By: Maulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (May Allah increase his benefit)
Source: MuslimVillage
Sometimes a car engine does not seem to get enough or any fuel. The problem can be due to different reasons: a blocked fuel line or fuel filter, or some fault with the fuel pump or carburetor.
We know that the fuel lines control and regulate the flow of fuel. If it is clogged or blocked, there is difficulty to start the car since fuel does not make its way to the engine. The engine generally does not restart until the blockage is removed. A blocked fuel line also results in smoke since the fuel overflows. If there is some leak and contact with an ignition source, such as the engine, then this results in smoke and can be dangerous, even causing a fire.
With this example, we can draw parallels to the consequences of our indulgence in sins.
Sometimes a sin, for which there was no repentance, creates a blockage at the time of death. Due to commission of sins, persistence in sins, and not making sincere taubah (repentance), the spiritual heart becomes clogged and blocked. This creates great difficulty at the time of death. There is no free flow for the Kalima Tayyibah (the formula of monotheism: There is not god but Allah.) to be recited and for the soul to leave the body with ease.
Sometimes the blockage of sins become so dangerous for one’s iman (faith) that it prevents the person from saying the Kalima and this results in having to come into contact with the smoke and fire of Jahannum – in the Qabr (grave) and in the Aakhirah (afterlife). Allah Most High save us all.
It is therefore necessary to engage in taubah and istighfar (seeking forgiveness) daily. Through the blessings of taubah and istighfar, these sins which would otherwise create blockages that prevent an easy death, are removed.
Hazrat Maulana Shah Wasiullah (RA) had said so beautifully in poetry (Urdu):
‘Is tarah se tai ki manzile, chale, gire, uthe, chale’
“We journeyed to Allah exalted in majesty in this way:
We crawled, fell, got up, and walked!”
Let us not stay stuck in the filth, dirt and grime of sins. Repair the “engine” (heart and soul) with taubah, and continue on your journey, in piety, to Him.
