We are but a Moment in Eternity

A Moment in Eternity
By Nai'ma Mompoint

"Have they not traveled in the land, and have they hearts where with to feel and ears wherewith to hear ? For indeed it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts, which are within the bosoms, that grow blind." -the Holy Quran (22:46)

We are but moments in Allah’s eternity. Sometimes, it is hard to remember this but we are only a small parts of his grand scheme and the understanding of this should be enough for us to put all of our trust and faith in Allah, subhana wa ta ala. He has drafted it’s blueprint and is the master worker of existence.

Eeman is not limited to the extent of our physical eyes’ perception. True perception of Allah’s greatness begins within a pure heart. Miracles start with Allah , as he is the source of everything, and a pure heart in this dunya is truly one of his many miracles. “These are they into whose hearts He has impressed faith and strengthened them with a spirit from Him.” -Al Quran (58:22)

The questions at hand are, what is a pure heart and how does one’s heart receive Allah’s purification. How do we know if our hearts are pure? What are some characteristics of the pure at heart? What lies ahead for those of clean heart? How can I become a pious person?

On the authority of Abu 'Abdullah al-Nu'man bin Bashir, radiyallahu 'anhu, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, say:

"Truly, what is lawful is evident, and what is unlawful is evident, and in between the two are matters which are doubtful which many people do not know. He who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and honour blameless, and he who indulges in doubtful things indulges in fact in unlawful things, just as a shepherd who pastures his flock round a preserve will soon pasture them in it. Beware, every king has a preserve, and the things Allah has declared unlawful are His preserves. Beware, in the body there is a flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and behold, it is the heart."
[Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

Many atheists would argue that they will never worship that which they cannot see. They don’t see anything because of the condition of their hearts. "Such are they whose hearts and ears and eyes God hath sealed. And such are the heedless.” -Al Quran (16:108) When the heart does not perceive anything, it is sick. This heart is often referred to as dead or diseased. This dark heart is one with no eeman and the reason for this lack of eeman is it’s condition.

Some characteristics of a people with pure hearts are obedience to Allah and to what has been conveyed through the messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam and modesty. This modesty includes modesty in worship. They worship Allah is public as well as in secret and do good deeds solely for the sake of Allah. A conditioned hearted individual loves for the sake of Allah and Allah alone, worship Allah alone with no partners, cling to what is good, and keep themselves free from what is evil.

"Verily in the remembrance of God do hearts find rest." - Al Quran (13:28). The pure heart is in constant remembrance of Allah because it is able to perceive him. “Most surely there is a reminder in this for him who has a heart or he gives ear and is a witness.” - Al Quran (50: 37) If one is seeking purification of his/her heart, they should go to Allah. In turn for this remembrance, Allah places compassion and mercy within them. "And places compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him." -Al Quran (57:27)

"He it is who supporteth thee with His Help and with the believers. And (as for the believers) hath attuned their hearts." - Al Quran (8: 62-63) Thus, it is the remembrance of Him that causes paths to illuminate and the people who hearts Allah has fine tuned with His mercy, are the people who are rightly guided to a beautiful abode and the highest of destinies.

"And the Garden is brought nign for those who kept from evil, no longer distant. (And it is said): that is that which ye were promised, (it is) for every pertinent and heedful one, who feareth the Beneficent in secret and cometh with a contrite heart." -Al Quran (50: 21-33)

Faith and Belief begin in the heart. The more pure our hearts become the stronger our eeman grows. And the stronger our eeman becomes the purer our hearts grow. Remember Allah,. He is the gardener of these blossoming flora.

"And whosoever believeth in God, He guideth his heart. And God is knower of all things." - Al Quran (64:11)

Posted in: Islam