Hadeeth: “A man used to do sinful deeds, and when he was about to die, he said to his children, “After my death, burn me, crush me…”

Question: Would you please show the Sanad (chain of narrators) of the following Hadeeth and explain whether it is Saheeh (authentic; that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish) or not? May Allaah reward you! The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,A man used to do sinful deeds, and when he was about to die, he said to his children, “After my death, burn me, crush me, and scatter the ashes into the air. By Allaah! If Allaah has control over me, He will show me such punishment as He has never shown to anyone else.” When he died, his children did accordingly. Allah ordered the earth saying, “Collect what you hold (of his particles).” It did so, and he (the man) was standing. Allaah asked (him), “What made you do what you did?” He replied, “O my Lord! I was afraid of You.” So Allaah forgave him.

Answer: Imaam Al-Bukhaaree related in his Saheeh (authentic) Book of Hadeeth, Chapter on “Fearing of Allaah”: I was told by `Uthmaan ibn Aboo Shaybah that he was told by Jareer from Mansur from Rib`ee on the authority of Huthayfah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said… read more here.


Excellence of fearing Allaah’s Punishment and heeding His Warning

Question: I carefully consider Allaah’s punishment and warnings but my determination to do good deeds is weak. When I read the books of the Salaf (righteous predecessors), I find that the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Sahaabah (Companions) used to do all kinds of good deeds. They wept for their deficiency and placed themselves in the ranks of the disobedient in hope of forgiveness. Then, what should I do to attain Jannah (Paradise), escape hell fire, and be resurrected with the pious people?

Answer: Fearing Allaah’s punishment and warning is praised in Islaam. It strengthens righteousness and causes a person to abide by Allaah’s commands and avoid His prohibitions. So direct your heart solely to your Lord and fear Him sincerely to increase your determination in obeying Him and avoiding disobedience… read more here.

Fearing Allaah: Best and most honorable ranks of religion

Question: I am a teacher at a primary school. All praise be to Allsah for what He has granted me. I am very happy and comfortable with this honorable work. But what worries me the most is that I believe in Tawheed (Oneness of Allaah) and I try to fear Allaah as much as I can and I hope that I do not do this for Riyaa’ (showing-off ). I fear Allaah and I try my best to do what pleases Him and avoid what incurs His wrath. My greatest concern now is to know what things are considered Shirk (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship) in order to avoid them.

As I have mentioned I am a teacher who is sincere in his work. But when I know that one of the supervisors who oversee the application of the educational program, the educational level of the students and other things related to the department, is coming, I feel great fear that is similar to the fear of a believer who stands before his Lord. I feel that my face turns pale. Do you think that fearing human beings who have no power or might is a kind of Shirk especially that these people do not fear Allaah at all? My brothers, I ask you to guide me to the right way as I fear that this fear may lead me to Shirk. My regret is about to tear me up inside. To clarify further, I try to multiply my efforts when I feel that one of the supervisors is coming. Guide me to the straight path and advise me! May Allaah reward you with the best!

Answer: Fearing Allaah is one of the best ranks of Deen (religion) and one of the comprehensive kinds of `Ibaadah (worship) that Allaah commands human beings to offer for Him Alone. Allaah (Exalted be He) says… read more here.

Refusing an unlawful sexual relation out of fear of Allaah

Question: If a beautiful woman calls a man to have an unlawful sexual relationship but he refuses, shall Allaah give him protection with His Shade on the Day of Resurrection?

Answer: If a beautiful woman calls a man to commit Zinaa (sexual intercourse outside marriage), but he refuses out of fear of Allaah, he is doing a good deed and Allaah will reward him generously even if this woman is not of high rank… read more here.

How to have strong Eemaan and apply the Commands of Allaah

Question: How can a person have strong Eemaan (Faith), apply the commands of Allaah and fear His punishment?

Answer: This can be attained by reciting the Book of Allaah, studying it, contemplating its meanings and rulings, studying the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), knowing the details of Sharee`ah (Islaamic law) and acting upon them… read more here.