Welcome to Blackpool Mosque

According to the teachings of Rasul-ullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), it is said, "When an individual passes away, the rewards for their good deeds come to an end, except for three things that continue to bestow rewards even after death. These three things are Sadaqa Jariyah (Perpetual Charity), knowledge that benefits others, and righteous children who pray for the deceased." (Sahih Muslim)

Allah states in the Hadith, "If a person comes walking towards Me, I come running to them." The path of submission and devotion to God is not an easy one. It is filled with obstacles and challenges, akin to traversing thorny and potholed terrain, crossing vast arid deserts, and navigating perilous jungles. It requires immense courage and unwavering enthusiasm to reach the ultimate destination. However, Allah, in His infinite mercy and grace, does not abandon those who sincerely seek the truth. He reaches out to every earnest seeker, taking their hand and guiding them along the path. The following verses allude to this:

“As for those who strive hard in our cause, we shall most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto us, for behold God is indeed with the doers of good” (Ankabut: 69).

God says: “When my seeker draws a hand span near me, I come an arms length to him, when he comes near me an arms length, I draw near to him two arms lengths. If he comes walking I come running to him” (Muslim reported by Anas).

With such promises why shouldn’t the true seeker strive? The beloved Messenger (peace be upon him) would stand in the night vigil for so long that his feet would swell and start bleeding. His wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) could not bear to see this and would lament, “O Messenger,  why do you do this you are sinless?” He would reply “Why shouldn’t I want to be a grateful servant of my Lord?”

How much time, effort and wealth do we expend in Allah’s way? We can measure the degree of our relationship with Him by quantifying our struggle. How well do you think you will fair on a scale of 1-10? Where 1 is least effort and 10 the effort of our venerable ancestors. Make this your new year’s resolution to go up a few points. The sacrifice of Ibrahim provides us with a beautiful example of serving the Lord. The wish to please Allah at any cost is a real challenge for us in an age of plenty and abundance. Can we control our carnal desires and work for Divine pleasure?