Agra | In today’s Friday Sermon, Muhammad Iqbal, Imam of Masjid Nehar Wali, spoke about the deaths that occurred during this year’s Hajj. He told the people that when the time of one’s death is fixed, it cannot be averted. Whether it is the plain of Arafat, Mina, or the Haram, death will come. Imam Muhammad Iqbal also referenced verses from the Qur’an. In Surah An-Nisa, Ayat 78, it is stated– “Wherever you may be, death will overtake you, even if you are in fortified towers.” In Surah Al-Jumu’ah, Ayat 8, it is said– “Say, Indeed, the death from which you flee, indeed, it will meet you.” Similarly, in Surah Al-Munafiqun, Ayat 11, it is said– “But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come.” And lastly, in Surah Luqman, Ayat 34– “No one knows in what land he will die. Verily Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” From the Qur’an, it is clear that no matter how good the arrangements are, whether by us or by the government, death will come when it is destined. Now people are criticizing the Saudi government for not making proper arrangements. O servants of Allah ! no one can prevent death. The Saudi government always makes the best possible arrangements every year for the pilgrims’ convenience. Those who remember the arrangements from thirty or forty years ago know that accidents used to happen every year in Mina. Now, Alhamdulillah, this is not the case, the arrangements improve every year. But a believer should also remember that no one but Allah can prevent death. Be it the Saudi government or any other government. This year the temperature reached 51.8 degrees Celsius. Due to the heat, people were fainting and dying. Yes, the dead bodies lying around should have been picked up as soon as possible; this was a major shortcoming, even though monitoring is done by helicopter. An appeal is made to the government to take action on this and identify who is responsible. I am saying all this because, by the grace of Allah, I performed Hajj 33 years ago. The difference between the arrangements then and now is vast. I pray to Allah that He safely returns all the pilgrims to their homes. May Allah grant us true understanding. Ameen.
Saudi government or anyone cannot avert the death of any person : Muhammad Iqbal
