In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

They asked: Whose side do you take – the IPCC [The United Nations International Panel on Climate Change] or other scientists?

Response: Firstly, there are more important affairs in the life of an individual – in this temporary worldly life – than preoccupying oneself with this debate and disagreement.

Secondly, most of those engaged in this debate are not people who ponder upon the signs of Allaah. Therefore, it would have been better for them to ponder upon the signs of Allaah. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَعْمَىٰ وَالْبَصِيرُ
وَلَا الظُّلُمَاتُ وَلَا النُّورُ
وَلَا الظِّلُّ وَلَا الْحَرُورُ
وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَحْيَاءُ وَلَا الْأَمْوَاتُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُسْمِعُ مَن يَشَاءُ ۖ وَمَا أَنتَ بِمُسْمِعٍ مَّن فِي الْقُبُورِ
إِنْ أَنتَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ
إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا ۚ وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌ

Not alike are the blind and the seeing. Nor are (alike) the darkness and the light. Nor are (alike) the shade and the sun’s heat. Nor are (alike) the living and the dead. Verily, Allah makes whom He will hear, but you cannot make hear those who are in graves. You (O Muhammad) are only a warner. Verily! We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner. And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them. [Surah Al-Faatir. Aayaat 19-24]

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Allaah [The Exalted] informed us that the opposites are not the same based on what His Wisdom necessitates and that which is placed in the sound natural disposition of His slaves.

[وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَعْمَىٰ وَالْبَصِيرُ – Not alike are the blind and the seeing]-Meaning, just as it established in their midst – without any doubt – that these mentioned things are not equal (or are not the same), then likewise they should know that the opposites (related to beliefs, acts of worship, deeds) are even more so not the same. Neither are the believer and the disbeliever the same nor are the guided one and the misguided one the same. Neither is the knowledgeable person the same as the ignorant one nor are the inhabitants of paradise and hell the same. Neither are those whose hearts are dead (due to disbelief) the same as those whose hearts are alive (due to Eemaan). There is a (huge) difference between these things of that which none knows besides Allaah. So, if one knows their different statuses, makes a distinction between the affairs and it becomes clear regarding the affair that is obligated on you to compete one another and attain, as opposed to its opposite, then the determined one would choose for himself that which is more worthy and has more right to be given precedence.

[ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُسْمِعُ مَن يَشَاءُ – Verily, Allah makes whom He will hear]- Meaning, the hearing (that leads to sound) understanding and acceptance of truth, because indeed Allaah is the guide and the one who bestows guidance.

[وَمَا أَنتَ بِمُسْمِعٍ مَّن فِي الْقُبُورِ- But you cannot make hear those who are in graves] – Meaning, those whose hearts are dead (due to disbelief, wicked deeds etc); or just as your supplication cannot benefit the inhabitants of the graves in anything (except by the will of Allaah), likewise it does not benefit the one who turns away – the stubborn one – in anything (except by the will of Allaah), but your job is to warn and propagate what you are sent for, whether it is accepted from you or not. This is why Allaah said:

إِنْ أَنتَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ
إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ

You [O Muhammad] are only a wamer. Verily! We have sent you with the truth). Meaning, We only sent you with the truth, because indeed Allaah sent you after a period in which there were no Messengers when people deviated from the right path and were deprived of knowledge, and there was a great need to send you. So, Allaah sent you as a mercy to the creation. Likewise, the upright religion and the straight path with which We sent you is truth and not false, and likewise this great Qur’aan with which We have sent you – which gathers the wise reminder – is the (only) Haqq [i.e. truth that addresses the real state of affairs and there is no way of rejecting it] and it is Sidq [i.e. the only truth that passes perfect and infallible judgement on the real state of affairs].

