(65) Chapter: Remembrance of Death and Restraint of Wishes

Ubayy bin Ka'b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When one- third of the night would pass, Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would get up and call out, "O people, remember Allah. The Rajifah (i.e., the first Blowing of the Trumpet which will shake the whole universe and thus cause all life to cease) has come, followed by Ar-Radifah (i.e., the second Blowing of the Trumpet which will restore life and thus mark the Resurrection Day). Death has approached with all that it comprises. Death has approached with all that it comprises." I said: "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), I frequently invoke Allah to elevate your rank. How much of my supplications should I devote to you?" He said, "You may devote as much as you wish." When I suggested a quarter, he said, "Do whatever you wish, but it will be better for you if you increase it." I suggested half, and he said, "Do whatever you wish, but it will be better for you if you increase." I suggested two- thirds, and he said, "Do whatever you wish but it will be better for you if you increase it." I said, "Shall I devote all my supplications invoking Allah to elevate your rank?" He said, "Then you will be freed from your worries and your sins will be forgiven." [At- Tirmidhi]. Commentary: The Qur'an exactly corroborates what has been stated in this Hadith. There will be two soundings of the Trumpet. The first will throw the earth and mountains into tremendous convulsions, annihilating all life and disrupting the entire physical structure of the universe. The second - after an indefinite period of time known to Allah Alone - will mark the Resurrection Day and bring forth the whole scenario of the Last Judgement. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has invited the attention of mankind to the horrendous ordeal awaiting it in the Last Hour. Besides, this Hadith urges the believers to send the maximum greetings to Messenger of Allah (PBUH). It also highlights the excellence of such an invocation. The Qur'an itself makes this demand to the believers: "Allah sends His Salat (Graces, Honours, Blessings, Mercy) on the Prophet (Muhammad (PBUH)), and also His angels (ask Allah to bless and forgive him). O you who believe! Send your Salat on (ask Allah to bless) him (Muhammad (PBUH)), and (you should) greet (salute) him with the Islamic way of greeting (salutation, i.e., As-salamu `alaikum).'' (33:56)