How skillful is your defensive strategy?

Muslim brothers & sisters, young and old, rich and poor! Think twice before you sin. Read for yourself and heed from the fate of those who were destined to perish in the engulfed fire that took place on the night of 31^st in Santika Club, Bangkok, Thailand; a two-story nightclub packed with hundreds of well-heeled New Year’s revelers [one who takes great pleasure in a party or celebration], killing at least 61 people as they stampeded to escape the raging flames. How dear was life to each of them that everybody was pushing against each other, trying to get out to the front door as quickly as possible. Eyewitnesses say that young girls were being pushed away and crushed underneath, as others were stomping on them trying to get out, which had only one exit door for the public. Read the full story, if you wish, at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28451806/ . Read what Allah [subhaa nahu wa ta’ala] has to say about ‘The Fire’.

Is burning in the Fire better or being safe from it?

· Is he who is cast into the Fire better or he who comes secure on the Day of Qiyaamah [Resurrection]? Do what you will!⁽¹⁾

Is seeing the punishment and witnessing the Fire of Hell better, or – Is residing in places [Paradise] where each and every wish is fulfilled better?

· When it [Hell] sees them from a far place, they will hear its raging and its roaring. And when they shall be thrown into a narrow place thereof, chained together, they will cry out therein for destruction. Shout not today for one destruction, but cry out for much destruction. Say, ‘Is that [torment] better or the Paradise of Eternity which is promised to the Muttaqoon [the pious]? It will be theirs as a reward and as a final destination. For them there will be therein all that they desire, and they will abide [therein forever]. It is a promise binding upon your Lord that must be fulfilled.⁽²⁾

Ref. (1) Soorah 41. Fussilat, Meaning for Part of the Ayah 40)

(2) Soorah al-Furqaan, Meanings for the Ayahs 12 – 16)

Look how Allaah [subhaa nahu wa ta’ala] caught these people in the Fire of this Dunya [World], well-before they’re to be punished with the fire of the Aakhirah [Hereafter]. What a sad ending. Even Allaah’s Prophet [sallal laahu alaihi wa sallam] used to ask protection from such tragic deaths.

May Allaah [subhaa nahu wa ta’ala] protect us, our parents, spouses, children, relatives, and Muslims at large from getting trapped in trials from this deceptive Dunya. Also, may He [subhaa nahu wa ta’ala] protect all of us from such awful endings. Aa’meen, Yaa Rabbal Aa’la meen!

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And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger [salallahu alaihi wa sallam] after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination. (Sura an-Nisaa, 4:115)

Every issue of aqeedah [creed], ibaadah [worship] or manhaj [methodology] which the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah has not provided a text for and upon which the Companions never agreed is falsehood, vain and innovation.

Adhere to the narrations of the Salaf [the Prophet, the Sahaaba, the Tabi'een, and the Tabi' tabi'een], even if the people were to abandon you. And beware of the opinions of the people, no matter how much they beautify it with speech. – (Saying of Imaam al-Awzaa'ee, died 157 Hijri)

It is not sufficient to take the Qur’an and Sunnah and to interpret their texts according to one’s own understandings, independent of the explanations of the Companions of the Prophet, and the clarifications of the subsequent generations of righteous scholars, no matter how knowledgeable one may become. To ignore their understanding is the first step on a path leading to deviation, misguidance and destruction as indicated by the above-mentioned Qur’anic verse. (4:115)