Awakening From Ghaflah: Certainty, Accountability, and Preparing for the Hereafter

Awakening From Ghaflah: Certainty, Accountability, and Preparing for the Hereafter” A Khutbah by Sheikh Anwar Mady — Jurgens Centre, Friday 16 January 2026 Synopsis of the Khutbah In this khutbah, Sheikh Anwar Mady reflects on the spiritual disease of ghaflah—heedlessness of the Hereafter—and explains how a believer can awaken from it. He begins by defining ghaflah as an excessive focus on worldly life while neglecting preparation for the next life. He cites early scholars who taught that people fear death because they have built the dunya and abandoned the akhira. The Sheikh shares several inspiring stories from the early generations: 1. Al‑Hasan al‑Basri’s awareness of accountability Al‑Hasan al‑Basri reminded others that every human is born, dies, resurrects, and stands before Allah alone, so seeking people’s approval is meaningless compared to pleasing Allah. He also narrates the story of al‑Hasan and his young servant, illustrating the balance between knowledge and certainty (‘ilm and yaqīn). 2. The example of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz and his virtuous son The khutbah recounts Umar ibn Abdul Aziz’s justice, generosity, and concern for the poor—even for birds. His son’s piety demonstrates how a heart focused on Allah is unaffected by worldly standards, even on Eid. 3. Remembering death as a cure for heedlessness A story is told about Rabiʿ ibn Khuthaym, who would enter a grave he had dug to remind himself of death, repeatedly saying “Rabbi irji‘ūn” (“My Lord, send me back”), then urging his soul to act now that it has been ‘returned.’ This illustrates how early Muslims actively cultivated remembrance of the Hereafter. 4. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s message to his family The Prophet ﷺ warned his closest relatives—including Fatimah and Safiyyah—that lineage would not save them on the Day of Judgment; only personal deeds matter. 5. Focusing on what truly matters The Sheikh explains a powerful hadith in which Umm Habibah asked Allah to give her long life with her husband, father, and brother. The Prophet ﷺ gently directed her toward asking instead for protection from the grave and the Fire—teaching believers to focus on what benefits them most for the Hereafter. 6. Call to action: Build for the Akhira The khutbah concludes with the Quranic verse describing those who maintain mosques: – They believe in Allah and the Last Day – They establish prayer – They give zakah – They fear none but Allah The Sheikh connects this to the community’s ongoing effort to build the new masjid, encouraging du‘ā’, charity, and participation in upcoming fundraising activities.