See those disobedient and corruption‑rooted practices that have made countless people in our today's generation worthy of the nearer punishments while many perceive it not.
Practices like:
-- Neglecting fervent daily prayer to Allah SWT,
-- Not remembering Allah SWT sincerely in your daily choices.
-- Disbelief in the words of Allah SWT.
The Holy Quran said:
"And mention the name of Allah [in prayer] morning and evening and during the night; prostrate to Allah and exalt Allah a long [part of the] night." (Quran 76:26)
But many people knowingly neglect fervent prayer without thinking of the future consequences of their own choices. As you read across the pages of this book you will understand more about the different blessings attached with living your life anchored in sincere, fervent prayer; the spiritual consequences of neglecting sincere, fervent prayer; and the spiritual consequences of living in hypocritic prayers.
Human beings rarely perish because they never heard the truth; many perish because they gradually normalized disobedience, compromised their inner criterion, and ignored repeated opportunities to return.
See other commonized and justified defiantly disobedient practices among the descendants of Adam(AS). Like the different polytheistic innovations and spiritual distortions across generations:
From idol worshipping, to blood and food sacrifice to stones and water, to praying to Allah SWT (our Creator) through intercessors such as Isa (AS) [Jesus, son of Mary), or saints, or scholars; or claiming to communicate with Allah SWT through ancestral venerated spirits; while they all think they are rightly guided.
Allah SWT said in the Holy Quran:
"They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded." (Quran 5:13)
"And Allah had certainly sent into every nation, a messenger, saying, "Worship Allah [alone] and avoid Taghut."
"And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned?" (Quran 36:22)
"Should I take other than Allah [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? Indeed, I would then be in clear manifest error." (Quran 36:23)
"And from those who say, 'We are Christians,' Allah took their covenant; but they forgot a portion of that of which they were reminded. So Allah caused among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. And Allah is going to inform them about what they used to do."
(Quran 5:14)
"O people of the scripture, there has come to you a messenger from Allah making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear book." (Quran 5:15)
"By which Allah guides those who pursued His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darknesses into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path." (Quran 5:16)
The tragedy is that, across generations, despite the noticeable distortions, many people still persist in these polytheistic forms of worship while they think they are rightly guided. This is because, these practices have become:
socially acceptable,
culturally celebrated,
emotionally defended,
economically beneficial,
politically protected,
inherited through generations.
People then have stopped asking:
"Is this pleasing to Allah?"
And instead they ask:
"Is this normal?"
"Was this what the former people did?" Then they indulge, because human beings have always had the tendency to inherit without examination.
One generation compromises.
The next generation normalizes.
The next generation defends.
The next generation fights for it.
Eventually:
nobody remembers how the corruption entered.
It simply becomes:
"the way things are."
This is the replacement of Divine criterion with social criterion.
That is why vigilance matters.
Because the believer is not merely preparing for death. The believer is preparing to meet death in a state pleasing to Allah SWT, knowing that the appointment itself is hidden, but certain.
(You will see more of these categories of justified and normalized polytheism as you read further...)
Other parts of sinful and disobedient practices that have become commonized and justified among many of the descendants of Adam across generations; while the perpetrators perceive not the impending calamity that has, before them, rippled into their future; awaiting them if they do not repent sincerely.
Practices like:
-- Sexual immorality
-- Prostitution
-- Prostitution rebranded as "hook‑up" lifestyle.
-- High school, secondary school, university, workplace, or community dating / courtship / friendships with sexual intimacy introduced as the benefits.
-- Acclaimed "student marriages" in most of the above-mentioned institutions without dowry/nikkah, but with sexual intimacy already involved.
-- Ungodly alliances that lead to sexual intimacy for benefit (money for sex, sex for position or job, sex to secure human security upon a thing).
-- Casual dating / courtship without nikkah or marriage intent, but with intimacy intent (among both teenagers and elders).
-- civilization backed so-called Boyfriend and girlfriend relationships among uncultured youngsters or defiantly disobedient adults that eventually leads to intimacy outside divine order.
-- Relationships that only bring conversations of intimacy and eventually sexual intimacy before payment of dowry or lawful marriage; if they ever had plans for that at all.
-- Sexual intimacy with concubines,
-- prostitutes, or disobedient disbelievers outside your lawful marriage (be you husband or wife).
-- Manipulation.
-- Pornography (acting or watching).
-- Sexting and public nudity display.
-- Body marketing on the internet.
-- Lesbianism
-- Transgendering.
-- Masturbating.
