In the Name of Allāh.
The time for obedience to Allāh is now, the time for repentance is now, and the time for righteousness and piety is now. O brethren, the time of our commitment to the truth is of utmost importance.
Indeed, Allāh accepts repentance when made before the deadline, but a man who turns to Allāh in old age is not the same as a youth who grows up in Islām, guided by its light, steeped in its knowledge. The Prophet (ﷺ) spoke of a youth who grows up worshipping Allāh as one of the seven categories of people who will be under the Shade of Allāh on the Day of Requital when there is no shade except His. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 660, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1031]
Allāh, in His Infinite Wisdom, says: “And those foremost [(in accepting Islām on the very first call to it and performing righteous deeds) in this life] will be foremost (in Paradise).” [Sūrah Al-Waqi’ah (56): 10] So, let’s strive to obey Allāh from our youth, to walk in His Path from the moment we reach the age of accountability, for indeed, the earlier we start our journey of faith, the easier it will be to continue it in old age.
Don’t delay your obedience to Allāh, following the Prophet’s example (ﷺ). Memorize the Qur’ān, observe the five daily prayers, fast during Ramaḍān, make the Ḥajj, observe the correct Ḥijāb, grow your beards, and enjoin good while you forbid evil. These (and others) are the hallmarks of the true believer, the signs of one who has submitted wholeheartedly to Allāh.
More so, know that Allāh is always with us, always ready to guide us and to forgive us if only we turn to Him with sincerity and faith. I beseech Allāh to grant us the strength and the courage to walk in His Way, to follow the Path of His Prophet (ﷺ), to live our lives in submission to His Will. Aameen.
Picture Credit: Gettyimages
