The year-end marks a serious point for everyone. It is a time for review, self-accountability, identification of the shortcoming and hopes for the coming years. At the end of the year, a businessman recounts his work to make sure whether he wins or suffers a loss. Also, a scientist reviews his studies and research to understand if he is going on the right path or not.
It is a time for review, self-accountability, examination of the shortcoming and hopes for the coming years.
For a believer, the relationship with God is the most significant business. It is the business of life. The winner in this business will enjoy an eternal bliss in the heavens, and the loser is going to endure a distressful torment in the hellfire unless God forgives him. As the Hijri year is going to end, one should ask himself a question, “Do I have a profitable or forfeitable business with God?”
Before you answer question, let’s pinpoint the components of the business with God as mentioned in noble verses of the Qur’an and the hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
The Belief in Allah and Jihad
In the quoted verse below, Allah inquires of a business that saves from the painful torment of Hell. Then, Allah answers that inquiry and tells that it is to believe in Allah and His Messenger, and undertake Jihad in the cause of Allah. The reward is plentiful and huge; the forgiveness of sins and eternal residence in a lofty place in Paradise. Not only this but also the support of Allah and nearby victory are present. Almighty Allah says:
O You who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment. That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives, that will be better for you, if you but know! (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwelling in Gardens of `Adn (Eden Paradise), that is indeed the great success. * And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love, help from Allah (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad ) to the believers. (As-Saff 61:10-13)
Qur’an, Prayer and Charity
In Surat Fatir, God, the Almighty, talks about a group of people who opt to turn to a business that never undergo forfeit. It is the business with Allah. The commodities of this trade are obtainable by everyone who seeks the pleasure of His Lord.
The merchandises are three significant deeds, namely reciting the Qur’an, observing the obligatory and optional prayer and giving in charity for the sake of Allah. If a person presents these things, he will receive plentiful reward and extra bounty from Allah the Almighty. Allah (Exalted be He) says:
Verily, those who recite the Book of Allah (this Qur’an), and perform Prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a (sure) trade-gain that will never perish. That He may pay them their rewards in full, and give them (even) more, out of His Grace. Verily! He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (good deeds and to recompense). (Fatir 35:29-30)
Fighting in the Cause of Allah
At this time, Allah, the Almighty, makes a promise that He will give Paradise to those who fight for His sake. He states that this promise is found in the Torah, the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur’an. How blessed are the fighters in the cause of Allah!!
The verse also brings good new to those who partake in that kind of business by telling them that it is the great success. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties; for the price that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allah’s Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospel) and the Qur’an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success. (At-Tawbah 9:111)
Gaining the True Benefit
The question is: What is about our business with God? Do we have one? Is it fruitful or fruitless? Did we win in this passing year? What is about our good deeds; prayer, charity, recitation of the Qur’an, and striving in the cause of Allah? Were our deeds accepted or rejected? What is about the coming year? Do we have plans to increase the good deeds, avoid misdeeds and remedy my shortcomings?