-- Homosexualism.
[But in truth, believe this or not dear readers and listeners, all of these above-listed normalized immoral choices and practices are under the same category of -- fornication and adultery(unlawful sexual intercourse)]; which Allah SWT has warned humanity against before the time of prophet Luth AS(Lot), to the Ten commandments of prophet Musa AS (Moses), to the revelation of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Allah SWT said in the Holy Quran:
"And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way." (Quran 24:2)
Repeat that line: "..Indeed, it is evil as a way."
(The tragedy is that all of these above-mentioned practices is been considered normal by many people in our today's generation because across centuries and the earth's evolution, society has made them so. Many now see them as needful, necessary in our today's generation. Most indulge for monetary gain; many for temporary pleasure; others for protection or validation in love. While countless of them perceive not the inescapable punishment tied to indulging in them; lurking and waiting upon their future self on this earth, and in the Hereafter if they die certainly without repenting sincerely).
In the lives of a few characters across the pages of this book, you will encounter these kinds of relationships and the different lessons that come with each. And you will learn what obedience and repentance and disobedience and arrogance each cost the soul of the perpetrators.
Some other commonized and justified defiantly disobedient practices across generations, that has rippled into the lives of countless individuals in our today's generation are:
-- Child abuse and maltreatment.
-- Gossiping.
-- Bullying.
-- Lying
-- Acting rudely to parents.
-- Heedlessness and arrogance.
-- Betrayal.
-- Drug abuse.
-- Defamation.
-- Alcoholism, drunkenness, and taking of intoxicants.
-- Addiction to places, people, outcomes.
Also see other defiantly disobedient practices that have become normalized and is being justified by different descendants of Adam across ages; while they perceive not the impending calamity upon their future self both on earth and in the Hereafter; are practices like:
-- Deceit and dishonesty.
-- forming ungodly alliances.
-- Raping.
-- Abortion.
-- Clothing misguidance as guidance and offering it as benefits.
-- Arrogance, self-worship, and wealth-worship.
-- Misuse of power and tyranny in position of authority.
-- Cheating and defrauding others of wealth and possessions.
-- Pickpocketing.
-- Armed robbery.
-- Kidnapping.
-- Banditry.
-- Supporting and spreading corruption.
-- godfatherism.
-- Land grabbing.
-- Weapon manufacturing and war orchestration for profits.
-- Lack of accountability to your Divine role as a guardian or follower.
-- Hoarding wealth without accountability to Allah SWT, the poor, and the needy.
-- Earning unjustly from others (through usury, interest on loans / riba, fraud, bounty, bride price, ransom etc.).
-- Mindless killing.
-- Internet fraudulent activities.
-- Embezzlement.
-- Bribery.
-- Mindless war.
-- Greed in leadership.
-- Slave trading and trafficking.
-- Chase for elite connection through means that contradict Divine order.
-- Gangsterism.
-- Cultism.
-- Hooliganism.
-- And the lack of sincere fear of Allah in our daily choices.
Allah SWT said in the Holy Quran:
"O you who have believed, do not make allies of a people with whom Allah has become angry. They have despaired of [reward in] the Hereafter just as the disbelievers have despaired of [meeting] the inhabitants of the graves. (Quran 60:13)
"O you who have believed, do not take the disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do you wish to give Allah against yourselves a clear case?" (Quran 4:144)
"And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]." (Quran 2:188)
"Woe to those who give less [than due],
Who, when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give by measure or by weight to them, they cause loss. Do they not think that they will be resurrected
For a tremendous Day; The Day when mankind will stand before the Lord of the worlds?" (Quran 83:1-6)
"And when it is said to them, "Do not cause corruption on the earth," they say, "We are but reformers."
Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive [it] not." (Quran 2:11-12)
"Then, do those who have planned evil deeds feel secure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them or that the punishment will not come upon them from where they do not perceive." (Quran 16:45)
"Or that He would not seize them during their [usual] activity, and they could not cause failure [i.e., escape from Him]?" (Quran 16:46)
"Or that He would not seize them gradually [in a state of dread]? But indeed, your Lord is Kind and Merciful." (Quran 16:47)
"Have they not considered what things Allah has created? Their shadows incline to the right and to the left, prostrating to Allah, while they [i.e., those creations] are humble." (Quran 16:48)
The tragedy is that many who indulge in these practices think they are on the right path because of the quick gains and the enjoyment of delusion their devil companion has used to sear their conscience and slowly incite them deeper into error. Until they meet their certain death without repentance. While they perceive not the inevitable calamity they have brought upon their own souls with the choices they made with their own gift of freewill.
