Is there a thing Better than to die as a martyr “Saheed”! (Ramadan 2024)

Marking this Ramadan 2024, you get to know this before you waste your valuable time…
Talhah bin ‘Ubaidullah narrated a Hadith story about two men from Bali who became Muslim together. However, one of them put more effort into practicing Islam. The one who worked harder went out to fight and was killed as a martyr. The other man stayed for an additional year before passing away. Talhah had a dream where he saw himself at the gate of Paradise and witnessed both men being admitted. The one who died later was admitted first, followed by the martyr.
Talhah was told to go back as his time had not yet come. When he shared this with others, they were amazed and informed the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) When news of that reached the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and they told him the story.
He said: “Why are you so amazed at that?”
They said: “O Messenger of Allah, the first one was the one who strove harder, then he was martyred, but the other one was admitted to Paradise before him!
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Did he not stay behind for a year?”
They said: “Yes.”
He said: “And did not Ramadan come and he fasted, and he offered such and such prayers during that year?”
They said: “Yes.”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The difference between them is greater than the difference between heaven and earth.”

The story teaches us that every act of worship, such as “Sajdah” (prostration) and “Siyaam” (fasting), holds great importance and can make a substantial difference in our spiritual journey. It underscores the notion that even a single Ramadan, with its opportunities for increased devotion and righteous deeds, has the potential to elevate us to higher levels in Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recognized the significance of Ramadan and would supplicate to Allah, asking to be granted the opportunity to witness and benefit from this blessed month.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:25): “And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow.”

what makes This also highlights the importance of eagerly seeking and preparing for Ramadan, just as the Prophet did. We too should eagerly anticipate Ramadan, asking Allah for the strength and empowerment to perform well during this sacred time. By internalizing these lessons, we can realize the value of our lives as Muslims and the immense rewards that await us through consistent acts of worship. Each prostration, each day of fasting, and each righteous deed brings us closer to Allah and creates a substantial difference between ourselves and those who did not have the opportunity to engage in such acts.

Surah Al-Imran (3:133): “And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.”

Therefore, we should strive to make the most of our time through learning Islamic studies, especially during Ramadan, by maximizing our devotion, performing acts of worship with sincerity, and seeking Allah’s pleasure. May Allah grant us the ability to catch Ramadan and empower us to excel in our worship during this blessed month, Ameen.