In the Name of Allaah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Sometimes in life, we experience unexpected moments that leave us with unforgettable imprints. I had one of such moments recently and it gave me a sharp awakening.
On that fateful day, I had decided to listen to Sheikh Okasha Kameny’s beautiful recitation of Juzz ‘Amma while working on my school project. As I drew the plans and sections of my building, his melodious voice flowed over me like calm waters soothing away hidden aches.
Although engrossed in my task, I listened carefully to his recitation until he got to a verse in Sura at-Takwir.
He repeated this verse three times and it gave me a pause.
فأين تذهبون
فأين تذهبون
فأين تذهبون
(Qur’an 81: verse 26)
I was curious to know its meaning; my work abandoned for the time, I picked up my phone to Google the meaning of the verse.
‘So where are you going?’ ‘So where are you going?’ ‘So where are you going?’
A thought-rousing question…
My curiosity turned into a mild confusion so I decided to read the translation of the entire Suwar to understand the basis of the question; it left me shaken.
Take a closer look at these five words, beautifully written with so much love, pain, hope, and concern on Allaah’s part for us.
The similitude is like that of seeing a friend, relative or close acquaintance engaged in a reprehensible act forcing you to ask the question, “What are you really doing?” Behind the words is the pain of love hidden in the knowledge that surely the path your beloved ones are travelling on will result in harm and regret.
…the depth of emotion in these words!
And Al-Khaliq, Ya Rabbal Alameen, the One who sees, hears and knows all, is asking us with so much love for us and our salvation.
“So where are you going?”
Allaah, the Exalted is telling us: O My creation, I am your Lord, your Maker. Where are you then headed if not to Me? O my creation, why have you left your Lord?
There is no betraying the wealth of love in Allaah’s call. He knows our weaknesses and knows we are easily distracted as humans but he hearkens us back to our goal: Allah’s reward and His Jannah.
And with this question, Allaah the Exalted reminds us of our final destination; Surely we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.
As is an indication of His love, he reminds us in preceding verses, of the rewards for every deed we send forth while on Earth – the Blazing Fire kindled to fierce heat or the Garden brought near. (Qur’an 81: 12-13)
Allaah, the Exalted further tells us that the secret to fulfilling our purpose in life and achieving our goal in the Hereafter is in the Message sent to us through His Beloved Messenger (SallalLahu Alaihim wassalaam).
Conclusions
So where are we going, dear brothers and sisters?
“Surely (this question) is nothing but a reminder, for those among you who have the will to follow the right path.” (Surah At-Takwir, Verse 27-28)
Even though Allah gives us the will to walk our own road, we are reminded that in the acceptance of His Message and warning is guidance for all of us, as only He wills who is guided or misguided.
“But you shall not will except as Allah wills, the Cherisher of the Worlds.” (Q81:29)
O you who believes in Allah and the Last Day, where do you think you are headed?
Take heed for death isn’t your final destination but a means to arrive at it. In the end, it’s either Jannah or Jahannam; which will you choose?
Author:
Salimah Bakare
