Central Khutbah: “God-Consciousness as the Best Provision for the Eternal Journey”

Every human being, believer or non-believer, is in reality a traveler on their path toward the Hereafter. This journey is unlike those we know in our worldly life; it is the final transition to the Eternal Home, which we build through our actions in this life, consciously or unconsciously, and from which there is no return. Any journey, whatever it may be, requires provisions. God, the Most High, says:

“And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety. So fear Me, O you of understanding!” (Al-Baqarah, 197)

God-consciousness, or taqwa, is the best provision for every traveler. Many teachings in the Sharia encourage piety, describing its benefits, the paths to achieving it, and the sweetness of its fruits. God-consciousness is divine advice for all generations. As the Most High says:

“We have enjoined upon those who were given the Book before you and upon you to fear Allah. And if you disbelieve, then know that to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and Allah is free of need and praiseworthy.” (Ali Imran, 131)

Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, explains the meaning of God’s words: O you who believe, fear Allah as He should be feared… (Ali Imran, 102) by saying, “It is to obey Him without disobeying Him, to remember Him without forgetting Him, and to thank Him without being ungrateful.”

Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy on him, emphasized that the foundation of piety is for the servant to place a protection between himself and what he fears. Protection from God’s punishment is achieved through obedience to God and by avoiding all sins. A similar explanation is given by Al-Qushayri, may Allah have mercy on him:

“God-consciousness encompasses all forms of goodness! Its true meaning is shielding oneself from God’s punishment by being obedient to Him.”

The scholars consider that taqwa is shown in three aspects: reliance upon God for the future, satisfaction with His decree, and patience toward past trials. Ignorance of the faith makes achieving taqwa difficult, as one cannot be God-conscious if unaware of what one should avoid. Bakr ibn Hunays said:

“How can someone fear God if he does not know what he should fear?!”

Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, identified three levels of God-consciousness: protecting the heart and body from sin, avoiding doubtful matters, and restraining oneself from excess. Each level brings benefits, bringing joy and satisfaction to the servant.

The paths to piety are divided between obligatory and recommended. The obligatory paths include faith and adhering to God’s commands, while the recommended encompass additional voluntary acts and avoiding undesirable deeds. Omar ibn Abdul-Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“Piety is not found in fasting every day or praying every night, nor in combining both! Rather, piety lies in avoiding what Allah has forbidden and fulfilling what He has commanded!”

Abu Darda’, may Allah be pleased with him, emphasized that complete piety means fearing God even in the smallest matters and avoiding doubtful things to prevent falling into the haram.

In conclusion, God-consciousness is the best provision, and blessed is the one who makes it the essential supply for his journey to the Hereafter. God, the Most High, promises relief and reward to those who fear Him:

“And whoever fears Allah – He will remove for him his misdeeds and make great for him his reward!” (At-Talaq, 5)

We ask Allah, the Most High, to shower us with His mercy, make us pious, and ease our path toward eternal success. Ameen.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on September 27, 2024, at the “Association Islamique et Culturelle Afnane” in Differdange)