You (O Muhammad) are a warner- Meaning, you convey glad tidings of Allaah’s reward in this life and the next for the one who obeys you, and a warner to the one who disobeys you regarding Allaah’s punishment in this life and the next, and you are not a new thing amongst the Messengers, because [وَإِن مِّنْ أُمَّةٍ إِلَّا خَلَا فِيهَا نَذِيرٌ- And there never was a nation but a warner had passed among them]- Meaning, the previous nations and generations. Allaah’s proofs were established on them, [لِّيَهْلِكَ مَنْ هَلَكَ عَن بَيِّنَةٍ وَيَحْيَىٰ مَنْ حَيَّ عَن بَيِّنَةٍ- So that those who were to be destroyed (for their rejecting the Faith) might be destroyed after a clear evidence, and those who were to live (i.e. believers) might live after a clear evidence. (Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 42)] (1)

Allaah (The Most High) said:

قُلۡ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ إِن جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلَّيۡلَ سَرۡمَدًا إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ مَنۡ إِلَـٰهٌ غَيۡرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأۡتِيڪُم بِضِيَآءٍ‌ۖ أَفَلَا تَسۡمَعُونَ

قُلۡ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ إِن جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلنَّہَارَ سَرۡمَدًا إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ مَنۡ إِلَـٰهٌ غَيۡرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأۡتِيڪُم بِلَيۡلٍ۬ تَسۡكُنُونَ فِيهِ‌ۖ أَفَلَا تُبۡصِرُونَ

وَمِن رَّحۡمَتِهِۦ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيۡلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ لِتَسۡكُنُواْ فِيهِ وَلِتَبۡتَغُواْ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ

Say (O Muhammad ): “Tell me! If Allah made night continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is an ilah (a god) besides Allah who could bring you light? Will you not then hear?” Say (O Muhammad ): “Tell me! If Allah made day continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is an ilah (a god) besides Allah who could bring you night wherein you rest? Will you not then see?” It is out of His Mercy that He has put for you night and day, that you may rest therein (i.e. during the night) and that you may seek of His Bounty (i.e. during the day), and in order that you may be grateful. [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayaat 71-73]

The (night and day) are a bestowal from Allaah to His servants and this should make them thankful, worship Allaah alone and fulfil His Rights. Allaah- out of His Mercy- created the day for them in order that they may seek after His Bounties- seeking after their provisions and livelihoods during daylight. And Allaah created the night for them (as a means of) rest and repose- (allowing) their bodies and souls to take a rest due to tiredness after work during the day. This is a bounty of Allaah (bestowed) on His servants and Mercy (from Him). Is there anyone who is able to do this (besides Allaah)?

Regarding the night [i.e. after Allaah mentioned that He was the one who appointed the night for them], He said: [أَفَلَا تَسْمَعُونَ -Then will you not then hear], and regarding the day [i.e. after Allaah mentioned that He was the one who appointed the day for them], He said: [أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُونَ – Then will you not then see?]. This is because the (faculty) of hearing is sharper than the (faculty) of sight during night time, and the (faculty) of sight is sharper than the (faculty) of hearing during day time.

In these verses (i.e. Al-Qasas 71, 72 & 73) the servant is exhorted to ponder upon the blessings Allaah has bestowed on them. He should contemplate regarding what the situation would have been if such blessings were absent, because if a servant were to contemplate on the situation due to the presence of such blessings compared to what the situation would have been if such blessings were absent, he will realise the (great) station of this favour, contrary to the one who merely goes along with the normal state of affairs and considers (these favours) as something that will neither cease nor come to an end. So his heart is hindered from praising Allaah for these blessings and from realising that he is in need of Allaah every time. This neither prompts his thoughts towards thanksgiving nor remembrance. (2)

Allaah [The Most High] said:
ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَجَعَلَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ وَٱلنُّورَ‌ۖ ثُمَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِرَبِّہِمۡ يَعۡدِلُونَ

All praises and thanks be to Allah, Who (Alone) created the heavens and the earth, and originated the darkness and the light, yet those who disbelieve hold others as equal with their Lord. [Surah Al-An’aam. Verse 1]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَٱلضُّحَىٰ (١) وَٱلَّيۡلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ (٢) مَا وَدَّعَكَ رَبُّكَ وَمَا قَلَىٰ (٣) وَلَلۡأَخِرَةُ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡأُولَىٰ (٤)
وَلَسَوۡفَ يُعۡطِيكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرۡضَىٰٓ (٥) أَلَمۡ يَجِدۡكَ يَتِيمً۬ا فَـَٔاوَىٰ (٦) وَوَجَدَكَ ضَآلاًّ۬ فَهَدَىٰ (٧) وَوَجَدَكَ
عَآٮِٕلاً۬ فَأَغۡنَىٰ (٨) فَأَمَّا ٱلۡيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقۡهَرۡ (٩) وَأَمَّا ٱلسَّآٮِٕلَ فَلَا تَنۡہَرۡ (١٠) وَأَمَّا بِنِعۡمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثۡ

