Sunday Story: 500 Years of Worship

Angel Gabriel (as) told Muhammad (peace be upon him) the following incident about a man in the past who worshipped God continuously for 500 years. He was granted a shelter on top of a mountain that was surrounded by salty water. However, God caused a stream of sweet water to flow through the mountain for that individual. The man would drink from this water and use it to make ablution. God also raised a pomegranate tree from which the man would eat one fruit every day.

One day, this person supplicated to God that, "Oh God, bring my death while I am in the state of prostration." God accepted this dua of his. Whenever Gabriel came down to the Earth, he found this man prostrating to God. Gabriel said that on the day of Judgement, God will tell the angels to take this individual to Heaven through His mercy. However, this man will insist that he should enter Heaven through the good deeds that he had performed.

Then, God will tell the angels to compare his good deeds with the blessings that were given to him in the world. It will be seen that 500 years of his worship does not even equal to the gift of eye sight that was given to him by God. The angels will be asked to take him towards the fire. Then the man will plead, "Oh God! Enter me into Heaven only through Your mercy." At that point, the following discussion will take place between God and that man.

God: Oh my servant, who created you?

The worshipper: Oh God, You have created me.

God: Were you created because of the good deeds you have done or because of My mercy?

The worshipper: Because of Your mercy.

God: Who granted you the ability to worship for 500 years?

The worshipper: Oh the Almighty! You have granted me that ability.

God: Who placed you on the mountain surrounded by the ocean? Who caused a stream of sweet water to flow in between the salty water? Who caused a pomegranate tree to grow for you? Who granted you death while in the state of prostration?

The worshipper: Oh the Sustainer of the Worlds! You have done all of these.

Then God will say, "All these have happened due to My mercy and you too will enter Heaven only through My Mercy."

Source: Obtained from the book "Tambihul Ghafileen" by Shaikh Abul Laith Samarkandi.

We can never thank God for the blessings that He has given us. Let us use these blessings to recognize God before our death.


http://www.islamcan.com/islamic-stories/500-years-of-worship.shtml


I love this story!  I was telling a friend (Becs!) about this a few weeks ago and I realized I hadn't ever put this story up, and as it's one of my favorites, I knew it was one for this week!

Salam Alaykum, I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
-Chris


Also, I just found 


She (Carrie Dew) is so funny!  Hope this will give everyone a laugh! I know we lost :'(  - but I really hope she keeps making videos anyways, the Tobin Heath interview is also really good!