open heart. Charity does not mean that we only give if we become wealthy with big bank balances, own grand houses and employ domestic servants. Rather, if we give even a small amount according to our means solely for the sake of Allah Almighty, we will receive its benefit in this world, and it will be a source of salvation for us in the Hereafter.

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                     صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

The foundation of the Hereafter is pious deeds

Dear Islamic brothers, there is no doubt that when death arrives, family members, relatives and friends remain behind. The deceased is lowered alone into a dark, constricted grave. Only pious deeds benefit a person in the grave.

When our life ends, our family members become concerned about themselves; the uncertainty of the future makes them sorrowful. These are the very same family members for whom we sacrificed our rest to bring them ease. We wanted to better their future by sacrificing our life and wealth. We gave up on ease to make their lives more comfortable for them.

The general state is that every individual is only concerned about his own future and thinks, “What will become of me?” Perhaps no one thinks about what will happen to the deceased. Sometimes, the unfortunate situation is such that the deceased’s body is still lying in his home whilst his inheritors are fighting over his estate. If only we took admonition from the state of the deceased and prepared for our own death. There is still time today, so ponder over your Hereafter.

A person should gather the pious deeds that will benefit him in the grave and Hereafter. Instil in your mind that after death, only virtuous acts will be of benefit. Lofty mansions, abundant wealth, big bank balances, businesses, plots of land, flourishing fields and beautiful orchards, none of these will be taken into a person’s grave. They will all remain here.