By the forenoon (after sunrise); and by the night when it is still (or darkens); Your Lord (O Muhammad) has neither forsaken you nor hated you. And indeed the Hereafter is better for you than the present (life of this world). And verily, your Lord will give you (all i.e. good) so that you shall be well-pleased. Did He not find you (O Muhammad) an orphan and gave you a refuge? And He found you unaware (of the Qur’an, its legal laws, and Prophet hood, etc.) and guided you? And He found you poor, and made you rich (self-sufficient with self-contentment, etc.)? Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression, and repulse not the beggar; and proclaim the Grace of your Lord (i.e. the Prophet -hood and all other Graces). [Surah Ad-Duhaa]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] Allaah (Glorified Be He and Free is He From all Imperfections] swore by two of His great creations – the Night and the Day- both of which are an indication of His Perfect and Absolute Lordship, Perfect Wisdom and Perfect Mercy. Allaah is the one (alone) Who dispels the night by way of the Daylight and likewise He is the one Who dispels the darkness of ignorance and Shirk by way of the revelation and Prophet-hood.

Likewise due to His Mercy, it necessitates that His slaves are not left in the darkness of night permanently, rather He guides them towards the beneficial affairs of the worldly life and their livelihoods by way of the Daylight, therefore it does not befit His (Majesty) that He leaves them in the darkness of ignorance and deviation; rather He guides them by way of the light of revelation and Prophet-hood in order that they may attain well-being in this life and the next. (3)

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ خِلْفَةً لِّمَنْ أَرَادَ أَن يَذَّكَّرَ أَوْ أَرَادَ شُكُورًا – And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude].

The night and the day differ- this one is white and that one is black. So one takes an admonition [from them], contemplates on the difference between them and thanks Allaah for them. (4) Whoever misses the remembrance of Allaah in the morning, then he (or she) can do so in the evening and vice versa. (5)

Al-Hasan Al-Basri [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The night and the day have not ceased to lessen the life spans and bringing close the appointed times of death”. (6)

Awn Bin Abdillaah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Indeed, the most beneficial days the believer has in the worldly life, is the one about which he thought he would not reach its end”. (7)

So, do they ponder upon the likes of what has preceded above as well as what is found in the following links?!
The Wind – [Mercy, Punishment and Some Parables]: https://salaficentre.com/2021/08/29/the-wind-mercy-punishment-and-some-parables/

Some Amazing Benefits of The Seas and Rivers, The Night and Day, Sun and Moon! Reflection On Some Verses of The Qur’aan Regarding Water! https://salaficentre.com/2021/01/25/some-amazing-benefits-of-the-seas-and-rivers-the-night-and-day-sun-and-moon/

Some Verses of The Qur’aan Regarding Water: https://salaficentre.com/2021/08/01/reflection-on-some-verses-of-the-quraan-regarding-water/

Therefore, we should not be diverted from what is more important and preoccupy ourselves with this affair of global warming; rather we preoccupy ourselves with beneficial knowledge. Abu Moosaa [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed the water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. Another portion of it was hard and held the water and Allaah benefited the people with it and they utilised it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. A portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation [so that land gave no benefits]. The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allaah’s religion and benefit [from the knowledge] which Allaah has revealed through me, learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allaah’s guidance revealed through me. [He is like that barren land]”. (8)

Imaam Muhammad Ibnu Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “In this similitude, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me with, is like abundant rain falling on the earth’. The earth [upon which the rain fell] is of three types: The First Type of Earth: It is the earth that absorbed the water and produced abundant grass and vegetation, so the people were benefited through that. The Second Type of Earth is a Plain: It retained the water and the people benefited from it. They utilised it for drinking and as a source of irrigation [for their crops]. The Third Type of Earth: It absorbed the water but does not produce any benefit. This is the relationship between the people and the knowledge and guidance with which the Prophet was sent with.

