The Characteristics of People who won’t be Grieved on the Day of Resurrection

By Zahra Anjum

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Even the wealthiest and happiest people have their share of anxiety, grief, and sorrow. Such is the nature of life. In the midst of trials, we wonder if they will ever be over and we dream of a perfect life.

And yet our sorrows can never match those of the Prophet (sa) and his Companions. They went through constant sacrifices, physical and psychological abuse, hunger, deprivation of worldly goods, losses in the battlefield, and a constant state of fear. What kept them so strong and helped them stay steadfast? It indeed was the revelation that brought them reassurance; the knowledge that they were being seen and heard by Allah, and it deepened and strengthened their faith every day.

Prophet Muhammad (sa) taught his Companions to supplicate to Allah: “Make the Quran the spring (delight) of my heart, the light of my chest, the banisher of my sadness, and the reliever of my distress.” (Ahmad; authenticated by al-Albani) Thus, the Quran relieved them.

We have the same Quran to guide us and turn our sorrow into happiness. One of the oft-repeated phrases which brings hope and banishes grief is the following:

لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

“…There will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Baqarah 2: 277)

A perfectly happy life is possible in the afterlife, but only for those who possess certain qualities and characteristics as described in the Quranic verses. If we wish to be amongst them, let us reflect on these and aim to instil them in our lives:

Faith and righteous deeds:

Allah (swt) has promised in the Quran: “Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] – those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Baqarah 2: 62)

Faith and righteous deeds go hand in hand. We must continually work to improve them and gain knowledge of the factors that improve them. Also, we should stay away from sins that deplete our faith. A righteous deed is anything that is done purely for the sake of Allah and in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah.

Establishing prayer and giving Zakah:

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Baqarah 2: 277)

The obligatory prayers and Zakah (alms-due) are the basic pillars of Islam that show we are willing to obey our Creator. Establishing prayer is greater than simply praying. It means fulfilling all the conditions for Salah and establishing a system for it in the land.

Steadfastness on the right path:

“Indeed, those who have said, “Our Lord is Allah,” and then remained on a right course – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Ahqaf 46:13)

When you have taken a step for the sake of Allah and it is on the straight path, do not waiver and weaken. Ask Allah for help and remain firm.

Piety:

“And Allah will save those who feared Him by their attainment; no evil will touch them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Zumar 39: 61)

A true believer stays conscious and mindful of the presence of Allah, while also remembering Him verbally. In every stage of life, such believers are careful about taking the right steps and avoiding the wrong ones.

Excellence in worship:

“…Whoever submits his face in Islam to Allah while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Baqarah 2: 112)

The highest level of worship is Ihsan (excellence). It is to surrender completely to the will and commands of Allah and fulfil them as best as you can.

Responding to the call of truth:

“And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. So whoever believes and reforms – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah An‘am 6: 48)

At some point in life, we do have people calling us towards the straight path. Instead of ignoring and being arrogant, we must pay heed to the call, turn back to Allah in repentance, and reform our ways.

Spending wealth purely for sake of Allah:

“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or [other] injury will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Baqarah 2: 262)

Allocate and spend a portion of your earnings in the way of Allah. It is also important that we spend purely for the sake of Allah, not expecting anything in return.

Sacrificing your life in the way of Allah:

“And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision, rejoicing in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them – that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Al-Imran 3: 170)

Those who tread the path of truth are always faced with trials and opposition. After living a life of servitude, some are honoured as martyrs; they die defending and upholding the values of Islam and have nothing to grieve over after that Insha’Allah.

Zahra Anjum is a freelance writer, editor and translator based in Islamabad, Pakistan.