If you want a barometer of the level to which Western society has denigrated, you need only look at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. It actively promoted the ideology of transgenderism with drag queens participating, transgender models and a lesbian DJ. It combined elements of paganism with the depiction of the false Greek god of wine Dionysus naked on a table, painted blue like a Smurf to supposedly speak about the absurdity of violence. It mocked the Christian depiction of Jesus peace be upon him with a parody of the last supper, and promoted the LGBTQ agenda with a vengeance, forcing it down the throats of the world’s viewers. The ceremony was described as demeaning, disgustful and disrespectful in the words of one commentator. At a staggering cost of $130 million, it openly displayed the move to take the world away from religion and break down the morals of society. It was supposed to reflect inclusivity, but that is rich coming from the host nation France which has banned the Hijab. The hypocritical mixed messages when it comes to Islam are clear to see.
The Olympics themselves are seen as the pinnacle of sporting achievement and a chance for athletes to perform on the world stage. As Muslims we need to search deep down within our hearts and souls and ask why we would be so captivated by something that has pagan origins, which promotes values that are alien to Islam, and wastes so much money? In real terms, it delivers no meaningful advancement for humanity. While Palestine was burning under a relentless Israeli onslaught, Muslim countries deemed it appropriate to spend huge amounts of money on training and sending athletes to participate. Are we so desperate to gain Western approval? The very same Olympics which banned Russia for invading Ukraine, which banned Afghanistan for having a government that ruled according to Islamic law in line with the aspirations of the people, which banned South Africa for its Apartheid policies, allows Israel to participate. This is a country which is carrying out a genocide, slaughtering men, women and children, whose parliament is debating whether sexual abuse of Palestinian hostages by Israeli soldiers counts as something morally wrong! These Olympic double standards are beyond mind-boggling.
The moral degradation that accompanies the modern Olympics and its depraved nature is aptly summed by the fact that male fans were complaining about female beach volleyball players wearing leggings rather than the skimpy bikini bottoms which the Olympic committee mandates! Is it any surprise then that the Olympics have a pagan origin? It has its roots in the ancient Greek sporting festivals held to honour their false gods. Tony Perottet calls it the “Total Pagan Entertainment Package” with sacrifices and feasting, and with athletes participating naked. Women were banned from the stadiums, but prostitutes were imported for the lust of tourists. Much of this paganism and its accompanying moral degradation is reflected in what happens at today’s Olympic Games.
The Olympics are regarded as the ultimate goal of the athletes. To illustrate the hold it has on the minds of the athletes, Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson injured his finger badly in training for the Olympics. The doctors said that they could save the finger, and it would need 4-6 months of recovery but would mean him missing the Olympics. The other option was to amputate the finger. He chose to amputate it and get an opportunity to play at the Olympics. Insanity personified!
Our ultimate stages to excel on and gain success as Muslims are completely different. Our goal should be to leave this world with Imaan and faith, to pass the tests of the Day of Reckoning and to enter Paradise. The Hadith paints a picture of the stage of Day of Reckoning, “The sun will be brought close to the creation on the Day of Reckoning until it will be a mile above them. People will be drowning in their sweat according to their actions. For some, the sweat will be up to their ankles, for others up to their knees, and some will be submerged up to their mouths,” (Muslim) On that day of burning intensity, the only shade will be the Throne of Allah Ta’ala. There are many actions that can gain us that prized shade, considering our different capacities and inclinations. Not all of us might be able to attain it through acts of worship. The Mercy of Allah Ta’ala is such that we can all find something within our capabilities to earn that high rank. No person will have an excuse not to be able to gain that highest of accolades.
Some of those activities that can gain us the shade of the Throne of Allah Ta’ala are listed here:
Financial Assistance
The first type of activity that can gain us this sought after prize is related to wealth. Using our wealth and financial resources to help those in need can gain us a spot under the Divine Throne.
- The one who gives respite and time to pay to a debtor who is poor (Muslim). In these times of economic recession, with jobs difficult to come by, this sacrifice of giving the debtor a bit of a break can earn us the shade of the Throne.
- One can take this a step higher: you waive the debt of the person who owes you money (Muslim).
- This can be upgraded to a higher tier of rewards by giving the debtor charity on top of waiving his debt (Tabrani).
If you give a debtor extra time to pay, then you saw that he was struggling, and you waived his debt. More than that, you then assisted him with money in the form of charity to help him through a tough time. This will ensure that you have three avenues to earn the shade of the Throne of Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Reckoning.
- A fourth way to earn this shade is to look for people who are battling to pay of their debts and help them to pay them off.