The First Category of People: Amongst them is one who has understanding of Allaah’s Religion. He learns and teaches- benefits the people and himself. This is similar to the earth that produces grass and vegetation, so that the people and animals eat from it.

The Second Category of People: They are a people who have been entrusted with the guidance, but they do not possess Fiqh [like the first category of people]. They transmit knowledge and Hadeeth amongst themselves, but they do not possess Fiqh [like the first group]. The similitude of these people is that of the earth that retained the water and the people were provided with water. They used it for drinking, their animals drank from it and they used it as a source of irrigation; but the earth does not produce anything.

The Third Category: The one who is not benefited by the knowledge and guidance given to the Prophet. He turns away and does not incline towards it. He is neither benefited by that which the Prophet was sent with nor does he benefit others. His similitude is that of the earth that absorbed the water, but does not produce anything”. (9)

Finally, as for the debate between scientists regarding global warming, then indeed anyone who reads and researches will come across differing views- some stating that their views are based on facts and those who oppose them state that those views are based on theories. Some of those who hold the view that global warming is merely based on theories sometimes state that their opponents utilize nothing but propaganda as a manipulation tool to arouse emotions, and that is why anyone who opposes them is labelled a skeptic, denier, conspiracy theorist etc. The debate revolves around some of the following issues:

[1] Arguments- for and against – as to whether the IPCC discreetly dictate policies and utilize propaganda techniques that directs researchers and authors to maintain their desired narrative (i.e. that global warming is a fact)?

[2] Arguments -for and against- regarding whether the concept of global warming can be ascertained only through one view (i.e. that carbon dioxide from manmade activities is the reason behind the rise of earth’s temperature through something referred to as the greenhouse gas effect).

[3] Arguments – for and against – regarding melting ice caps that will lead to the flooding of coastal cities, famine and death.

[4] Arguments – for and against – regarding the normal temperature of the earth during different eras, and what influences these changes.

[5] Arguments – for and against – regarding whether the earth is entering a second “warming cycle” due to CO2 from burning of fossil fuels.

[6] Arguments – for and against – regarding “Greenhouse Effect”

[7] Arguments – for and against – regarding CO2 concentration as to whether it leads to increased acidification of the ocean

[8] Arguments – for and against – as to whether “Sea Level Changes” are influenced by CO2 and thus has an effect on global warming, and that the sea level has risen approximately 200 mm since 1880.

[9] Arguments – for and against – regarding whether the earth is in a stable period in relation to sea levels, and whether there is factual evidence to show that it would change drastically in future.

[10] Arguments -for and against – whether the ice melt is solely due to air and surface ocean temperature changes.

[11] Arguments – for and against – regarding whether the IPCC confined its research within the theory that climate change was the result of man’s activities and specifically carbon dioxide, and whether this approach is truly a scientific one or one influenced by government policies due to economic reasons.

Therefore, due to the speculation involved in this debate, we advised the passionate youth to approach the affair based on a principle mentioned by Imaam Abdul Azeez bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] who stated, “Indeed, that which is stated by the astronomers about the celestial bodies, their sizes and the distance between them, and that which is said about the earth (i.e. by the geologists etc) is categorized into three affairs: (a) That which is backed by the sound knowledge-based proofs [i.e. the Sharee’ah], therefore it is accepted. (b) That which the knowledge-based proofs [i.e. the sharee’ah] declares to be false, therefore it is rejected. (c) That which there is no proof to either accept or reject it, therefore it is unproven until a person from the people of knowledge [i.e. upright, honest and knowledgeable researchers of Ahlus Sunnah) examines it [i.e. examines what it indicates based on the Book and Sunnah, or whether it is false, propaganda, speculation etc] to show whether it should be accepted or rejected. As for accepting it without (sound) investigation and observation, but merely accepting it by blindly following them [i.e. the astronomers, geologists etc], then this is impermissible because of the numerous mistakes that occur as a result of that, and speaking -without knowledge – about Allaah and that which He has created [i.e. the entire universe and all that is within it]”. (10)

Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated, “One of the biggest causes of prosperity and poverty is climate – and it is Allah who creates and controls the climate: the wind, the rain, the heat and the seasons. It is Allah who sends down the rain, and it is He who withholds it from whomever He wills”. (11)

Therefore, we do not enter into this debate; rather we return to teachers of sound Aqeedah – [those who are reliable, honest, those who are known to us as independent researchers in the worldly sciences, neither harbour ulterior motives nor do they speak about Allaah without knowledge], such as the likes of Shaikh Abu Iyaadh Amjad Rafiq [may Allaah preserve him].