One truth you might want to take or not is that:
The devil companion knows neither the hour of your death nor the decree written for your soul. He cannot drag you into Hell by force, nor can he delay the angel of death appointed over you. His task is simpler and far more dangerous: to keep you distracted, delaying repentance and beautifying disobedience until the fixed decree of Allah SWT (Certain death) overtakes you. Then he turns away, satisfied with the ruin he helped decorate, waiting only for the next soul willing to deviate into destruction.
(Also from the continuation of polytheistic practices and having spiritual alliances and intercessors with Allah SWT).
We see:
-- Religious hypocrisy (misconception in religion, innovation in religion(the intercession effect)).
-- Seeking the favor of Allah SWT, or quick wealth, or power or protection through generationally justified and normalized spiritually compromised means that contradict the commandments of Allah SWT; like:
- Bathing and relying on spiritual soaps, and acclaimed spiritual items or prayer‑water from spiritual leaders for success from Allah SWT, instead of praying fervently, daily, sincerely and choosing good work that brings bounty.
- Lighting candles at midnight with special invocations while claiming to seek success from Allah SWT, instead of fasting and praying five times daily and at midnights.
- Placing coconuts, fruits, or other edible items on T‑junctions, in rivers, or on mountaintops, claiming to hasten Divine favor, instead of praying fervently, fasting, staying patient with Divine timing, choosing good work that uplifts humanity, and relying on the decree of Allah SWT upon your life path even if we might die at anytime.
- Eating concoctions mixed with vegetables and herbs, animal and human blood or filthy items, claiming to seek wealth, protection, love, or children from Allah SWT, instead of obeying the commandments of Allah SWT that had came across centuries.
-- Sacrificing animals and human lives to spirits for wealth and protection.
- Mixing the verses of Allah SWT with blood or using them as inscriptions on talismans.
- Wearing talismans and beads for spiritual protection.
The tragedy is that all of these above-listed sinful choices and defiantly disobedient practices are already considered normal in our today society, but most of the people who disobey Allah SWT and indulge in these sinful practices are not aware that they are only wasting the time meant for sincere, fervent prayers, remembrance, and good work; that which brings good reward from Allah SWT; to indulge in practices that will eventually bring them punishment from Allah SWT, except they repent away from it sincerely and return to living in alignment with what is true. Which, for most people, is very hard because of how deep they have gone into the enjoyment of delusion. This is because, true repentance and return to alignment with Divine order is rare and costly for those entrenched in injustice.
The tragedy is not merely that people die.
Everyone dies.
The tragedy is:
What path were they walking when death found them?
Were they returning to Allah?
Were they struggling against their desires?
Were they repenting after slipping?
Or had they become so comfortable with disobedience that they no longer intended to return?
Because devil does not need to know when you will die.
He only needs to convince you of one thing:
"Not today."
Repent tomorrow.
Pray properly tomorrow.
Give up the sin tomorrow.
Seek forgiveness tomorrow.
Return to Allah tomorrow.
Until suddenly, there is no tomorrow.
Note that: when one forgets the sincere worship of Allah SWT, they are slowly blinded to the spiritual consequences of their own disobedient choices; except they are revived by the mercy of Allah SWT.
The greatest deception is not sin itself. It is feeling secure while persisting in it because judgment has been delayed.
For the delay may itself be mercy...
or it may be the final extension before the appointed hour arrives. The ones who win are the ones who never stop returning sincerely when they make a slip; minor or major.
See those above‑listed practices have been considered normal by countless individuals in our today's society, without reasoning and reminiscing on why Allah SWT had warned against those practices/indulgence/choices in the first place. People accept and justify them because they lack the sincere fear of Allah SWT. Whereas, we forget that by indulging without Discernment we have thereby forgotten Allah SWT, our Creator. Which would only in-turn lead deeper into further indulgence and error till you meet final destruction.
The Qur'an was sent to warn people before that consequence arrives because Allah SWT neither forgets nor fail in His promises.
It is the people on earth that routinely forget the phase of a decreed punishment that entails defiance, disobedience, arrogance, disbelief, negligence, hypocrisy; which could meet them while they are unaware, or in the middle of their dispute, or in the middle of their indulgence or they might meet certain death at an uncertain hour and will go to the Hereafter to face the result of what they had sent forth while they were alive.
Every scheme in earth, good or bad, is known to Allah SWT, every injustice is recorded, and every soul will ultimately face the return of what it set into motion.