- The Hadith goes further and encourages the wealthy to empower others financially with skills and financial guidance that will make them economically independent. Jabir radhiallahu anhu narrates that the one who assists a person who has no trade nor is he able to learn one, will gain the shade of the Throne (al Mujam al Awsat).
This is a crucial part to play in uplifting society and earning the medals of the Day of Reckoning. As a community, we should look out for the youth who are starting off in life, mentor them and assist them in gaining skills and qualifications. We need to help them get jobs, set up trades and launch their careers. In our high school interactions, one of the biggest points we picked up is that the youth are looking for someone to guide them through the practical steps of studying for a career and getting into the job market. They are just looking for someone to take them by the hand and show them the first few steps on the route.
Helping even middle-aged people who have lost a job they were in for much of their lives and might not have the know-how of starting a business is an act that will gain one a gold medal on the Day of Reckoning. Skills centres are a lifeline for our societies. Government has also acknowledged that not everyone is cut out for a degree. Vocational studies in mechanics, welding, electrical and plumbing can all now be studied at a college with a grade nine certificate.
Contrast the Islamic approach to debt and helping others financially with the Western system that has so captivated us. Making money on money is a hallmark of the Western banking and economic system. Instead of leniency if you cannot pay a debt, your loan is sold on to others who then try and get the payment ruthlessly. Interest gets charged on it, sinking a suffering society even lower down. The entire system is so volatile. It is designed to help those with much gain even more at the expense of the masses. There’s nothing wrong in making money but it should never be at the expense of our ethics, morals and human decency and compassion.
Social Interaction
Other acts which can gain a person a sort-after spot under the Throne are related to our social interaction:
- To have good conduct with all people, Muslim and non-Muslim. Abu Hurairah radhiallahu anhu narrates that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, “Allah Ta’ala revealed to Prophet Ebrahim alaihis salaam, ‘Oh my friend, have good manners with even non-Muslims and you will enter the ranks of the pious. For the one who has good character will gain the shade of the Throne (of Allah Ta’ala).” (Al Mujam al Awsat)
- The next level is to be extremely gentle and kind in our mutual interactions with Muslims.
- To upgrade this to another level will be to remove a difficulty from someone in distress.
Acts of Worship
Yet another avenue to earn a place in the shade of the Divine Throne is to connect oneself with the worship of Allah Ta’ala:
- A youngster who grew up in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala, who made the sacrifice of living a life that is pleasing to Allah Ta’ala when he had all the temptations spread in front of him, will earn immense rewards and the shade of the Throne.
- A person who learnt the Noble Quran in his childhood and continues to read it in his old age. (Shuab al Imaan)
- A man whose heart is attached to the Masjid when he leaves the Masjid until he returns. He is always working out the times for his return to the Masjid.
- A man who keeps track of the sun to ensure that he knows the times of Salaah will also enjoy the shade of the Throne. (Kitab al Zuhd) This is indicative of having a concern for carrying out acts of worship diligently, to make them a priority in your life and to give them a central role in your daily schedule.
To participate in the Olympics, athletes prepare. The way to prepare for a place under the Throne of Allah Ta’ala is to remember death which opens the door to Qiyamah and the Hereafter. The Hadith encourages us to visit the graves, it will remind you of the Hereafter. Wash the deceased for touching a lifeless body is a profound lesson and will awaken your senses.
Read the funeral prayer. Don’t only wait for a funeral of someone you know; participate in the funerals of those you don’t know as well. At the graveyard don’t waste that time of reflection in catching up on news. Recite the Noble Quran while waiting for the burial to be completed.
Reading the funeral prayer, the Hadith continues, will perhaps cause you to grieve and the one who grieves and feels anguish and pain will be under the shade of the Throne receiving all goodness. (Mustadrak)
Ibn al Jawzi rahimahullah says that a person should soften his heart by visiting the graveyard. An intelligent person should picture the scene of his death. Eventually this practice will make you like Marouf Karkhi rahimahullah and you will always have death at the back of your mind. Someone said to Marouf rahimahullah, “I will lead you in Zuhr Salaah, but I’m not sure about Asr though.” Marouf remarked, “What makes you think you will even reach Asr? To think you will even live that long is too high a hope.” Obviously, the Sunnah teaches us moderation. We can balance the intensity of worry and fear of death with light-hearted moments as well.
There are many more avenues outlined in the Hadith to allow us to secure a place under the Throne of Allah Ta’ala. In this article, we have listed a few. In summary, we should prepare for the ultimate stages of honour and glory of human existence such as trying to get a prestigious spot under the Divine Throne. Like how we put in serious effort to book our tickets and holidays, we need to put the same or more level of energy into finding out about actions that will gain us the shade of the Throne. It is not difficult but remember that the time we have to earn and secure it is very short.
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