As for how hot or cold the earth it, then indeed those engaged in this debate should be reminded that the punishment in hell is of severe heat that cannot be compared to the heat in this temporary worldly life; therefore one asks for guidance and hastens to fulfil the purpose behind our existence in this worldly life. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ قُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ وَأَهۡلِيكُمۡ نَارً۬ا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلۡحِجَارَةُ عَلَيۡہَا مَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ۬ شِدَادٌ۬ لَّا يَعۡصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمۡ وَيَفۡعَلُونَ مَا يُؤۡمَرُونَ

O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded. [Surah At-Tahreem. Verse 6]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّڪُمۡ وَمَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ أَنتُمۡ لَهَا وَٲرِدُونَ
لَوۡ كَانَ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ ءَالِهَةً۬ مَّا وَرَدُوهَا‌ۖ وَڪُلٌّ۬ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
لَهُمۡ فِيهَا زَفِيرٌ۬ وَهُمۡ فِيهَا لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ

Certainly! You (disbelievers) and that which you are worshipping now besides Allah, are (but) fuel for Hell! (Surely), you will enter it. Had these (idols, etc.) been aliha (gods), they would not have entered there (Hell), and all of them will abide therein. Therein breathing out with deep sighs and roaring will be their portion, and therein they will hear not. [Surah Al-Anbiya. Verses 98-100]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يُنَادَوۡنَ لَمَقۡتُ ٱللَّهِ أَكۡبَرُ مِن مَّقۡتِكُمۡ أَنفُسَڪُمۡ إِذۡ تُدۡعَوۡنَ إِلَى ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ فَتَكۡفُرُونَ
قَالُواْ رَبَّنَآ أَمَتَّنَا ٱثۡنَتَيۡنِ وَأَحۡيَيۡتَنَا ٱثۡنَتَيۡنِ فَٱعۡتَرَفۡنَا بِذُنُوبِنَا فَهَلۡ إِلَىٰ خُرُوجٍ۬ مِّن سَبِيلٍ۬
ذَٲلِكُم بِأَنَّهُ ۥۤ إِذَا دُعِىَ ٱللَّهُ وَحۡدَهُ ۥ ڪَفَرۡتُمۡۖ وَإِن يُشۡرَكۡ بِهِۦ تُؤۡمِنُواْۚ فَٱلۡحُكۡمُ لِلَّهِ ٱلۡعَلِىِّ ٱلۡكَبِيرِ

Those who disbelieve will be addressed (at the time of entering into the Fire): “Allah’s aversion was greater towards you (in the worldly life when you used to reject the Faith) than your aversion towards one another (now in the Fire of Hell, as you are now enemies to one another), when you were called to the Faith but you used to refuse.” They will say: “Our Lord! You have made us to die twice (i.e. we were dead in the loins of our fathers and dead after our deaths in this world), and You have given us life twice (i.e. life when we were born and life when we are Resurrected)! Now we confess our sins, then is there any way to get out (of the Fire)?” (It will be said): “This is because, when Allah Alone was invoked (in worship, etc.) you disbelieved, but when partners were joined to Him, you believed! So the judgement is only with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great!” [Surah Ghaafir. Verses 10-12]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ لَوۡ أَنَّ لَهُم مَّا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَمِثۡلَهُ ۥ مَعَهُ ۥ لِيَفۡتَدُواْ بِهِۦ مِنۡ عَذَابِ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ مَا تُقُبِّلَ مِنۡهُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬
يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَخۡرُجُواْ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَمَا هُم بِخَـٰرِجِينَ مِنۡہَا‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ۬ مُّقِيمٌ۬

