When traveling from one place to
another, one does not take all of one’s belongings. A person takes the required
amount of clothes, currency, etc., according to the number of days away from
home.
There is, however, one commodity
that a person does carry with him throughout the duration of his life, wherever
he may go; be it the marketplace, business or on travel. Inevitably, he will
also carry this to his grave. This
commodity is that which he has built up in his heart.
If a person has Imaan, Islam, Ma’rifat (Recognition) and
Muhabbat (Love) of Allah Ta’ala and
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi waSallam), generosity, honesty, sabr (patience), shukr (gratitude), zuhd [1],
taqwa (piety), and so forth, then
these beautiful and virtuous attributes accompany him wherever he goes. He will
take with him whatever he has built up within himself.
Although outwardly this person
will take only a kafan (shroud) with
him when he leaves this material and insignificant world, he will also take
such a treasure trove of beautiful qualities and righteous deeds, which will be
of tremendous assistance to him in his grave and in the Aakhirah (Hereafter).
On the other hand, if the person
has built within himself malice, anger, greed, pride, arrogance, conceit,
jealousy, evil desires and passions, and other evil qualities, then this
‘baggage’ accompanies him wherever he goes.
Such base and evil qualities also
become a means of harm, hurt and pain to those with whom he lives, trades,
works with, travels, marries, befriends, etc.
In fact, such bad character
becomes a cause for isolation –
isolation from Allah Ta’ala’s Pleasure and from people. The person’s bad
behaviour and character automatically distances himself from Allah Ta’ala and
people do not want to be near such a person. People are apprehensive and
uncomfortable with such a person, and prefer to keep their distance. They are
happy and feel safe when they do not have any contact or dealings with such a
person.
This is the condition of bad
“baggage” whilst in this world.
However, there are severe warnings in the Qur`aan Shareef
and Ahaadeeth regarding those who cause harm or injury to others.
Worse still is if the person
carries this ‘luggage’ with him to his grave - then he will find this to be a
great misfortune and curse. (Allah Ta’ala protect us all). In this world, we go
through ‘Customs’ and our luggage is sometimes searched. The ‘Custom officers’
in the grave, who will search our ‘baggage’ of deeds, are the angels, Munkar
and Nakeer.
If the person is weighed down with
bad deeds and qualities, then he will not find a favourable condition in the
next life, even though he may have had plenty of money in this worldly life and
lived a life of ease and comfort.
Before this long and impending
journey ahead, let us acquire the best provisions by reforming our actions and
behaviour, and fulfilling the rights of Allah Ta’ala and creation.
“…And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is Taqwa. So Fear Me, O you that are wise.”[2]
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 197]
By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb
(Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)
[1] Zuhd : being abstinent in this world /
not being obsessed with the material world.
[2] This ayat (verse) is regarding the journey of Hajj.
