EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Life in this world is temporary, and every human being will eventually face the Hereafter. Muslims must therefore remain obedient to Allah and ensure that worldly activities do not distract them from their religious obligations.
This message was delivered by Khaidir Sulaiman, a member of the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Council for Religious Preaching, during TVMu’s Mimbar Jumat program on Friday (23/10).
Khaidir reminded the congregation that the Day of Judgment is certain, although its timing remains a mystery. When it arrives, people will face an overwhelming situation in which everyone will be preoccupied with their own affairs. This leads to human’s inability to think about helping others.
Awareness of the Hereafter, he said, should encourage Muslim to strengthen their obedience starting now. One way to do so is by promptly answering Allah’s call to perform Friday prayers.
He cited surah Al-Jumu’ah verse 9, which commands believers to hasten to the remembrance of Allah when called to Friday prayers and to leave their worldly activities.
Khaidir criticized the habit of arriving late at the mosque, even after the preacher has ascended the pulpit. He noted that people generally have opportunities to leave work and attend prayers, including through scheduled breaks at many workplaces.
“If we do not leave for the mosque, it shows that we are among those who are heedless,” he said.
He urged those who still have this habit to repent, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and commit to improving themselves. Acknowledging negligence, he emphasized, must be accompanied by behavioral changes to prevent the same mistakes from recurring.
Khaidir also warned against becoming so attached to worldly life that religious obligations are neglected. Work and income are necessary, but they should serve as means of worship rather than excuses to disregard Allah’s command.
Seven Groups Granted Allah’s Shade
In his sermon, Khaidir explained that on the Day of Judgment, humanity will need Allah’s protection. He referred to a hadith describing seven groups who will receive Allah’s shade on a day when there is no shade except his.
The first group consists of a just ruler. Khaidir explained that this category includes people who hold authority, from heads to state to officials who make policies affecting society. Justice must be reflected in their decisions and policies.
The second group is a young person who grows up worshipping Allah. Khaidir explained that worship should remain central to a person’s life from youth into adulthood.
The third group consists of those whose hearts are attached to mosques. These are people who make the mosque an important part of their lives and religious activities.
The fourth group comprises two people who love one another for the sake of Allah. Their relationship is rooted in faith and expressed through activities that bring benefits to others.
The fifth group is a person who resists the temptation to commit sin when invited by someone of beauty and status. This illustrates the ability to prioritize obedience to Allah over worldly desires.
The sixth group consists of those who give charity sincerely. Khaidir encouraged Muslims with wealth to use it to help others. Wealth, he said, can be a means of extending benefits to others and strengthening efforts in the cause of Allah.
The seventh group comprises those who remember Allah in solitude and shed tears. Khaidir described them as people who rise at night to perform tahajjud, the voluntary night prayer, and pray with deep devotion.
Believers Must Prepare for the Hereafter
Khaidir expressed hope that the account of these seven groups would remind Muslims to prepare for the Hereafter through righteous deeds and genuine obedience.
He stressed that awareness of the Hereafter should be selected in everyday life. It starts from attending Friday prayers promptly and fulfilling responsibilities properly to acting justly, helping others, and maintaining a close relationship with Allah through worship.
