Every Ramadan in my village, my family writes a list of names of all the poor families in the area. This makes it easier for us to distribute our Zakah and Sadaqah (obligatory and voluntary charity). But even before Ramadan begins, many people come to ask us to include their name on the list. They knew if they got on the list, they would be able to get a decent amount of financial help (sometimes more than any other time of year).
The poor of our village would try to get their names on the list by visiting us before Ramadan or by offering to help around the house. They did this to earn our favor. Seeing their eagerness to be on our list reminded me of a ‘list’ we all need to be on.
Allah says in the Quran:
فَمِنْهُمْ شَقِيٌّ وَسَعِيدٌ
“Some among them will be wretched and (others) blessed.” [11:105]
On the Day of Judgement there will be two lists; of the blessed and of the wretched. In this life we try to gain Allah’s favor by doing good deeds and supplicating to Him so on that Day we will be on the right list, of those that are blessed.
Speaking of lists, that reminds me of a story I read:
Shaykh Ibrahim ibn Adham once saw a bright light in a dream alongside an angel writing down people’s names. He approached and asked the angel what he was doing, and the angel replied, “I am listing the names of people who love Allah.” Shaykh Ibrahim asked if his name was on the list, but the angel said, “No.” The Shaykh then said, “The rank of those who love Allah is very high, so at least please add my name to list of people who love the creation of Allah.” The angel agreed and at that moment Shaykh Ibrahim awoke.
A few days later he again saw a bright light in a dream and saw the same angel compiling a list, and so the Shaykh asked him what he was doing. The angel said that he was writing down the names of people whom Allah loves. Shaykh Ibrahim asked if his name was among them, and the angel replied that it was foremost on the list. The angel continued saying that this was because Allah loves those who love His creation. [Excerpt from ‘Wisdom for the Seeker’ by Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmed]
We are always trying to get on some list or another (Dean’s list, Honor Roll, etc). The prudent one is the one who seeks to be on the only list that will be of benefit in the Next world. May Allah make us among those who are su’adaa (blessed ones).
Scattered Roses 