Seeking Jannah: Inspiration from the Full Moon

Link to all Ramadan 2010 posts

Every month, the full moon brightly adorns the night sky with a resplendent glow. At first glance, we recall that its fullness signifies the middle of the lunar month. Pondering over the beauty of this creation is one thing, but a slightly longer gaze may also remind us of some ahadeeth of the Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam), wherein esteemed virtues are compared to the full moon.

The Noble Face of the Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam)

“Glad tidings to the one who believed in me and saw me, and sevenfold glad tidings to the one who believed in me but did not see me.” (Ahmad)

Reading the descriptions of the Prophet’s (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) appearance is a pleasure to the believers, who missed the age of his physical presence, yet strive to emulate his every word and deed.

The companions, carefully examining his facial expressions at all times, described a state of pleasure to reflect on the face of the Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) like the bright shine of a full moon.

Abu Ishaq narrated that Al-Baraa’ was asked, “Was the face of the Prophet (as bright) as a sword?” He said, “No, but (as bright) as a moon.” (Bukhari)

Jabir ibn Samurah (radhiAllahu anhu) said, “I saw him on one night of the full moon. I looked at him. He was dressed in a reddish garment. I compared him with the moon and found that,  for he was better than the moon.” (Mishkat Al-Masabih)

In this blessed month, when good deeds are multiplied, there is a chance to increase implementation of his sunnah in order to properly translate our love for him, (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam). The stronger  we are in adherence to his sunnah, the closer we are to being honored with his companionship in Jannah.

Speaking of Jannah, from the full moon there is a reminder of it, for those whom it’s gates are opened……

The First Group to Enter Paradise

In a month outlined by patience and submission, what is a better reminder than to look up to the sky and find a sign of encouragement towards the reward that awaits the true believers who have exerted themselves in the path of doing good.

Abu Hurairah (radhiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) said, “The first group (of people) to enter Jannah will be shining like the moon on a full-moon night.” (Agreed Upon)

Such a thought would, through Allah’s will, strengthen our resolve to increase in worship for the remainder of the month, perhaps we will be among the ‘first group’.

And Finally……….To See your Lord

You have responded to Him, submitted to Him in worship. This month, you gave up desires, otherwise lawful, in response to His command. You may know or not know the wisdom behind what you do in complete submission to Him. But your love for your Creator, Protector and Sustainer has led you to comply with His commands, even though you have not seen Him.

The full moon is a reminder of the ultimate reward that Day for those whom Allah entered into His Garden, when He (subhanahu wata’ala) will permit the believers to see His Face.

“[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant, Looking at their Lord.” (al-Qiyamah 75: 22,23).

Jareer ibn ‘Abdullah reported: “We were sitting with the Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam), looking at the moon on the night of the fourteenth (of the month). He said, ‘You will see your Lord with your own eyes just as you are looking at this (moon), without any doubt that you are seeing Him.’” (Agreed upon)

So while you turn your gaze upwards in the white days of the month, allow this wondrous creation to deepen your thoughts in light of these ahadeeth. But do not stand for too long; hasten towards the company of the Messenger (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam), the ‘first group’ and the sight of the One Who created the moon. Seeking Allah’s help, race to fill your days with good, before the once full moon is again a crescent, as the month of forgiveness and mercy reaches its end.