2. A Journey Through Surah Qaf – Journey Through Life

This profound session invites adult learners to reflect on the impact of Allah’s closeness, practise taking an audit of their actions, and explore the characteristics of the people of Hell whilst developing strategies to avoid them.

Session 2: Journey Through Life

• Opens with reflection on the nature walk from Session 1, asking what thoughts of Allah emerged whilst observing His magnificent creation
• Explores the four stages of life: on the ground, under the ground, the Day of Judgement, and the eternal abode (Paradise or Hell-Fire), understanding that the first, shortest stage is most important as our status in all other stages depends on how we behave in it
• Reflects on Allah’s might in creation, understanding that recreating is easier than creating from scratch, and that disbelievers are in confusion (labs) about their recreation
• Contemplates the human being as the biggest proof of Allah’s existence, power, and might, sharing amazing facts about human creation whilst understanding that Allah fully knows what our souls whisper
• Discovers that Allah’s absolute knowledge extends from grand things (mentioned in verse 4) to minutiae, inspiring taqwa so that we wouldn’t dare say a single word that displeases Allah or even dwell on bad thoughts
• Reflects on Allah being closer than our jugular vein, understanding that just as the jugular vein is close yet can go unnoticed, Allah’s presence is near even if not always perceived, recognising as Imam Qushayri said that this verse brings awe, dread, and fear for one group whilst comfort, solace, and peace for another
• Learns about the two recording angels sitting on the right and left, discovering that the angel on the left delays registering sins for six hours to allow for repentance and seeking forgiveness, revealing Allah’s mercy
• Understands that not a single word is uttered without a vigilant observer (raqib) ready to write it down diligently (atid), reflecting on why the recording of speech is particularly emphasised
• Completes the daily audit challenge, writing down positive/kind things and negative/hurtful things said or done in the last 24 hours
• Explores death and resurrection, understanding that the throes of death (sakrah) bring an overwhelming, almost drunken state that even our beloved Prophet ﷺ felt, that at death reality becomes clear with no denial (bil-haqq), and that we all know death is certain yet delay preparing for it (tahid)
• Reflects on the trumpet being blown for the Day of warning, understanding that the angel has already placed it on his lips awaiting the command, and writing how one would spend today if the trumpet were to be blown tomorrow
• Discovers the companions on Judgement Day including an angel to drive forward (sa’iq) and another to bear witness (shahid), similar to police arriving with a criminal in court
• Understands the truth becoming clear when the veil of heedlessness is lifted, making one’s sight sharp on that Day
• Explores secrets unveiled when one’s accompanying angel (qarin) presents the ready record, reflecting on what sins Allah is concealing today, how it would feel if unveiled, and taking a moment to sincerely repent
• Examines the verdict against every stubborn disbeliever (kaffar anid), understanding these verses were revealed regarding Walid bin Mughirah, and that kaffar is an exaggeration of kafir showing Allah gave chance upon chance but they remained extremely stubborn
• Identifies five attributes of people of Hell: stubborn disbeliever, withholder of good (manna’), transgressor (mu’tad), doubter (murib), and setting up other gods with Allah
• Engages in deep journalling activity examining personal struggles with stubbornness, withholding good, transgression, and doubt, seeking forgiveness and asking Allah to remove these traits
• Reflects on the debate between leaders and followers, and between individuals and the devil, who will claim he did not make them transgress but rather they were far astray on their own
• Understands it’s too late for disputes as Allah had already given warning through the Quran and Messengers, and that the verdict is final as Allah’s word cannot be changed and He is never unjust to His servants through His perfect knowledge and perfect justice

Perfect for adult learners in Islamic study circles, community programmes, and Ramadan preparations, this presentation nurtures hearts through authentic Quranic tarbiyah rooted in the values of pure heart, responsibility, and certainty.