We must realize that every day that passes shortens our lives. This should tell us that, instead of partying, we should be preparing ourselves for the life in the Hereafter.
Source/Credit: Baitul Hameed Mosque
By Imam Shamshad Nasir | January 1, 2014
The year 2013 is here no more. By the grace of God, we have made it to 2014. We pray that every new day that dawns is a blessed one, and every night that passes does so in peace. The cycle of day and night is by the command of God, and in it there is a valuable lesson for us to contemplate. We learn in the Holy Quran, ch.28, v.74:
“And of His mercy He has made for you the night and the day, that you may rest therein, and that you may seek of His bounty, and that you may be grateful.” {Quran 28:74)God tells that in every 24 hours we are given time to rest and rejuvenate so we may rise with the new dawn to earn an honest day’s living, and be grateful to Him for both the work and the rest and all that lies between.
The New Year is a time to reflect on our past and focus on our future. We congratulate all on this New Year and pray that it brings joy in your life and success in your noble pursuits. We pray that it is free from pain and suffering, but when it is not, know that our hearts and prayers are with you.
May our trials and losses help us all to value our blessings and never take them for granted, and understand the importance of loving God and loving His creation – especially mankind. The Holiday Season is the one time of year where being reminded of the goodness of people is a good thing, and where adding more goodness to the lives of others is a good thing.
We pray for peace in the world, for tolerance, forgiveness, respect, and for an increase in brotherhood in families, communities and between nations.
People celebrate the New Year with fanfare, fireworks, singing, drinking and dancing, often crossing the boundaries of decency and good behavior and morals. Shouldn’t the New Year be celebrated with dignity, with prayers and charity, and in praise of God?
At the start of something new and unknown, shouldn’t there be hope and just a touch of fear to keep us humble and focused on what is important? Other than the New Year, fun-filled parties are common at birthdays, weddings and other social events. Once a year, can’t we be humble?
The glitter of this material world has blinded people. We must realize that every day that passes shortens our lives. This should tell us that, instead of partying, we should be preparing ourselves for the life in the Hereafter.
Once a man realizes that the day could be today -- or tomorrow -- when he will be called to account before God for his actions, all the worldly enticements and preoccupations of life are seen as the illusions that will all come to an end. Unfortunately, many people consider the Day of Judgment just a fairy tale and even the existence of God just a delusion of the mind.
Let us reflect on the words of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the Promised Messiah when he said:
“No one can tell when we will part from this world. Therefore, we must do our best to prepare ourselves for the journey to the next world . . . There are cures for all diseases, but there is no cure for death. “
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad further said:
“A man cannot attain to godliness unless he believes that he will one day die. A person should know that this world and all its attractions are transient. He will leave this world empty-handed.
“One’s eternal happiness depends on love with God and liberation from sin. A person who becomes accustomed to temporary pleasures feels pain when he parts with them. A heart is blackened with the love of the material world and a man loses touch with goodness” (Malfoozat vol. 6, pgs. 150-151)
We must, therefore, realize our responsibilities. We must thank our Lord in this the New Year for this New Year. The best way to be grateful to God is by offering prayers and helping the poor and the needy and easing the pain of those who are suffering. And pain can often be found right in front of us.
Some Prayers from Holy Quran:
“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and the next world, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (2:202)
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; and if You forgive us not, nor have mercy on us, we shall surely be of the lost. (7:24)
“O God! You are our Protector; forgive us then and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of those who forgive.” (7:156)
May Allah accept our prayers!
In closing, I want to thank all who have worked with me during the year 2013, and all those who have rendered service to people. I would like to thank our neighbors, government officials, religious and political leaders, and local Police and Firefighters. Thanks to all the newspapers and their reporters who gave coverage to our programs and events – especially AhmadiyyaTimes.com, the Arab newspapers Al Akhbar and Al Enteshar Al Arabi, Al-Fazl, Ahmadiyya Gazette USA & Canada, New York Awam, TheMuslimTimes.org, Pakistan Daily News, Pakistan Express, TV news channels, KCAA 1050-AM radio, Asia Today, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Sun, The Chino Champion, and The Chino Hills Champion.
God Bless and Happy New Year!
-- The Clock is Ticking -- Imam Shamshad Nasir
This content-post is archived for backup and to keep archived records of any news Islam Ahmadiyya. The views expressed by the author and source of this news archive do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Ahmadiyya Times.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comments. Any comments irrelevant to the post's subject matter, containing abuses, and/or vulgar language will not be approved.