A Sermon on the Cocnern for the Hereafter by Sh Badu ud-Din Shah ar-Rashidi

Description

"A Sermon on the Concern for the Hereafter" by Shaykh Badi-ud-Din Shah ar-Rashidi is a deeply reflective and spiritually enriching discourse that emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the afterlife over the temporary pleasures of this world. The sermon serves as a wake-up call for believers, urging them to focus on their ultimate destination—the Hereafter—rather than being engrossed in worldly distractions, materialism, and fleeting desires. The Shaykh begins by reminding the listener of the ephemeral nature of this world, drawing upon Qur’anic verses and Hadith to highlight how life is merely a test and a passage towards the eternal life of the Hereafter. He stresses that true success is not measured by wealth, status, or achievements in this world, but by one’s deeds, sincerity, and obedience to Allah. He warns against heedlessness (ghaflah), which causes people to neglect their obligations towards Allah and instead become overly preoccupied with worldly gains. A key theme of the sermon is accountability on the Day of Judgment, where every individual will stand before Allah and be questioned about their actions. The Shaykh vividly describes the reality of the grave, the resurrection, the weighing of deeds, and the final abode—either Paradise or Hell. These descriptions serve as a powerful reminder that life is short, death is inevitable, and every soul will be recompensed for its actions. He calls upon believers to engage in sincere repentance (tawbah), increase in good deeds, and maintain a strong connection with Allah through prayer, charity, and seeking knowledge. Moreover, the sermon touches upon the deception of worldly pleasures, explaining how they often lead people away from the remembrance of Allah. The Shaykh warns against excessive attachment to wealth, power, and luxury, emphasizing that these things will eventually perish, while only faith (iman) and righteous deeds will accompany a person into the Hereafter. In conclusion, Shaykh Badi-ud-Din Shah ar-Rashidi delivers a profound message that encourages self-reflection, spiritual awakening, and renewed commitment to Islamic values. His sermon serves as a reminder to live a life of purpose, devotion, and mindfulness of the Hereafter, ensuring that one's time on earth is spent in a way that secures eternal success.