ayat no 4: ‘You alone we worship and You alone we call on for help’
Shouldn’t we consider ourselves lucky that we get to meet our Creator without any appointment 5 times a day? It’s an exclusive time for us to be in the presence of the Creator and communicate with Him.
Allah has all His creation to bow down infront of Him but we have only Him to look upto.He doesnot need our prayers but we need Him.
Ibaadat means bowing down physically as well as mentally with love. Every act that is done purely for the sake of pleasing Allah becomes Ibaadat. Even eating our meals would become Ibaadat if we eat with the feeling of love and thankfulness. His total obedience with the true feeling of His greatness.
In our darkest hours, the only ray of hope is Allah. Not a leaf can move without His permission so try communicating with Him by forming the habit of talking to Him. Tell Him about everything, form the least important to the most important and then you will be able to feel the miracle of faith. Prophet’s companions used to ask Allah for even the tiniest of things such as their shoelaces. When we need something which is the first name that comes to our mind? All names should be erased and only Allah’s name should enter our mind as soon as we need help. Its true that we need people’s help but when we ask for His guidance then he puts mercy in other peoples hearts for us and the all things automatically fall into place.

Ayat no.5: ‘Guide us to the right way’
Aihdina means not only to show the right path it means to be able to walk on that path and to reach our destination successfully. So it’s a dua for us to ask for Allah’s guidance and courage to follow the right path leading to jannat. This path is straight and its full of obstacles mainly those erected by our own desires. There is no other shortcut that can be taken, if we want to be successful we will have to walk through this path. The knowledge of this path will come from Allah’s help and mercy and the source of this knowledge is Quran and Sunnah. So if you have time and you spend some of it to understand and know about this path then you should consider yourself amongst the lucky ones as everyone doesnot get this opportunity. It’s a special gift from the Creator and one should be thankful in receiving it.

Ayat no.6:’The way of those whom you have favoured.’
The right path is Allah’s chosen people’s path. Prophets and their companions’ path. If you want to reach London you will not board the plane to Japan. Likewise to be successful on judgement day the path you need to take is the one taken by prophets. Wrong paths lead to wrong destinations. If you donot know your destination then you will keep on driving your car throughout the city and it will not get you anywhere.

Allah has shown us the right way of asking for guidance. We should realize what we are asking for to be able to deserve such guidance which would make us worthy of Allah’s love and forgiveness.

Ayat no.7: ‘Not of those who have earned your wrath, Nor of those who have lost the way.’
Maghdoub are those people who got the message of Allah but chose to ignore it. We are asking to be safe from the way of those who know but choose to close their eyes and live the life of ignorance. It’s the same as losing one’s way after knowing the address.
Addualeen are those people who don’t know right from wrong. We are asking Allah to save us from the path of those who invoke His anger.
Its time we had a little self assessment. We know so many things but choose to ignore them for example we know that backbiting is forbidden and there is severe punishment for it but do we stop ourselves from it? Don’t we all love to gossip? Thinking that not finding out is going to save us is also the wrong approach because Allah has blessed us with intelligence and we all have the ability of searching for the truth.
Please make a list of things that you want to do but don’t do them and a list list of things which you do and know that they should not be done.


Now when you recite Surah Fatiha while offering your prayers please keep in mind the meaning of what you are reciting to fully benefit from it.