Verily, those who disbelieve, if they had all that is in the earth, and as much again therewith to ransom themselves thereby from the torment on the Day of Resurrection, it would never be accepted of them, and theirs would be a painful torment. They will long to get out of the Fire, but never will they get out therefrom, and theirs will be a lasting torment. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Verses 36-37]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
وَسِيقَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ جَهَنَّمَ زُمَرًا‌ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُوهَا فُتِحَتۡ أَبۡوَٲبُهَا وَقَالَ لَهُمۡ خَزَنَتُہَآ أَلَمۡ يَأۡتِكُمۡ رُسُلٌ۬ مِّنكُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ ءَايَـٰتِ رَبِّكُمۡ وَيُنذِرُونَكُمۡ لِقَآءَ يَوۡمِكُمۡ هَـٰذَا‌ۚ قَالُواْ بَلَىٰ وَلَـٰكِنۡ حَقَّتۡ كَلِمَةُ ٱلۡعَذَابِ عَلَى ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ
قِيلَ ٱدۡخُلُوٓاْ أَبۡوَٲبَ جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا‌ۖ فَبِئۡسَ مَثۡوَى ٱلۡمُتَڪَبِّرِينَ

And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, till, when they reach it, the gates thereof will be opened (suddenly like a prison at the arrival of the prisoners). And its keepers will say, “Did not the Messengers come to you from yourselves, reciting to you the Verses of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of this Day of yours?” They will say: “Yes, but the Word of torment has been justified against the disbelievers!” It will be said (to them): “Enter you the gates of Hell, to abide therein. And (indeed) what an evil abode of the arrogant!” [Surah Az-Zumar. Verses 71-72]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
هَـٰذَانِ خَصۡمَانِ ٱخۡتَصَمُواْ فِى رَبِّہِمۡ‌ۖ فَٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ قُطِّعَتۡ لَهُمۡ ثِيَابٌ۬ مِّن نَّارٍ۬ يُصَبُّ مِن فَوۡقِ رُءُوسِہِمُ ٱلۡحَمِيمُ
يُصۡهَرُ بِهِۦ مَا فِى بُطُونِہِمۡ وَٱلۡجُلُودُ
وَلَهُم مَّقَـٰمِعُ مِنۡ حَدِيدٍ۬
ڪُلَّمَآ أَرَادُوٓاْ أَن يَخۡرُجُواْ مِنۡہَا مِنۡ غَمٍّ أُعِيدُواْ فِيہَا وَذُوقُواْ عَذَابَ ٱلۡحَرِيقِ

These two opponents (believers and disbelievers) dispute with each other about their Lord; then as for those who disbelieve, garments of fire will be cut out for them, boiling water will be poured down over their heads. With it will melt or vanish away what is within their bellies, as well as (their) skins. And for them are hooked rods of iron (to punish them). Every time they seek to get away therefrom, from anguish, they will be driven back therein, and (it will be) said to them: “Taste the torment of burning!” [Surah Al-Hajj. Verses 19-22]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
وَقُلِ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمۡ‌ۖ فَمَن شَآءَ فَلۡيُؤۡمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلۡيَكۡفُرۡ‌ۚ إِنَّآ أَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ نَارًا أَحَاطَ بِہِمۡ سُرَادِقُهَا‌ۚ وَإِن يَسۡتَغِيثُواْ يُغَاثُواْ بِمَآءٍ۬ كَٱلۡمُهۡلِ يَشۡوِى ٱلۡوُجُوهَ‌ۚ بِئۡسَ ٱلشَّرَابُ وَسَآءَتۡ مُرۡتَفَقًا

And say: “The truth is from your Lord.” Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve. Verily, We have prepared for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), a Fire whose walls will be surrounding them (disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah). And if they ask for help (relief, water, etc.) they will be granted water like boiling oil, that will scald their faces. Terrible the drink, and an evil Murtafaqa (dwelling, resting place, etc.)! [Surah Al-Kahf. Verse 29]