Whereas, the punishment of the Hereafter is definitely inescapable, like when the soul reaches the collarbone and it is certain that it is the time of return to its Lord. Only your sincere repentance away from those disobedient indulgence, choices, and practices before death took you; will save you from the punishment of that Day.
Allah SWT said in the Holy Quran:
"And let not those who disbelieve think that they can outpace [Our punishment]. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allah]." (Quran 8:59)
"Even if you had been inside your houses, those decreed to be killed would have come out to their death beds." (Quran 3:154)
"Who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth. It is those who are the losers." (Quran 2:27)
"And when Allah lets the people taste mercy, they rejoice therein; but if evil afflicts them for what their hands have put forth, immediately they despair."
(Quran 30:36)
"Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers - never would the [whole] capacity of earth in gold be accepted from one of them, if he would [seek to] ransom himself with it. For those there will be a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers." (Quran 3:91)
Dear readers and listeners, Ask yourselves: If Allah could create realities on earth powerful enough to humble humanity; from the mountains, to the volcanoes, to the rumbling storms, to death, to cosmic order, to birth, to plants of varieties, then to the smallest tsetse fly and to man itself (in male and female); then is the existence Hell difficult for Allah SWT?
The greater issue is whether the human soul reflects sincerely upon these nearer signs before it becomes blinded by heedlessness, arrogance, desire, and attachment to worldly delusion and thereby blameworthy.
Thus, brethren, this reckoning is not arbitrary.
It follows the rule of Divine law.
It is the silent unfolding of what we have set in motion to receive as a reward from Allah for indulging in practices against His command and for spreading corruption upon the earth's surface without the fear of Allah SWT and without sincere repentance and without seeking the forgiveness of Allah SWT.
It might be answered here on earth, but if persisted in without sincere repentance, it will then be answered beyond.
Just as the devoted believers; those who live with sincere fear of Allah, striving with the betterment of humanity at heart, and working for the good rewards of the Hereafter; receive their own reward of goodness and mercies from Allah SWT, and the fulfilment of the promise of eternal life with Allah SWT in Paradise.
The righteous and the devoted believers are described repeatedly in the Holy Quran, identified in the society, and known by their soul through patience.
Patience:
- In obedience
- In hardship
- In resisting corruption
- In generosity
- In worship
- In waiting for Allah's promise
This is the profound truth and choices that keep you in obedience to the commandments of Allah SWT and in alignment with what is true. Patience for the truthful and the believers is not passive endurance.
It is sustained alignment.
Working, praying, believing, earning, aligning.
Remaining faithful to Divine order despite economic, societal, or peer pressure until certain death takes us at the uncertain hour.
Dear readers and listeners, this book is only but a mirror. Held directly at our heart, asking the tough questions.
You see, the devil does not need to make people disbelieve outright. He only whispers thoughts that make you see sin as ordinary or, most times, needful; making the forbidden seem desirable. Making Allah's command seem restrictive.
That is how people begin to treat Divine boundaries and the commandments of Allah SWT as outdated.
And when a society forgets Allah SWT in its doctrines and as its moral compass, it will eventually forget its own soul. Which eventually leads into societal calamity, injustice, crisis, war, hunger, vandalism, desperation.
The normalization and justification of these practices across different generations and civilizations by peoples and tribes strengthened into the fabric of the society because indulgence was rooted in the obedience and submission of the majority; and mostly family heads; to people or individuals in positions of authority (the drivers of the practice for their own personal benefit). For these people, the fear of social exclusion in their hearts has become more powerful than the sincere fear of Allah SWT. They obey and indulge for monetary gain, for favour, or for protection under the banner of the defiantly disobedient as ally.
The core drivers of these above-listed practices are usually:
--- The defiantly disobedient people in positions of authority
--- The rich disbelievers
--- Or self‑deluded scholars in a given society
While the conductors that spread it across societies are mostly:
--- Elite bodies who want protection and continuous accumulation of earthly desires
--- The desperate citizens
--- Or groups of people who have forgotten Allah and were caused to wander blindly - so they wander toward what brings them punishments as inescapable as death itself.
Among the different individuals and groups of people that justified and accepted these practices as they grew in society until they were mastered into normalization:
-- Some indulged out of disbelief, disobedience, or hypocrisy.
-- Some out of blind allegiance to power and people of authority, ancestral beliefs, or peer influence.
-- Some due to hardship and adversity.
-- Some indulged out of naivety and total ignorance.
-- Some due to heedlessness.
-- Some due to arrogance.