Every woman knows about shopping. It doesn’t matter which country you are from, the words “shopping” or “sale” sends a shiver down the spine and a peek in to the purses.
So let’s take this concept of shopping a little further. It is wonderful to be able to fill our time walking through malls and trying on pretty dresses, then filling our cupboards and basking in the feeling of accomplishment. So long as we remember, to live in this Dunya and not for this Dunya.
We would be foolish to live any other way, as Allah says, “O My People! The life of this world is only temporary enjoyment, while the abode of hereafter is everlasting” (Surah Al Mu’min : 39)
We are here as traveler’s, this temporary abode is a place wherein we are given the opportunity to prepare for our final destination. By virtue of being the reciters of La Illaha Ililallah, we already have the passport to paradise, however, we do require some Visa. This Visa is obtainable through doing righteous deeds, for Allah says, “And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers or paradise,they will dwell therein forever” (surah Al Baqarah : 82).
And we know that in preparation for any journey, the best provision is Taqwa, (surah Al Baqarah : 197) So in preparing, take as much as you can from this place for the next.
So, how often do we go “Akhira Shopping”? The answer should be – it is my sole purpose. YES, life is about shopping. Shopping for the Akhira, stocking up on Akhira reserves, filling the bags, tipping the scales and rushing to the sales.
I think as a start, we should add a few things to our Akhira shopping lists. The best currency to carry on these shopping expeditions, is glorifying the Almighty, lots of SubhanAllah will be beneficial.
Stocking up on Akhira reserves is simple, we need to engage in Tawbah,because Allah says, ” Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance, and He loves those who keep themselves in purity. (Qur’an 2:222).
Thankfulness to Allah for the favours he has bestowed on us, everything we have, everything we do is only by His will, and Allah says,””Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, And be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.” [Qur’an 2:152]
Our actions, must be pure and good, and for the pleasure of Allah. Good actions, character and manners are all part of Imaan and we are told this by our beloved Nabi Muhammad S.A.W, when he said, “There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character” (Hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud).
Actually, its simple, shop for the Akhira, in the constant remembrance of Allah. In doing for Him, you increase your love for Him, and in loving Him. And while you loving Him and The most Loving is Loving you, your Akhira reserves increase with every good action done for Him.
There is no need for a budget in this realm and Akhira boutiques are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do all you need to for Allah, and He will do for you.
gracefulstrides 