Therefore, what has to be given paramount importance – at all times – is the purpose behind our existence in this world, and there is room for repentance before death – before the soul reaches the throat. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡرَفُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُواْ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ (٥٣) وَأَنِيبُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمۡ وَأَسۡلِمُواْ لَهُ ۥ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَكُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ ثُمَّ لَا تُنصَرُونَ (٥٤) وَٱتَّبِعُوٓاْ أَحۡسَنَ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُم مِّن رَّبِّڪُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَڪُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ بَغۡتَةً۬ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُونَ (٥٥) أَن تَقُولَ نَفۡسٌ۬ يَـٰحَسۡرَتَىٰ عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطتُ فِى جَنۢبِ ٱللَّهِ وَإِن كُنتُ لَمِنَ ٱلسَّـٰخِرِينَ (٥٦) أَوۡ تَقُولَ لَوۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هَدَٮٰنِى لَڪُنتُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ (٥٧) أَوۡ تَقُولَ حِينَ تَرَى ٱلۡعَذَابَ لَوۡ أَنَّ لِى ڪَرَّةً۬ فَأَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ (٥٨) بَلَىٰ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡكَ ءَايَـٰتِى فَكَذَّبۡتَ بِہَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرۡتَ وَكُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ (٥٩) وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ تَرَى ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ وُجُوهُهُم مُّسۡوَدَّةٌ‌ۚ أَلَيۡسَ فِى جَهَنَّمَ مَثۡوً۬ى لِّلۡمُتَكَبِّرِينَ (٦٠) وَيُنَجِّى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْ بِمَفَازَتِهِمۡ لَا يَمَسُّهُمُ ٱلسُّوٓءُ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ (٦١)

Say: “O (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins (of one who repents). Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped. And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Lord (i.e. this Qur’an, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not!” Lest a person should say: “Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allah (i.e. I have not done what Allah has ordered me to do), and I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), the Qur’an, and Muhammad and at the faithful believers, etc.]” Or (lest) he should say: “If only Allah had guided me, I should indeed have been among the pious”. Or (lest) he should say when he sees the torment: “If only I had another chance (to return to the world) then I should indeed be among the good-doers”. Yes! Verily, there came to you My Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and you denied them, and were proud and were among the disbelievers. And on the Day of Resurrection you will see those who lied against Allah (i.e. attributed to Him sons, partners, etc.) their faces will be black. Is there not in Hell an abode for the arrogant ones? And Allah will deliver those who are the Muttaqun (pious) to their places of success (Paradise). Evil shall touch them not, nor shall they grieve. [Surah Az-Zumar. Verses 53-61]

Ibn Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Verily, Allah accepts the repentance of his servants, as long as the soul has not reached the throat”. [Sunan At-Tirmidhee 3537]

Abu Hurairah [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Alalah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “When three things appear, faith will not benefit one who has not previously believed or has derived no good from his faith: the rising of the sun in its place of setting, the Dajjal, and the beast of the earth”. [Saheeh Muslim. Number 158]

We ask Allaah to preoccupy us and the youth with what is of greater importance in our lives Aameen.

[Refs 1 and 2: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st Ed. 1424AH (Year 2003). slightly paraphrased]

Ref 3: Source: An Excerpt from Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah’ Vol 3’ page 327. Slightly paraphrased

Ref 4: Source: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer- by Imaam Ibn Al-Jawzi (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st edition 1423AH (Year 2002)

Ref 5: Source: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar ibn Hazm 1st ed 1424AH (Year 2003). Slightly paraphrased

[Ref 6: Jaami’ul Uloom Wal-Hikam. page: 400]

[Ref 7: Jaami’ul Uloom Wal-Hikam. page 401]

[Ref 8: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 79. Book of Knowledge]

[Ref 9: Ash-Shar’hul Ma’mool Li-imthaali- Ar-Rasool. pages 7-8]

[Ref 10: An Excerpts from ‘Al-Adillah An-Naqliyyah Wal-Hissiyyah Alaa Imkaanis Su’ood Ilal Kawaakib Wa Alaa Jarayaan Ash-Shams Wal-Qamar Wa Sukoon Al-Ard’ page 74]

[Ref 11: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-causes-of-poverty-in-light-of-climate-change-population-growth-and-other-factors-part-ii-ethics-2-4/ ]